No Coincidences

Tag: doctrine and covenants

Sidney Rigdon Miracle

21 August, 1842.

Apparently, it had been thought that Sidney Rigdon meant “to renounce his faith in Mormonism” when he took the stand on 21 August 1842. Instead, he “appeared to bear his testimony of its truth, and add another to the many miraculous evidences of the power of God.”

I stumbled upon this story while reading a commentary on Doctrine and Covenants section 124 verses 103-110. In these verses Sidney Rigdon is admonished to continue to stand by the Prophet Joseph Smith, along with other commandments, and “if he will hearken unto my voice, it shall be well with him” (verse 110).

Smith and Sjodahl remark that, “Sidney Rigdon, according to a generally prevailing impression, was more or less under the influence of a spirit of apostasy. It is related that, in Liberty jail, he declared to his fellow-prisoners that the sufferings of the Lord were nothing compared with his, and while the faithful Saints were straining every nerve to complete the Nauvoo Temple, he had no word of encouragement to them. As a consequence of his disposition, he did not have good health. Like the Corinthians who partook unworthily of the Sacrament (1 Cor. 11:30), he was ‘weak and sickly.’ The Lord, therefore, points out to him the cause of his ailments and promises to heal him, if he will do his duty and stand by the Prophet as a true counselor.”

The admonition from the Lord in section 124 was given on January 19, 1841 so it was 19 months later that he took the stand to detail the miracle he had experienced to those gathered.

As mentioned, given Sidney’s recent state of apostasy, I’m sure the gathered congregation was expecting to see some potential fireworks. They got fireworks, but not the apostasy-themed ones they were expecting.

Sidney told the congregation that his daughter Eliza died. She was pronounced dead by a physician. I will quote the story from the Joseph Smith Papers. “after a considerable length of time she rose up in the bed and spoke in a very powerful tone to the following effect in a supernatural manner: she said to the family that she was going to leave them (being impressed with the idea herself that she had only come back to deliver her message and then depart again,) saying the Lord had said to her the very words she should relate; and so particular was she in her relation, that she would not suffer any person to leave out a word or add one. She called the family around her and bade them all farewell with a composure and calmness that defies all description, still impressed with the idea that she was to go back. Up to the time of her death she expressed a great unwillingness to die, but after her return she expressed equally as strong a desire to go back. She said to her elder Sister, Nancy, ‘it is in your heart to deny this work, and if you do, the Lord says it will be the damnation of your soul.’ In speaking to her sister Sarah she said, ‘Sarah, we have but once to die, and I would rather die now than wait for another time.’ She said to her Sisters that the Lord had great blessings in store for them if they continued in the faith, and after delivering her message she swooned, but recovered again.”

It goes on to say that she continued in a near death fashion for 36 hours before she called her father, Sidney to her. Continuing from the Joseph Smith Papers: “the Lord had said to her, if he (Sidney) would cease weeping for his sick daughter, and dry up his tears that he should have all the desires of his heart; and that if he would go to bed and rest, he should be comforted over his sick daughter, for in the morning she should be getting better and should get well.” Sidney had wept and prayed for his daughter’s life. His daughter told him the Lord had commanded her to stay for Sidney’s prayers.

The account continues, (Sidney speaking), “It has also been rumored that I believe that Joseph Smith is a fallen prophet. In regard to this, I unequivocally state that I never thought so, but declare that I know he is a prophet of the Lord, called and chosen in this last dispensation, to roll on the kingdom of God for the last time. He closed by saying as it regards his religion he had no controversy with the world, having incontrovertible evidence, that through obedience to the ordinances of the religion he now believes, the Lord had actually given back his daughter from the dead.”

There is so much to unpack here. A few things that caught my attention –

Sydney being weak due to taking the sacrament unworthily.

The statement potentially made by Sidney Rigdon to the effect that the Lord’s sufferings were nothing in comparison to his, blasphemous indeed.

Interesting that Eliza was commanded to give the precise words of the Lord. Shows the importance of the Lord’s words, when He speaks, we listen and when we relay His message it must be precise.

Also, interesting that Eliza at first didn’t want to die, but once she had met the Lord, she didn’t want to come back to life. Why did she ultimately come back? Because the Lord commanded her. I believe this not to be out of duty to Him (though of course it was) but out of love. The Lord doesn’t force.

My concluding thought is on the cunningness of the devil. I haven’t studied the life of Sidney Rigdon much after he officially left the church. After reading this story I looked a little more into Sidney Rigdon. Apparently, after Joseph Smith’s martyrdom Sidney went on missions to the East to preach and gather followers to his new church. Sidney called it, “the most successful mission he had ever undertaken.” Where is this church today?

