God wants me to be like a whale

Whales are one of the animals mentioned in the scriptures, mostly in the Old Testament.

Whales are mammals, associated with:

Compassion & solitude, knowledge of life and death.

Exhalation through their blow hole represents the freeing of creative energy or unbridled creativity.

The sound they make is also identified with a creative force of life.

They have a keen sense of smell and hearing. 

They form friendships, innovate, grieve play and sing.

They resemble man in many ways.

In the story of the brother of Jared, found in the BofM's book of Ether, we read "For behold, ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the mountains wave shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea." 

As the Jaredites get ready to cross the deep waters, the Lord commands them to build barges. He provides  instructions, just as he had previously instructed Nephi, and just as he had instructed the Israelites to build a candlestick for the ark of the covenant (Exodus 35:31-40).

The barges are described as being tight, small, and light (Ether 2:16,17).

(What could the barges represent? Maybe the commandments or the Gospel in general? As in: strict rules, but small things that end up to be easy - light?)

The barges present two problems: no air & no light.

The Lord takes care of solving the first problem: He instructs the brother of Jared to make holes at the bottom and at the top of the barges and to unplug them when in need of air if there is no water /waves around.

(Could this mean that when we are not in the middle of a storm of life, we can have a slightly more relaxed attitude in regards to the commandments - can we unplug for air? Conversely, when we are going through a storm, we must make sure to follow all rules 100%? - I am not sure.)

With the second problem, lack of light, the Lord asks the brother of Jared:"What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?" and reminds him that there can be no windows nor fire. 

At this point the Lord tells him that he shall be as a whale and that He (the Lord) will prepare him for this trip/ experience.

And then asks him again "What will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light...?" (Ether2:25)

If the light represents Christ, we can see that while God is willing to provide air for all, he will not force the light upon us but will leave it up to us to accept and bring that light (with His help) into our midst.

At this point the brother of Jared has to rely on his skills and creativity (remember the creativity associated with whales).  He therefore proceeds to go to the mount (temple) melt 16 stones out of rock and then, through a beautifully spoken prayer, he addresses the Lord in much faith.

The prayer follows this pattern:

• Acknowledgment of what God has commanded
• Acknowledgement of personal weakness & weak human nature in general
• Acknowledgement of the mercy of God through tribulations
• Asking God to turn away His anger from us
• Presentation of personal skill /talent (the stones)
• Acknowledgement that God has all power to do things for the benefit of man
• Asking God to bless talent/skill so that it may provide light while crossing the sea / storms of life/ moments of darkness
• Expressing faith in the power of God and His ways, which men more often than not do not understand.

The prayer denotes a PRECISION OF LANGUAGE.

 

Notice that the book of Ether opens with the issue of the language: Jared is worried that his language (and of his family) will be confounded. If up until then this was the only language around, we might argue that this is indeed the language used by Adam to communicate with God, a language that allows man and God perfect and efficient communication. It makes sense that Jared does not want to lose it, even though he most probably understands the reason why God has made the decision to confound the language (the pride of man building the tower of Babel - the only way to stop that effort is to confound the language so men can no longer coordinate efforts and build the tower to reach haven).

So, what does this mean for us? Do we use precision of language when we pray? What does God want to hear when we pray? Does our language - the formulas we use- affect whether or not our prayers will be heard? I propose that it does.

The brother of Jared is granted his wish and has an incredible faith building experience:

• The Lord touches the stones with His fingers
• The Brother of Jared sees the fingers of the Lord and then the Lord - in His spirit body - because of the man's incredible faith. (Ether 3:13)
• Christ ministers to him as He did to the Nephites.(Ether 3:17)

The faith of the Brother of Jared is transformed into perfect knowledge = the Brother of Jared receives the Second Comforter.

It's a sacred experience. The Brother of Jared is commanded not to share it with anyone but to write it down - in that same language that is meant not to be confounded - so that someone (Alma and then Joseph Smith) will interpret it in due time.

