Spot on. "We are not waiting for Zion, Zion is waiting for us." (Pres. Kimball) Selfless service and inspired giving pave the road to Zion. M.Russell Ballard's talk Oct. 2012 conference is a revelatory key to the bringing about of Zion.
RosieApril 1, 2013
The comments are as touching as the story. For almost twenty years I lived with people like Larry and family - some would touch your heart with their independence and take only the most minimally offered help while plenty of others who decided that they should be first in line for free professional help from ward members whose service time was stretched to the limit and those people felt no qualms receiving the services without any offer to pay. It was such a conundrum. The fine line between need and greed is so difficult to make out and YES the bishop is the one to judge and hopefully he is on top of things temporally in the ward bounderies. I think that is the beginning of Zion. (My husband was bishop for several years and so many of these situations were addressed.)
A side note: My husband mentioned this last year picking up donated scouting food bags that one of his young scouts made the comment that the more humble homes contributed way more food than the large homes. Perhaps they relate to what it feels to be in need; Sad. What we do with the poor and needy especially in the area of fast offerings is to our betterment or our condemnation. Perhaps it's time to review what the Prophets have said concerning this matter.
darcyMarch 30, 2013
Thank you for sharing your feelings with us on this most important subject.
Robert DishroonMarch 26, 2013
I read the story and was moved to tears. I have been listening to firesides by H. Andrus given to the Snowflake Stake in the 1990's on the major concepts and teachings of the Doctrine & Covenants. Above all the Laws in the D&C and the Celestial Heavens is that of the Law of Sacrifice to become a ZION people.
I wonder how many will have to be pushed out of their comfortable homes and cars onto the spiritual paths of ZION.
Interestingly, as I read the comments above about the High Priest who had two take the keys for the second week - because no one would step up - I wonderd if the Savior there: Would he braid a whip like he did in the Old Temple and call people the members to repentance? Is that where we are?
Wayne DequerMarch 25, 2013
Wonderful example of developing Zion attitudes in the real world. Even within the gospel, it is more often not the most affluent who will reach out and give help. Wards, Quorums and individuals sometimes feel overwhelmed when there are two "Larrys" or a dozen in a ward. Nevertheless, we need to respond as we are able and in faith. I note ward leaders were consulted but the teachings in D&C 58:26-31 were applied. The blessings come not only to the "Larrys" but to each of us as we exercise faith and the pure love of Jesus Christ. Thus Zion is built.
AnonMarch 24, 2013
This reminded me of a dentist I know. He is a member of the church in PHX, az and former Stake President. It is safe to assume he is in ZIon, there is nobody he will not help. He truly has sacrificed his life to helping all those he can help. Rather that be a Saint who needs to be hired who would not find a job anywhere else or giving people free dental work. The guy is truly amazing. The moral of the story is there are people already established in Zion.
howie longMarch 24, 2013
i feel that sometimes the BR,EQ, HP, RS, YM or YW are not inspired to help because it is to the blessing of an individual ward member.
i have found that that person is quite often the home/visiting teacher. but do recognize that it could be anyone. but when it happens doing so as this member did "in coordination with ward leaders" is key.
for many the means or talents preclude those from helping with many service opportunities, for them i am sure other chances will be offered.
unfortunately, in this type of situation and in many others i have found that many members are much more willing to offer money in response to fix a problem rather than a much more precious gift. that of time.
it is not my responsibility to judge the type of service or lack thereof but be grateful for my opportunities to contribute. what is my responsibility tho i'm not always that good at it, is to live close to the spirit that i may know what type and when to offer my means, talents or time. it is my prayer that i may strive after that spirit continually.
AnonymousMarch 23, 2013
Where was the bishop in all this? The bishop has the keys to pull the various elements of the Lord's Storehouse to mobilize this kind of support?
Was the situation discussed in ward council meeting? Were fast offering funds allocated to help?
As noble as it is for us to shoulder one another's burdens, Zion is administered by priesthood leaders, not just independent action.
Was it the case that ward and church assets were being allocated elsewhere, as directed by the bishop and the ward council? Believe it or not, resources are limited and those limitations necessitate their being allocated carefully.