What I thought about the cunningness of Satan is this: Sidney Rigdon appears to never have denied the faith. Maybe that source exists and I haven’t seen it. What Sidney did instead was claim the authority as his own. He was misguided and pride took over. He believed the authority rested with him and so, instead of denouncing the faith, he tried to promote it in his own way. God had chosen his prophet. Sidney Rigdon couldn’t upheave that.

I believe there is a lot to be learned from this story from Church history. I noted just a couple of the interesting points that could result in their own post. Ultimately I settled on this important point –

I’m not sure where Sidney Rigdon’s church is today. I know where the Church of Jesus Christ is today.

November 25, 2021
Drugs

*Author’s note: I asked Beth to proofread this before sharing. I put off posting it for weeks because of my hesitation in sharing something like this about my past. Beth’s response, “Why wouldn’t you share it? It’s what got you here.”

“Cocaine takes your soul.” A statement I heard a while back on a podcast.

I’ve long wanted to write a “drugs” post, but I haven’t known how to approach it. It was a big step for me to start sharing publicly about how I used to drink. Now I use my past experiences with drinking to understand the struggles others can have because I’ve been there. It makes me really uncomfortable to share something like, “I used to do drugs.” Vulnerability, uncertainty at how people I love will take this information, Ivy reading this one day… Admitting something like that was never something I thought I’d do. But Beth’s comment was right. Those choices led to where I am today, so why not share it? If I’ve truly changed, why do those past decisions matter that much? If I truly believe Christ has washed away my sins through His Atonement, what am I hiding? Maybe somebody can benefit from my experience.

So, before I continue, let’s get this part out of the way: All my LDS friends and family take your moment to *gasp. All my college friends and family take your laugh (that some of my friends and family never knew this about me).

I bounced back and forth with writing a generic, boring post about how drugs are bad. Really, we’ve heard that before. What can really make a difference, I think, is my personal experience with drugs. In the Church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), along with other churches, I think talking about past drinking or drug use is pretty taboo. It’s like many other topics I want to write about and haven’t yet addressed. Where I come from, how I was raised, I kind of adhere to the ‘pretend like it doesn’t exist’ camp. Drugs? How about we not discuss it.

But then recently my 13-year-old brother mentioned a kid coming to his soccer practice clearly high. First thought, “My youngest brother is exposed to weed already????” Then I realized, he’s 13, of course he’s exposed to it. I know a lot of kids that started experimenting with drugs at 13. It’s crazy to think my youngest brother is 13. It’s crazier more to realize it when he talks about the drug use around him. Drug use is happening. In the world we live in today, it’s more prevalent than ever. If we stick our head in the ground, refuse to talk to our kids about it, and pretend like it’s not happening, someone else is talking to them about it. News flash parents: Your most sheltered latter-day saint babies have seen, heard of, been around, and maybe even experienced drug use.

If I was seeing it in 2003 (I’m old), you better believe 13-year-olds are seeing it in 2021. Recently I drove down a street in Las Vegas near my old home. A street I’d driven down many times. I did a double take when I passed what I can only describe as a big, bright, pot emporium. Drugs are becoming mainstream. A scary thought.

So what are my experiences with drugs?

First let me say, I was lucky that drugs never quite became like alcohol for me. I don’t think drugs ever controlled me the way alcohol did. I think part of that is luck in never trying the wrong substance. There was a time when I was on a precarious cliff, one wrong step could have led to debilitating and life destroying addiction.

I’m going to try my best to be as ambiguous as possible about my drug use for obvious reasons. By that I mean, I’m not going to tell you what drugs I have done (it’s not many). But sometimes I may be clear about drugs I haven’t done. For example, I never tried cocaine. I had to say that since you’ve probably been wondering that since you read the first line.

What’s my experience?

From a very young age I was aggressively opposed to any substance I believed was bad. Legend has it I used to pour out my mom’s Coca Cola’s. Growing up I always said I would never drink alcohol. When asked I would say it was due to my faith and the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom, for those who don’t know, is guidance provided by the Lord to Joseph Smith in 1833 about what should and should not be put into the body. Over the years the Word of Wisdom, as followed by many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has adapted and changed. This is a natural occurrence. Joseph Smith wasn’t yet warned about vape pens and methamphetamines in the 1830s. I encourage everyone who wants to learn more to read Doctrine and Covenants Section 89.