What's the lesson for us:

 

• God wants us to be like whales and successfully overcome the storms of life
• He provides specific instructions (barges)
• He provides means to survive (holes)
• He wants us to have the light of Christ (stones) but
• we must choose to have the light of Christ in our lives and 
• must pray with PRECISION OF LANGUAGE to use our skills, talents, creativity to bring the light in our midst and among our loved ones (melting stones out of rock) = we use our talents & creativity to share the light (rock= Christ is the rock)
• We will have a sacred experience :

1. we will see the hand of God in our lives
2. our faith will be strengthened
3. Christ will minister to us
4. our faith might/will become perfect knowledge - our testimony of Christ will definitely be strenghtned.

In other words, we will be as a whale, overcoming the storm while coming up periodically to expel water (creativity) and breath (air provided by God).

Covid -19 is definitely a storm for all humanity. Will we use our talents to share the light of Christ? Do we have enough faith and can we follow the prayer pattern of the Brother of Jared to ensure that God will bless our talent so they can be the mean through which we shed the LIGHT?

I think understanding that God wants us to CREATE with Him and having faith and saying the correct prayers are key!!

Prayer

 What should we pray for?

Does the language we use in prayers affect whether or not our prayers are heard?

What did Christ pray for, and in what language?

"The evil one teacheath a man not to pray."

https://rsc.byu.edu/book-mormon-3-nephi-9-30-my-gospel/pray-always-learning-pray-jesus-prayed

Prayer is the goal of an individual to place him or herself in spiritual harmony with God the Father and Creator of all. According to latter-day prophets and apostles, prayer consists of much more than directing “mere words” or thoughts towards deity, but represents “the pulsation of a yearning, loving heart in tune with the Infinite.” Prayer is “a message of the soul sent directly to a loving Father. . . [it is] spirit vibration” (McKay 308). Prayer is having “a consciousness that there is something within us which is divine, which is part of the Infinite, which is the offspring of God, and until we can feel that harmony with that Infinite, we have not sensed the power of prayer” (302). Prayer, accompanied by works, “is the invisible switch to tune us with the infinite” (Kimball 62), it is placing ourselves “in harmony with divine forces” 

An effective prayer is one in which an individual prays with “real intent of heart” (Moroni 7:9), with “all the energy of heart” (Moroni 7:48), and with “the sincerity of his heart” (D&C 5:24). In these passages, the heart represents the spiritual and inner emotive aspect of ourselves.

Pray for: 

• Alma in Ammoniah prays to be able to "baptize unto repentance."
• Pray to receive a knowledge of the tribes of Israel (3Ne:4)
• Pray for: God's mercy on us, against the power of enemies, against the devil, over the crops and flocks of the field - that we may prosper and that they may increase (Alma 34:17-28)
• give thanks (1Ne2:7)
• to know the mysteries of God (1Ne2:16)
• to glorify Christ "Hosannah" (3Ne11:17)
• to have our debts forgiven (Lord's Prayer)
• against temptations & to be delivered from evil (Lord's Prayer)
• ask to understand the words of Christ (3Ne17:3)
• Share your troubles (3Ne17:14 - Christ)
• pray for what is right   (3Ne 18: 20)
• for wives and children to be blessed (3Ne 18:21)
• for those who come worship with us often (3Ne18:23)
• Holy Ghost  (3Ne19:9)
• for people to receive the Holy Ghost  if they believe in Christ (3 Ne 19:23)
• express gratitude for those who have been and will be purified by the words of Christ (3Ne 19:28)
• For those out of the world , because of their faith, that they may be purified in Christ (3Ne19:29)
• to solve disputations in the Church (3Ne27:3 - name of the church)
• to speedily come into the kingdom (3Ne 28:2)
• never taste death & bring souls unto Christ - 3 Nephites (3Ne 28:7, 9)
• pray for those we lead, even if there is no faith in them (Mormon 3:12)
• pray not to be confounded (mixed-up with other people) and understand our words (Ether 1:34)
• ask what the Lord will do with us and if he will take us to a choice land (Ether 1:38)
• for our friends, that God will not turn his anger towards them, and that their language may not be confounded (Ether1:36)

