Liken it Unto You
I like likening the scriptures unto myself. Give me that profit and learning, I say.
I’ve heard it’s easiest to start with the “insert my name here” verses, like Doctrine & Covenants Section 25 is fairly easy to personalize with my own name in place of Emma’s, thinking of myself as an elect lady has its difficulties. Murmuring not over things unseen in my own life–oh the list I have of those. Supporting and comforting my husband, been there, done that, and I’ll be delighted to keep being there and doing that. Learning to sing the hymns of Zion, so that my song can be a delight to the Lord, oh, it’s a giant step up from my joyful noise. Rejoicing, keeping my covenants, the list goes on and on–this is a treasure trove of likening.
There’s a different sort of likening in this rendition of Mosiah 2:11
I am subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind; yet I have been chosen by this family, and consecrated by my husband, and suffered by the hand of the Lord that I should be a wife and a mother over this people; and have been kept and preserved by His matchless power, to serve them with all the might, mind and strength which the Lord hath granted unto me.
It hung on my fridge, sideways in a page protector, to inspire me during those “frenetihectic” days of babies and toddlers and husband working & going to school full time. I used small and simple magnets holding words of wisdom out of the best books for me.
I’m thinking I should pull it out again, put it somewhere visible, to remind me to liken and feast on scriptural dishes created for me. To take these messages from God, make them personal and visible in my life so that
when I shall read these words, I’ll remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto Téa, and ponder it in my heart.
(Moroni 10:3 changes mine)
June 14th, 2006 08:08
Good idea. There are a few sciptures that make me uncomfortable. They probably won’t go on my fridge yet.
By the way, do you think there is a copywrite on the ’small and simple’ magnets?
June 14th, 2006 09:05
Téa, I was just considering this same idea–reading ourselves into the scriptures. I’d have to check my notes, but when I was reviewing Sheri Dew’s book, I came across a great example of her doing that, and somehow I took it like permission to do it. I had always related to the scriptures before, but never really read myself into them. It’s been a new and exiting take on my scripture reading.
Eric, I doubt there’s a copyright.
Clearly, you need a cafépress store!
June 14th, 2006 10:35
Yeah, I’ll be rich beyond my wildest dreams…..
June 14th, 2006 11:24
Téa (woohoo! I did the accent!), I LOVE that personalization of Mosiah 2:11!! LOVE IT! I think I’m going to try doing this more for the next while. I’ve always loved the concept of likening scriptures, but don’t do it actively enough. Thanks for this post.
June 14th, 2006 11:36
One of my favorites to do this with is D&C 8. This section opened up prayer for me more than what section 9 could ever do!
June 15th, 2006 11:55
I really like that re-reading of Mosiah 2:11. I’ve often wondered exactly what “studying” means for the average person (rather than the Greek, Hebrew, or ancient middle east scholar) and this very well may be it. Finding the way that a scripture fits you most intensely is tough, but everyone can do it without years of study.
Thanks for sharing this!
June 21st, 2006 10:14
I just noticed the slug for this post. Very clever — made me smile. Just wanted to say that!