The Road of Faith

This is a topic that no one likes to talk contemplate – adversity in our lives. Everyone has experienced it, some more, some less. There is purpose in the trials in our lives. James E. Faust quoted Brigham Young in saying that, “Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for your salvation.”


The book True to the Faith defines humility as “an acknowledgment that your talents and abilities are gifts from God … it is an indication that you know where your true strength lies.” Adversity creates this sort of humility in that you have the opportunity to learn to rely completely on the Lord. If you let it, adversity can deepen your spirituality and relationship with God and can make you more in tune with the Spirit.

Some of the darkest periods of our lives can also be times for the most learning and growth. When your heart is broken and contrite, that is when God can stretch it the most. The lyrics of the song Only the Brokenhearted express this well:

Broken hearts are deeper;

They've been opened wide

And the tears become containers

To hold more love inside

And truly feel what only the brokenhearted can (Call, Cherie).

In the midst of great adversity is where your faith can grow the most. This is the place of a great crossroads. You can choose to doubt God and ask how He could let this happen to you, or you can choose to exercise faith and believe that He will keep you in the hollow of his hand. Often, in the midst of opposition you strain to see God’s hand in your life and your human nature simply restrains you from finding it. This is exactly when you need faith the most. When you look back at your decision to not despair, but to show faith in Christ, you will see that you “took the [road] less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” (Frost).

I told a friend recently that the past few weeks have been some of the hardest of my life. In the span of just a few short weeks, I believe I have cried more than ever before, but I also believe I have learned and grown more than ever before. While I am in a completely new environment far from most of my family and friends, I have had to learn to completely rely on God. My heart has been broken, and rather than heal it right away, God has had me exercise faith that, over time, it will become whole. I am beginning to internalize the meaning of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It is now, more than ever, that I have come to know what it means to have faith in Christ. I know, now, that it is not just belief, though that was the beginning. I have faith that I am where God wants me to be. I have faith that I am doing what He wants me to do. And I have faith that while He will not deliver me from adversity immediately, He is holding me in the hollow of His hand. He is picking me up when I fall and encouraging me every step of the way. He is supporting me and allowing me to learn and grow and become stronger.

As I look back on the choices I have made, I can see where I decided to simply walk with faith. I cannot see very far on the road ahead; but looking back at my path, I can see that God has been with me all the way, often carrying me over the most treacherous parts. I can see where I made the choice to walk the less traveled road of faith, and I know it has made all the difference.



Works Cited

Call, Cherie. "Only the Brokenhearted." Cherie Call's Web Page. Web. 12 Oct. 2009. .

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference. Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 2004. Print.

Faust, James E. "The Healing Power of Forgiveness." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Apr. 2007. Web. 12 Oct. 2009. .

Frost, Robert. "The Road Not Taken. Frost, Robert. 1920. Mountain Interval." Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more. Web. 12 Oct. 2009. http://www.bartleby.com/119/1.html.

The Revolution of Sober Expectations

Why was the American Revolution special? Have there not been scores of other revolutions throughout history with equally compelling motives? In a speech entitled “The Revolution of Sober Expectations,” Martin Diamond presents evidences to why the American Revolution stands separate from the rest.


First, one must note that, unlike others, the American Revolution was not led by unchecked passions. British Troops began occupying Boston in 1768, the Boston Massacre occurred in 1770, the Battles of Lexington and Concord were in the spring of 1775, and still the Continental Congress did not declare independence until July 4, 1776. Many of the signers of the Declaration were still hesitant to sign at that time. They understood the severity of their actions. This is why the Declaration lists the offences that the King and Parliament had committed, explaining to the world their justification for this apparent treason.

The Declaration of Independence put forth the main idea for which the American Revolution would be fought – the ideal of civil liberty. Civil liberty was an ideal which not only inspired, but was also attainable. The signers did not seek to create a utopian state, but sought after a goal which was realistic and pragmatic.

Also, there is something absolutely vital to a new nation that is absent from the Declaration. There is no mention of a new government. Mr. Diamond says, “The makers of the American Revolution did not think themselves in possession of the simple and complete political truth, capable of instant application as a panacea for government.” Thus, the Declaration of Independence was only half a revolution.

The revolution was completed with the ratification of the Constitution. Through extensive debate and argumentation came a sober analysis of how this new government should be run. Many people celebrate America creating the first modern democracy, but in reality most of the Founding Fathers were against a pure democracy and were extremely concerned about the plausibility and consequences of such a government. Over the course of a long, hot summer of protracted political debate, they created a government which they called a “democratic republic.” They thereby were able to include the necessary benefits of democracy, while retaining tried governing principles of a republican nation. The government they set up has now lasted more than 230 years. Mr. Diamond said of the Constitution’s ratification that:

“At precisely that moment of crisis when other revolutions turn turbulent, begin to devour their own, and dash all the initial hopes, at precisely that moment ripe for disaster, the American Revolution achieved its glory by a unique moment of stillness and sobriety.”

The American Revolution was one of sober expectations. The Founding Fathers knew the risks they were taking, and took the time to be sure of what they were doing. They considered each step and were critical of each principle. They were skeptical, sober, and realistic, while always keeping in sight their goal of liberty. It was a revolution like no other.

Works Cited

Diamond, Martin. "The Revolution of Sober Expectations." Independence Square, Philadephia, in the House of Representatives Chamber, Congress Hall, Philadelphia. 24 Oct. 1973. Speech.

The Two Fundamental Laws

In my political science class today, we were discussing the correlation between Politics and Economics. My Professor, Kirk Hawkins, told us:
"Protection of property rights and and enforcement of contracts are crucial for investments, innovation, and growth."
This statement immediately reminded me of the concept of the "Two Fundamental Laws". The Two Fundamental Laws are an idea presented by Richard J. Maybury in his educational "Uncle Eric" book series. It is my belief that these are the only laws any government or society needs to function, and I would like to present them for your consideration. They are:

"Let's Abolish High School"

As a formerly homeschooled student, I am a big supporter of alternative education; which is one reason I found the following article so compelling. Though I can't agree 100% with everything Dr. Epstein says, I think this is a well-educated and provocative viewpoint.
"Let's Abolish High School" by Dr. Robert Epstein

Governments Terrorize Homeschoolers

I just finished reading an article about a Swedish family who had their son taken away because they were homeschooling him. If this were Germany, I wouldn't be surprised; but, in Sweden homeschooling is legal. The story is truly shocking. However, this is not an isolated incidence. The Home School Legal Defense Association reports far too many of these cases of government intrusion. Here is the story:
http://www.hslda.org/default.asp?bhcp=1
The fight for parental rights is real and scary. The right to choose your child's education is not the only parental right at risk. If this article frightened you, I urge you to check out http://www.parentalrights.org/ and learn about the issues, pending legislation, and what you can do to protect your children from the government.
If you would like to learn more about the specific fight for homeschooling rights, I highly suggest the HSLDA website: http://www.hslda.org/.
These two websites are also in my sidebar under "My Favs".