Where to pray:

• in the fields over our flocks (work), in our houses, inner closets, in our secret places and in our wilderness. (Alma 34:17-28)
• onto the mount, often (1Ne 18:3)
• at the altar (1Ne 2:7)
• in secret in our closet (3NE13:6)
• in our families (3Ne18:21)
• in our hearts (3Ne20:1)

When to pray:

• morning, midday, evening (Alma 34:17-28)
• always, lest you're tempted by the devil (3Ne:18:15)
• after the Sacrament - to give glory to Christ (3Ne20:9)

How to pray

• Make an offering (1 Ne2:7)
• use not vain repetitions (3Ne 13:7)
• kneel down (3Ne17:13)
• say great and marvelous things ( Christ - 3Ne17:16,17)

Who to pray to:

• to the Father (Christ and disciples pray to the Father in 3 Ne)

Consequences of prayer

• Become white as Jesus (3Ne19:31)
• hearts are open and we understand the words of Christ (3 Ne19: 33)
• If prayer = faith, then we see miracles and hear great things (3Ne19:36)

A WISE MAN WHO BUILT HIS HOUSE UPON A ROCK - 3 NE 14

 In verse 24 of 3 Nephi 14 (and in Matthew 7), Christ says that "whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock-"

So, if we go backwards into the chapter, we can list the "sayings" he is talking about:

1. Don't judge - because as you judge, so shall you be judged.

2. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs nor pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and then they... rend you (tear you apart with violence).  Very Interesting!!

3. Ask, seek and knock (to receive, find and be open unto).

4. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

5. Enter at the straight gate.

6. Beware of false prophets (you shall know them by their fruits). Also Interesting!

7. Do the will of the Father.

The list could potentially continue if we assume that what Christ asked the 12 apostles also helps to build upon His rock.

8. Do alms unto the poor - in private.

9. Pray privately, use the Lord's Prayer as a pattern.

10. Forgive others.

11. Fast in secret.

12. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

13. Let your eye be single.

14. Seek first the kingdom of God and don't worry about what to put on the table, God will provide.

DIARIO DI UN CONTAGIO: CORONA VIRUS 2020

All'improvviso è sceso un velo buio sull'umanità tutta.  Nel giro di pochi mesi una malattia che sembrava essere limitata alla zona di Whuan -Cina, si è trasformata in una pandemia, a dispetto di tutti gli scettici che si ritenevano superiori e intoccabili, sia a livello di governi e capi di stato sia a livello individuale.

Si tratta di un nemico invisibile, forte e sconosciuto che ha praticamente ucciso tutti i rapporti sociali - tutto ciò che rende l'uomo uomo - isolandolo nella propria  piccola casa in attesa che il male passi e isolandolo nella sofferenza e nella morte, visto che i pazienti gravi vengono immediatamente isolati nei reparti ospedalieri e chi non ce la fa, muore in assoluta solitudine.

Mi vengono in mente varie immagini e versi: in una delle sue canzoni "Le vie dei Colori," Claudio Baglioni parla  di "un viaggio che ognuno fa solo con sé, perché non è che si va lontano..." Avevo sempre pensato che parlasse della morte, ma rileggendo il testo mi sono resa conto che parlava della scoperta personale per un miglioramento interiore. Però mi resta l'immagine del viaggio della morte a livello individuale... il virus ci uccide in solitudine.

L'essere chiusi in casa con le nostre famiglie e la calma che regna fuori per le strade mi fa pensare agli ebrei dei campi di concentramento, fatti assemblare nelle sale docce, per quella che sembrava una buona causa - la doccia- per essere poi tutti annientati, piano piano, con i gas letali.

E come posso non pensare alla decima piaga d'Egitto dell'Angelo della Morte, che uccise tutti i primogeniti, tranne quelli delle famiglie le cui porte di casa fossero unte con il sangue di un agnellino. Chi sarà risparmiato da questa piaga? Quali sono i requisiti per poterne uscire vincitori?