My excuse for not drinking or partaking in drugs was always the Word of Wisdom. Like I said, from a very young age I remember taking that guidance very seriously. As I grew up, and my church activity waned, that excuse changed to, “I’m an athlete.” In high school “no thanks” seldomly worked. You needed a reason. Similar to Happy Hours across the country today, most of the time you can’t just say no.

So what happened when I had neither? What happened when my church activity was zero and I was no longer an athlete after high school? It’s amazing how soon after losing those two identities that I waivered on this principle I had stuck so firmly to.

I still remember my first sip of alcohol. It was a big moment. We laugh at the joke that meth addiction starts with one puff or one sip, but doesn’t it? Of course, there are exceptions, but would someone who has never had a sip of alcohol try a harder, more dangerous substance? Usually not.

What happened after I’d taken one sip? Well, my excuses of church and basketball were no longer existent, I no longer had my shield against peer pressure. It’s no wonder when I went off to college for the first time I started drinking, then trying other stuff.

I was never a big drug user, as previously stated. Most of what I tried wouldn’t even be considered drugs by most people today. That’s the problem though, isn’t it? Drugs are drugs. Marijuana is a drug. It is habit forming, it changes your focus, it changes what you care about, and ultimately it changes you.

I had some extremely, extremely scary experiences with drugs. The last time for a particular substance I said would be the last time I’d try anything. Being stuck in your mind is a terrifying thing, there is no escape. These substances are mind-altering. Sometimes they’re mind entrapping.

This is the point I want to get across and I think is important. It’s the point I make to anyone who asks about certain drugs or drug use. You almost never know what you’re putting into your body and it’s often from a sketchy source. What happens when you can’t escape your mind and you think something will never end? I had a friend once tell me he considered killing himself one time during a particularly bad drug experience. My thought was, “why would you put that in your body????” Then, years later I had that something in my body. If it wasn’t for very trusted and caring friends being around me to calm me down, who knows what could have happened. Never before in my life had jumping off a balcony crossed my mind. It did that day. Drugs are not a joke. This is the message, more than anything I’d like to get across.

I consider myself lucky that I avoided most of the more dangerous and addictive substances out there. I never touched a cigarette. I was too afraid it would become a habit. That fear kept me from putting myself in a dangerous position with many other drugs. I was always afraid of man-made, synthetic substances. I was raised to believe that man was conspiring against my freedom (D&C 89:4) and I believe that might have saved my life.

How am I with drugs today?

When I had my accident, they tried to prescribe me some sort of Oxy something or another pain medication. I refused. I got over the counter Advil and avoided taking that as much as I could. I saw too many friends almost kill themselves over those pills. I hope I can avoid ever touching one.

Today I’ve cut out drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and juice. Yes, juice. I feel happier and healthier for it. I see coworkers come into the office and walk like zombies to the coffee machine first thing in the morning. I’ve never had that crutch and I never will.

People talk about the Word of Wisdom like it takes away your freedom. My experience tells me that drugs and alcohol, and yes, even caffeine take away our freedom, not expand it. How many people can’t start their day without coffee? How many people can’t start their weekend without liquor? How many people are enslaved by substance abuse?

I am so grateful for my upbringing and the protection I had against these dangerous substances in my life. Even when I dabbled, I escaped the direst consequences. I was lucky. Why chance it? I’m happier today than I’ve ever been now that I depend on no substance for that happiness. The Word of Wisdom is a protection and despite my slip-ups through my growth, it did protect me, and I’m grateful for it.

November 18, 2021
You are Loved, You are Worthy

“When you get to a place where you understand that love and belonging, your worthiness, is a birthright and not something you have to earn, anything is possible.”

Think about that statement for a moment.

I heard this quote in a recent meditation I did. The meditation guided this visual exercise: Picture yourself as a child, truly picture it. Picture yourself as a baby. Picture yourself on someone’s lap. Picture yourself being held, comforted, and played with. Picture yourself laughing joyfully as someone makes a funny face at you. Picture yourself young and innocent.

You don’t have to earn worthiness; you don’t have to earn love. You are loved because you are.

The next time you don’t feel worthy, picture yourself as a child. You are worthy.

This exercise led me to an even more powerful thought. One that speaks not only to our worthiness here, but to our birthright and our eternal potential.