The writer implies that racism might be a factor. That would be unfortunate, but it is yet another reason why such intensive assistance needs to be coordinated through the council. Doing so limits individual prejudices and helps ensure fairness.
Burger BobMarch 23, 2013
"The faith that moves mountains carries a pick." ". . pick up a hammer and head toward(s) Zion." Been there done that. A Catholic family asked for help with their leaky, worn out roof. I said give me some time. I called a minister of one of the churches that goes on missions around the world to fix up schools and churches. They don't do missions like that in their hometown. I went to my bishop after laying some groundwork. He invited me to Priesthood Executive Meeting. I presented a plan; the leaders agreed to follow through. The lumber store gave us all materials at cost. The Catholic Church raised $600, the local FFA chapter gave $500. We had a great time. The father/grandfather of the family died one year later, but the family has a roof over their head that doesn't leak. The problem with some of us both in and out of Zion is pride. A project like this is not very glamorous, "The house should be torn down, not roofed," people said. Others gave $50 out of their pocket after watching the project. One person saw the project and stopped by a couple of days to help. We who helped let go of our pride if we had any and had a tremendous experience serving this family in our community. Many who helped gained the family as forever friends. I wish I could do more, but this family asked me, I knew their plight, I got out of my comfort zone and spearheaded a project that changed lives, ours.
JLMarch 22, 2013
I've often thought of the Zion dilemma as I drive by more and more vast neighborhoods of homes that seem almost obscene in their opulence. Even if I had that kind of money, which I do not, I could not sleep well knowing my extravagances could instead help someone else. I could go on regarding what is spent on children's activities and new technology for every family member, but I won't. I like to live by this counsel from C.S. Lewis: "There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditures excludes them."
JadonMarch 22, 2013
It was that one sentence that caught my attention. "We all expect the system to take care of him" It is true.
I was reminded of the key being offered (key to lock up the church) last Sunday. The person accepting the key will lock the building each night for one week. No one responded. Just dead silence, so the HP group leader took another week.
The system. It was a good message.
gtoboomerMarch 22, 2013
So how do we contribute to help Larry? I don't have much, but my $25 added to someone else's could help.
Comments | Return to Story
KimballApril 11, 2013
Spot on. "We are not waiting for Zion, Zion is waiting for us." (Pres. Kimball) Selfless service and inspired giving pave the road to Zion. M.Russell Ballard's talk Oct. 2012 conference is a revelatory key to the bringing about of Zion.
RosieApril 1, 2013
The comments are as touching as the story. For almost twenty years I lived with people like Larry and family - some would touch your heart with their independence and take only the most minimally offered help while plenty of others who decided that they should be first in line for free professional help from ward members whose service time was stretched to the limit and those people felt no qualms receiving the services without any offer to pay. It was such a conundrum. The fine line between need and greed is so difficult to make out and YES the bishop is the one to judge and hopefully he is on top of things temporally in the ward bounderies. I think that is the beginning of Zion. (My husband was bishop for several years and so many of these situations were addressed.) A side note: My husband mentioned this last year picking up donated scouting food bags that one of his young scouts made the comment that the more humble homes contributed way more food than the large homes. Perhaps they relate to what it feels to be in need; Sad. What we do with the poor and needy especially in the area of fast offerings is to our betterment or our condemnation. Perhaps it's time to review what the Prophets have said concerning this matter.
darcyMarch 30, 2013
Thank you for sharing your feelings with us on this most important subject.
Robert DishroonMarch 26, 2013
I read the story and was moved to tears. I have been listening to firesides by H. Andrus given to the Snowflake Stake in the 1990's on the major concepts and teachings of the Doctrine & Covenants. Above all the Laws in the D&C and the Celestial Heavens is that of the Law of Sacrifice to become a ZION people. I wonder how many will have to be pushed out of their comfortable homes and cars onto the spiritual paths of ZION. Interestingly, as I read the comments above about the High Priest who had two take the keys for the second week - because no one would step up - I wonderd if the Savior there: Would he braid a whip like he did in the Old Temple and call people the members to repentance? Is that where we are?