Siamo tutti mine vaganti, in grado di "esplodere" in qualsiasi momento. Non sono malata oggi, ma potrei esserlo domani o dopo domani.

La tv dice "È una pandemia senza precedenti, una crisi sanitaria mondiale che affligge le nazioni più sviluppate."

Non riesco a non domandarmi quale sia lo scopo di tutto ciò agli occhi di Dio:
"Bruciare le sterpaglie nella vigna che non producono frutto? Re-innestare vari rami nei vari alberi della vigna?" (Allegory of the olive tree - Jacob 5, Book of Mormon)

O forse è un modo per fare un po' di "disruption," per smuovere gli animi degli uomini e per "forzare" i suoi servitori a trovare nuove vie per diffondere il Vangelo? Per aiutarci a fare ordine nelle nostre vite e a dare priorità alle cose più importanti?

In TV qualcuno sta dicendo che abbiamo tre armi per vincere il nemico:

-Collaborazione di tutti i cittadini a rispettare le regole
-Operatori sanitari
-Diffusione dell' informazione in maniera trasparente e corretta

Come sempre dimenticano la fede e la preghiera... just saying.....

"The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!"

Cambiando leggermente argomento: Simon sta svolgendo la sua missione a Roma - a Ladispoli in questo momento. È al termine della terza settimana chiuso in casa... il lavoro missionario pero non si ferma e non conosce ostacoli, almeno nella sua missione e in quella di Milano, i cui presidenti, amici già dal loro rione in Idaho, sono in stretta collaborazione e sintonia. Una coincidenza che si conoscessero già prima di essere chiamati in missione? Grazie alla tecnologia e internet illimitato, questi poveri ragazzi riescono ad insegnare dallo schermino del loro telefonino - che si trasforma cosi in una piccola arma potente per Dio!

Luca è a BYU - I corsi sono tutti stati trasferiti online, ma, nonostante ciò, resta là per "godere" fino all'ultimo della compagnia della sua ragazza - Alesha.

Io, Mark ed Eleni siamo a casa, a Windermere. La ns casa sarà nostra solo per un altro mese. Dopo di che sarà venduta e noi saremo "homeless." I piani erano di tornare a Boston - ma chissà se ci riusciremo - o se Dio non ci sta preparando ad altro. Dentro di me ho un grande terrore che possa succedere qualcosa a Mark...

Mi fermo qui e inizio quello che spero possa essere il mio Diario del Contagio, con osservazioni e piccoli dettagli della quarantena, a livello quotidiano.


Day 1

Ho lavato i miei vestiti del tempio e ordinato delle nuove calze bianche - le vecchie erano rotte. Così, mi trovo avvantaggiata per la sepoltura - che spero non sia in Florida...

Day 2

Shopping al mercato presto la mattina, lungo giro in bici nel "regno incantato," pomeriggio tranquillo a casa ad ascoltare un podcast sulla Prima Visione e un tuffo in piscina. Hamburger e film per terminare con una telefonata a mezzanotte che ci avvertiva che i ladri sono entrati nello studio di Jacksonville.

Day 3

negli ultimi 10 anni più o meno, quando andavo in malinconia, mi mettevo a pensare agli altri posti nel mondo che avevo visitato- Parigi, Londra, Roma , Salerno, Amalfi- e pensavo che in ognuno di quei posti ci fosse vita e che stesse succedendo qualcosa di speciale. Adesso la malinconia sale ancora di più se penso che ogni luogo del mondo corrisponde alla mia realtà statica e che tutti vivono la mia vita. L’alternativa ora è solo una morte veloce, senza fiato e solitaria.
Cosa pensa Dio?

Day 4
nonostante il mondo di sia fermato, il cammino della fede va avanti.

Day 5
mai viste tante persone a passeggio x il quartiere.

Day 6
sembra di essere nel film Groundhog Day.

Day 8
Anche negli oroscopi c’è social distancing.

5 Aprile

I waited for the Lord, he inclined unto me,
he heard my complaint.
O blest are they that hope and trust in him.