Consider Adam for a moment, the first man. When he came to this earth, we are told he was as a child. Adam came to earth meek and humble, a child-like individual. He had forgotten who he was. Who he was in reality was Michael the archangel, the chief angel. Adam was Michael, the angel second in authority. His authority was only exceeded by Jesus Christ Himself (and God, of course). In Hebrew the name Michael means “Who is like God.” This Michael came to earth with his mind wiped clean, with no recollection of his prior authority, no memory of his prior self.

What about us? What don’t we remember about ourselves?

The next time you are insecure, unsure, or afraid, remember that you are a child of divine inheritance. You are a prince or princess of the most High God. Consider that for a moment.

Not only are you loved and worthy of love, you are loved by the God of the universe. You are in line to inherit all He has to offer (D&C 84:38). Remember that, and don’t forget it. Hold to it.

We are as children here. We don’t remember our past. For all we know, we were spiritual giants. We are spiritual giants. We can be spiritual giants. Embrace that identity. Remember who you might be. Remember who it is you have been tutored by. The God of Heaven and Earth. When we embrace this way of thinking and embrace this possibility, the difficult things of this earth become so inconsequential. Our true potential is greatness. May we never forget it.

October 7, 2021
Satan’s Story Continued: What I learned from the Qur’an

In Satan’s Story, I explored the origins of Satan before we came to earth. This was back when we knew Satan, in the premortal existence. This was when he was attempting to (mis)lead us. It was an interesting revelation for me to learn what led to Satan’s revolt.

If you haven’t read that post, you can click the link (Satan’s Story) above to read it. It’s not required to understand this post.

In this post I’d like to explore a little more about the Father of all Lies (John 8:44).

I’d like to give the same sort of disclaimer I gave in the first post. My interest in studying Satan is to further my testimony of One person. That is Jesus Christ. By studying Satan, I am studying the exact opposite of all that Jesus Christ is. By studying Satan, I hope to understand him better only to avoid the same traps he is laying today that he laid in the premortal existence. Those traps led to 1/3 of our brothers and sisters coming out in full rebellion to the light and love that created us.

First, an update. After I finished writing and had posted Satan’s Story (part 1), I started a book called Islam by John Alden Williams. This book contains a quick historical overview of the beginning, development, growth, laws, and customs of Islam.

The book started with reviewing portions of the Qur’an (Koran? Quaran?). While reading, I came across some interesting text about Satan.

I’ve found there are many translations of the Qur’an, similar to our modern day Bible. This was the text provided in the book (my own emphasis and commentary in parentheses added):

“We created you, then we shaped you,

then we said to the angels: ‘Bow yourselves

to Adam’; so they bowed themselves,

save Iblis (Iblis = Satan)-he was not of those

that bowed themselves.

Said He (God), ‘What prevented thee to

Bow thyself, when I commanded thee?’

Said he (Satan), ‘I am better than he; Thou

createdst me of fire, and him Thou

Createdst of clay.’ (God created Adam out of clay)

Said He (God), ‘Get thee down out of it;

It is not for thee to wax proud here,

So go forth; surely thou art

Among the humbled.’

It goes on to provide other interesting details about Satan being cast out of heaven. I find it interesting that so many of the world’s religions and especially the many sects of Christianity have such unique views on Satan’s story. I think the mythology and legend of Satan in all cultures goes to show the significance of Satan on all of us here.

Another noteworthy item from the above, notice the first two lines. We created you. We said to the angels. Who are we? If it is only God, why is he referring to we? Joseph Smith taught and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints theology teaches us that we is referring to Jesus Christ and God.

That portion of Satan speaking in the Qur‘an I found to add somewhat to the idea that Satan ultimately revolted because he was jealous of Adam and prideful, feeling he deserved the honor that Adam received. We see that pride is the great detriment to all souls. Pride took Satan from “an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God” to one called Perdition, who fell, who the heavens wept over. (Doctrine and Covenants 76:25-27)

The book goes on to say that Adam inherited the earth with his wife. While there “Satan whispered to them…And he swore to them, Truly, I am for you a sincere adviser.”

So, we see that Satan was a liar and has always been a liar, “from the beginning” (D&C 93:25, John 8:44).

July 22, 2021
Bold Testimonies

Nearly everything I write is a testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today I had a thought that I wanted to write a particular testimony.

As I read church history, which I’m doing a lot of at the moment, I’m often inspired by the testimonies borne by the early adopters of the faith. People like Orson and Parley Pratt, Brigham Young, Sydney Rigdon, Orson F. Whitney, and Heber C. Kimball come to mind. Of course, there are countless others. Early men and women of the church were not only of devout faith, but of great courage in proclaiming the gospel.

