Friends and influences

November 16, 2014

We had a wonderful talk in class today from a man who had been abandoned by his father when he was two, or three years old. He shared his story of an incredible mother who cared for, nurtured, and completely blessed his life giving him hope for the future and great appreciation for his mother, other family, and God. His mother has gone to her reward, but his father still continues son in life. He shared the importance of one’s associations, particularly in early life. He brought the story into the recent past when he lost his son to sickness. His son knew that he was not long for this earth and told his father he wanted to be buried in his jeans in California; however, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we believe in making certain covenants in our Temples (known as the House of the Lord) which act as a protection, both physically and spiritually. Being buried in his jeans meant that he would not have received his “endowment” and would then not have been buried in his temple clothing. At the suggestion of his father he talked to the Bishop and Stake President and soon was ready to receive this special gift. His brother, just returned from a Mission for the Church noted in his home coming address that the brother that had died was now in the midst of those in Paradise – a place of learning – and was able to share his mission working with those who had gone on before without the blessing of knowing and understand God our Father and Jesus Christ our Savior.

Everything tied together nicely for me when I heard this story from the father’s lips as he told of his myriad ancestors who had no understanding of the Love of God. In the LDS Church we believe that ordinances including baptism, the endowment, and others can be performed in the temple by those worthy to enter by proxy. If not, the billions who have lived in times past would not be able to “grow” in their spiritual knowledge and progression in the worlds of eternity to come. Before I understood the principles of forgiveness, repentance, atonement, resurrection and the eternal plan of happiness I could never figure out how God could not be a respecter of persons and still allow those who died as youngsters, or simply never heard of God’s plan to always be on the outside looking in. The more I read in each of the books of scripture, the more I began to understand why the original twelve apostles were such avid missionaries, sharing their testimony constantly. I could never understand why the Psalms are so full of love and promise for all of God’s children. I could never understand why Moses was saved, raised, and given witness to God’s plan to the extent that he was able to work directly with Jehovah which enabled him to free and ultimately bring the Israelites out of bondage, in most instances screaming and kicking.

As incredible as life is we all have a role in this gigantic reunion as it will take place beyond the confines of this itty bitty earth and our earthly knowledge. We are all different because that is part of God’s plan. I have mentioned the schmoes in Little Abner from time to time. They were essentially blobs of protoplasm that could transform into whatever their owner wished. If the owner wanted a plate of fried eggs and bacon, the schmoes would simply jump up in the skillet and magico, presto a wonderful, steaming plate of bacon and eggs would be presented. That was Satan’s plan. He would simply have us be whatever he wanted, with no individuality, no freedom, no agency; however, he would guarantee that we would go to the next phase of our existence as resurrected beings and live forever never changing, never wanting, never thinking for ourselves. We would lose all we came to earth to gain.

We live in a happy, scary, confusing, world full of contradictions and mistrust. My goal is to stay close to God, be sufficiently spiritually strong, and adequately learned, to focus on the joys of my family, my nation, my God, and my life and truly endure to the end.

God bless us all as we grapple with the opportunities for growth we find on our path.

Duane Jacobs, Grandfather, husband, father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend