Home: The Fount of Power

The gentleman devotes his efforts to the roots, for once the roots are established, the way will grow therefrom.  Being good as a son and obedient as a young man is, perhaps, the root of a man's character.

- Confucius; Analects 1:2

 

We have read, studied and witnessed the decline and decay of numerous societies that, in time, removed themselves from greatness through self-destructive practices.  What brings staying power? How can societies and nations grow, flourish and remain?

 

The answer lies within the family!  Within the mutual respect and love that should exist between a mother and father, a parent and child! Those who learn courtesy, consideration, respect, civility, selflessness, control and industry within a home carry those qualities with them throughout their lives and into their broader worlds as they grow older. S. Michael Wilcox said the following on the topic:

 

Our culture will survive only if the  roots of permanent and lasting human relationships are fostered, nurtured and refined in the homes of its people...If we would bless and heal our society, our gaze need reach no farther than our own walls.  What kind of people will we send into the broader world from the moral schoolhouse of our homes?

 

Ghandi probably summed it up best by saying, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

 

What is happening within our own homes today?  What can we change inside our own walls that reflects the changes we wish to see on a national or global stage?

 

Calling all Lions!

Gator for a Day...

The mantra states "Lion for a Day", but for the purposes of this post I ask that we change it to "Gator for a Day". I had hoped to do this on Saturday after one of the finest performances in recent memory capped one of the finest careers in college football history, but I didn't get around to it until today. If you haven't caught on just yet, I wish to pay special tribute to a man who's likes I'm never likely to see again in my lifetime. I speak of none other than Mr. Tim Tebow.

His story has been published far and wide at this point, and I certainly don't wish to further dilute the true potency of his legacy, but I would surely be remiss if I didn't take a moment to honor one of the greatest "Lions" of our time. Tebow has amassed numerous trophies and records during his 4 years in Gainesville, but he summed it up well when he was asked before his final game in the Swamp this past Saturday about how he might be remembered, and he said, "I hope they remember how much I cared." His passion, for all things good and righteous, is what truly makes him a lion like none other.

At this point there are but two battles left for this giant, and I wish to tip my hat to his greatness both on and off the field. He is truly an inspiration, and having him be Ethan's first "hero" has been a real joy as a father. Enjoy this highlight film from the 2008 Championship season with clips of both Tebow and his counterpart on the defensive side, Brandon Spikes. (Hard to deny watching the Gators with Rocky playing in the background!) Go Gators!!

"Little Light"

Jesse Lacey sings, “Little light, lead us through the night…carry us, those distances we cannot walk.” I listened to that one minute of song a few times on my way to work this morning, and can’t help but be moved by its power. Two things come to mind when I think of the “little light”.

First, is the powerful testimony and discourse that Elder Holland delivered last Sunday afternoon during General Conference. It is true that he brought the thunder, and made it perfectly clear as to how he feels about the Book of Mormon, and the authenticity of its origins; however, the real strength of his talk comes in the truth he preaches. Elder Holland declares clinging, grasping, holding onto the rod (or in this case the word of God, the Book of Mormon, or even “little light”) and never losing focus is what will help each and every one of us from having our “hearts fail us”. These truly are times of much pestilence and mass destruction, but there are surely times of personal difficulty as well, and what better instruction on how to overcome those struggles (and be Lions) then this.

Second, and possibly even more powerful than the first thought, is the notion that we ourselves are to be that “little light” helping others navigate their way through the mist of darkness that is the Latter Days. As stated above, we all face personal struggles and turmoil, that is the purpose of being on the earth; however, the best remedy that I’m aware is to follow the command and charge to, “…bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light…to mourn with those that mourn…and comfort those that stand in need of comfort and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death...”

Elder Holland certainly qualified himself as a Lion by standing and bearing witness, but we can all do the same in our own “little” ways. Again the call rings out; who I ask will answer the call? May it be us; may we be the “little light” that shines down on those in the darkness of the night, and may we have the strength to carry those who cannot walk on their own.