Parley P. Pratt

Times have changed. But have they changed so much that we can’t powerfully declare the truth of the restored Gospel to all the world? Missionaries are throughout the world, in every corner. They proclaim the truth of the gospel. Christ’s Church has always been a missionary church.

There are roughly 16 million members across the globe.

Imagine if all 16 million of us were as outspoken about the truth as Parley P. Pratt was. In D&C 49 we see an example of the boldness of Parley P. Pratt. He was sent, by revelation, to the Shaker faith to give them a message. Parley P. Pratt believed, and knew, that this revelation came from Jesus Christ Himself. When he arrived at the Shaker church and learned those that had come ahead of him were passive in their declaring of the message, Parley wasn’t having it. According to Elder Pratt, “they had come with the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the people must hear it.”

Sometimes I think I take for granted, or forget, the veracity of the message I have been sent to this earth to deliver.

Sometimes I’m ashamed of my lack of boldness.

I’ve been meeting with a small group of guys to study the Bible. I have only met with them a couple times but have loved both meetings immensely. These few gentlemen come from different faiths than me. Mostly non-denominational Christianity.

In these discussions so much light, knowledge, and truth is exchanged. I know we are all edified by the discussion. I know that I benefit greatly from the faith and example of these men. Especially as the youngest in the group, I can look to these family men as examples of raising faithful families, striving for truth, and striving to be better. In the couple meetings I’ve had, I’ve come to admire these guys.

I had a thought today that struck me.

So much goodness is happening in these meetings, no doubt. Studying the Bible will seldom lead anyone astray.

My thought recently was this – I’m basically a secret agent in the group. The person who invited me knows I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But does he know what that means? Have I shared with him my testimony that I have what he’s been searching for: the message of his Lord and Savior, the message of Jesus Christ’s restored Church.

Maybe this friend that has invited me has let the others know my faith background. It’s no secret. The “secret agent” part comes from my demeanor. Throughout the discussions I’ll drop things here and there that show I’m peculiar. I have learned different things in my faith journey. I understand different things. Why? Because of revealed truths that prophets in THIS dispensation have revealed. Because a prophet in the 1800s saw Christ on the right hand of the Father and restored Jesus Christ’s Church.

It occurred to me recently what I should do.

At the end of one of these meetings I should thank these men for all they teach me and how I grow by learning from them.

Then I should share what Jesus Christ has commissioned me to share.

Here is the testimony I imagined giving:

“Thank you, guys, for another great meeting. I always learn so much from you. I have something I need to share. What you’re seeking, what you’re studying in the Bible, what we’re studying in the Bible in each of these meetings, the truth you’re seeking, it is here. Christ’s Church, as it was in the meridian of time, has been restored. The principles taught by Christ are here on the earth today: faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists. The Church of Jesus Christ exists today. It is led by a prophet, just as Christ left the Church in the hands of his prophet, Peter, before he ascended to heaven. A man saw God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ’s kingdom exists today, and it is growing. All the ordinances of the gospel are restored. The second coming is upon us, and the long-prophesied gathering of Israel is taking place. Today thousands gain the testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored church and unite themselves with the Saints of the Lord. The gathering is happening as tribulation in the world continues to increase and come upon us. As a member of this church, fully aware of this truth I have been blessed with, I would be a selfish, abominable person, if I didn’t share with truth-seekers like yourselves this great and important message. Christ lives! And He leads His church. The heavens are not sealed and blocked. God has not forsaken us. He is our Father, and He loves us. The time is coming that we all must unite and gather under one banner. The strength of Zion is increasing. It’s my responsibility to share this with you.

You don’t need to take my word for it. A book exists that will testify of this truth. The Book of Mormon is a book inspired of God just as the books of Moses, the Book of Acts, the Book of Revelations, the Book of Isaiah, all the books that were written by men of God and brought forth to help us, these many books are all from the old world, Jerusalem. What of America? History now tells us God had millions of His children on the American continent. Are we to believe Christ was only sent to the old world? Are we to believe that the word of God was never shared with those on another portion of the earth? God loves all His children; how could it be?

Read the book. Please. Don’t take my word for it. Read it. If it doesn’t touch your heart and scream of the power of the spirit of God that you have spent your lives cultivating the ability to hear and feel, if it doesn’t spur your spirit to know that it is true, then set it aside and continue in your faith. But read it. Please. Determine for yourselves.”

Do I have the boldness to say these words?…

I don’t know.

I’ve written them.

Maybe I’ll share it with these men.

For I am on this earth with the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the people must hear it.

July 8, 2021