The trick to gospel mastery is to learn to engage the spiritual realm without getting “weird” about it. The fruits of the spirit will inform us if we are on the right track. A “Gospel Master” is always humble, clear sighted, non-fanatical, and well reasoned. Engaging the true "spirit" does NOT cause one to lose their sense of reality. Instead, the spirit, properly used, yields a heightened perception of reality.
Normally, one should not rely on dreams for information. The very character of dreams is that they are bizarre and illogical. However, Wilford Woodruff had the gift of the spirit and was unique. Read about this fruit of the spirit:
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, Chapter 8: Understanding Death and Resurrection, 77
In early August 1839, Elder Wilford Woodruff left his home in Montrose, Iowa [across the river from Nauvoo], obeying the Lord’s call to serve a mission in the British Isles. He bade farewell to his wife, Phoebe, and his only child, one-year-old Sarah Emma. …
A few months after leaving Montrose, Elder Woodruff was in the eastern United States, preaching the gospel and preparing for the journey to Great Britain. During this stay he wrote in his journal of three separate dreams in which he saw his wife. After the first dream [November 8th, 1839] he wrote the following entry in his journal: “I saw Mrs. Woodruff in deep affliction in a dream at Montrose. I did not see Sarah Emma.” His report of the second dream [recorded November 11th, 1839] was also short: “I had a dream during the night and had an interview with Mrs. Woodruff but did not see Sarah Emma.” The third dream [recorded November 28th, 1839] was more detailed: “We rejoiced much at having an interview with each other, yet our embraces were mixed with sorrow, for after conversing a while about her domestic affairs, I asked where Sarah Emma was. … She said, weeping, … ‘She is dead.’ We sorrowed a moment, and I awoke. … Is this dream true? Time must determine.”
On July 14, 1840, Elder Woodruff, now in Great Britain, wrote a journal entry commemorating an important day for his family: “Sarah Emma is two years old this day. May the Lord preserve my wife and children from sickness and death until my return.” Always one to acknowledge the Lord’s will, he added, “O Lord, I commit them into thy hands; feed, clothe, and comfort them, and thine shall be the glory.” Three days later [July 17th], little Sarah Emma died.
Elder Woodruff did not learn of his daughter’s death until October 22, 1840, when he read the news in a letter sent to one of his brethren in the Quorum of the Twelve. Four days later he finally received the news from Phoebe, in a letter dated July 18. He copied part of her letter in his journal:
“My dear Wilford, what will be your feelings when I say that yesterday I was called to witness the departure of our little Sarah Emma from this world? Yes, she is gone. The relentless hand of death has snatched her from my embrace. … When looking on her, I have often thought how I should feel to part with her. I thought I could not live without her, especially in the absence of my companion. But she has gone. The Lord hath taken her home to Himself for some wise purpose. …
Sarah Emma was buried in Nauvoo.
Death of a loved one involves a pain that never fully heals. Even so, there are fruits of the spirit that can be associated with the emotional pain. Growth is possible with the right outlook, even if it comes gradually and with difficulty. Wilford Woodruff's life, especially as President of the Church, would be an excellent example of forward movement after tragedy.
One must be impressed that Wilford Woodruff wrote down his impressions about his daughter in his journal before he ever had empirical confirmation by letter. His impressions were spirit-driven.
Wilford Woodruff never wasted time doubting the gospel. Instead, he spent his time living precepts of the gospel and refining himself. He accepted the MANY trials he faced, and then he moved on. Few men on earth have ever been more spiritual. The veil was always thin for Wilford Woodruff. Communication with the spirit was routine for him.
Somehow we must learn from him.
Copyright 2009 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.
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6 comments:
Beautiful, S.Faux. Thanks.
I can only imagine the sorrow that comes with losing a young child. This sorrow was common among people living back then. Joseph Smith lost a few young kids. As you point out, the lesson they taught us was that we should always remain steadfast in the face of adversity and grief. If we stay close to the Lord, everything will work out well in the end.
Everyone living today is reaping the blessings of the restored gospel. The Restoration and its concomitant outpouring of the spirit of truth (prophesied by Paul 2000 years ago) has brought to our generation marvelous blessings in the form of scientific breakthroughs and technology that have saved and prolonged lives.
Having recently lost a child, I can affirm that this experience is gut wrenching, heart wringing, and soul chilling.
At such a time, faith is challenged and hope becomes very tenuous. It is difficult to recover from such an emotional devastation.
I pray every day for "God's will in God's way and in God's time" in hopes of comfort and succor. I would welcome a dream -- or some similar manifestation -- to confirm that my child is okay and that everything will, in the end, work out well.
In my opinion in someways it is required of all of us to lose a loved one. It aids in the refiners fire. It allows us to briefly if not momentarily understand what God the Father went through as he "gave his only begotton son." I have known many people that have lost a child or a spouse and it is certainly their attitude that determines the outcome. Some are able to cope and others are not. It is a sad day when someone curses God for losing a child or loved one.
Losing a beloved one is the greatest of Abrahamic tests. Why such events happen is veiled from our understanding. At such times, it is necessary to believe in a merciful God, who loves our deceased family members infinitely more than we do. Partial relief is also obtained by faith in the resurrection.
I think about how President Hinckley reacted at the funeral of his wife. He was completely distraught, as he leaned on his daughter, seated beside him. Grief is normal, even extreme grief. I am sure he severely missed his wife every day until he died. But, at some appropriate point, President Hinckley picked up the pieces, went to the office of President, and performed his duties with energy and vigor.
Such examples as Presidents Hinckley and Woodruff set the standard for which we must aim. But, no one is saying it is easy. In fact, it is hard.
Thank you for all of your comments.
Another excellent post. Also - great comments.
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