Wayne DequerMarch 25, 2013
Wonderful example of developing Zion attitudes in the real world. Even within the gospel, it is more often not the most affluent who will reach out and give help. Wards, Quorums and individuals sometimes feel overwhelmed when there are two "Larrys" or a dozen in a ward. Nevertheless, we need to respond as we are able and in faith. I note ward leaders were consulted but the teachings in D&C 58:26-31 were applied. The blessings come not only to the "Larrys" but to each of us as we exercise faith and the pure love of Jesus Christ. Thus Zion is built.
AnonMarch 24, 2013
This reminded me of a dentist I know. He is a member of the church in PHX, az and former Stake President. It is safe to assume he is in ZIon, there is nobody he will not help. He truly has sacrificed his life to helping all those he can help. Rather that be a Saint who needs to be hired who would not find a job anywhere else or giving people free dental work. The guy is truly amazing. The moral of the story is there are people already established in Zion.
howie longMarch 24, 2013
i feel that sometimes the BR,EQ, HP, RS, YM or YW are not inspired to help because it is to the blessing of an individual ward member. i have found that that person is quite often the home/visiting teacher. but do recognize that it could be anyone. but when it happens doing so as this member did "in coordination with ward leaders" is key. for many the means or talents preclude those from helping with many service opportunities, for them i am sure other chances will be offered. unfortunately, in this type of situation and in many others i have found that many members are much more willing to offer money in response to fix a problem rather than a much more precious gift. that of time. it is not my responsibility to judge the type of service or lack thereof but be grateful for my opportunities to contribute. what is my responsibility tho i'm not always that good at it, is to live close to the spirit that i may know what type and when to offer my means, talents or time. it is my prayer that i may strive after that spirit continually.
AnonymousMarch 23, 2013
Where was the bishop in all this? The bishop has the keys to pull the various elements of the Lord's Storehouse to mobilize this kind of support? Was the situation discussed in ward council meeting? Were fast offering funds allocated to help? As noble as it is for us to shoulder one another's burdens, Zion is administered by priesthood leaders, not just independent action. Was it the case that ward and church assets were being allocated elsewhere, as directed by the bishop and the ward council? Believe it or not, resources are limited and those limitations necessitate their being allocated carefully. The writer implies that racism might be a factor. That would be unfortunate, but it is yet another reason why such intensive assistance needs to be coordinated through the council. Doing so limits individual prejudices and helps ensure fairness.
Burger BobMarch 23, 2013
"The faith that moves mountains carries a pick." ". . pick up a hammer and head toward(s) Zion." Been there done that. A Catholic family asked for help with their leaky, worn out roof. I said give me some time. I called a minister of one of the churches that goes on missions around the world to fix up schools and churches. They don't do missions like that in their hometown. I went to my bishop after laying some groundwork. He invited me to Priesthood Executive Meeting. I presented a plan; the leaders agreed to follow through. The lumber store gave us all materials at cost. The Catholic Church raised $600, the local FFA chapter gave $500. We had a great time. The father/grandfather of the family died one year later, but the family has a roof over their head that doesn't leak. The problem with some of us both in and out of Zion is pride. A project like this is not very glamorous, "The house should be torn down, not roofed," people said. Others gave $50 out of their pocket after watching the project. One person saw the project and stopped by a couple of days to help. We who helped let go of our pride if we had any and had a tremendous experience serving this family in our community. Many who helped gained the family as forever friends. I wish I could do more, but this family asked me, I knew their plight, I got out of my comfort zone and spearheaded a project that changed lives, ours.
JLMarch 22, 2013
I've often thought of the Zion dilemma as I drive by more and more vast neighborhoods of homes that seem almost obscene in their opulence. Even if I had that kind of money, which I do not, I could not sleep well knowing my extravagances could instead help someone else. I could go on regarding what is spent on children's activities and new technology for every family member, but I won't. I like to live by this counsel from C.S. Lewis: "There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditures excludes them."
JadonMarch 22, 2013
It was that one sentence that caught my attention. "We all expect the system to take care of him" It is true. I was reminded of the key being offered (key to lock up the church) last Sunday. The person accepting the key will lock the building each night for one week. No one responded. Just dead silence, so the HP group leader took another week. The system. It was a good message.
gtoboomerMarch 22, 2013
So how do we contribute to help Larry? I don't have much, but my $25 added to someone else's could help.
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