|
by
Alice Gifford - The YW Connection
(8/17/1999)
In chapter 33 of Alma there are a
group of Zormanites that have approached Alma because they are not
allowed to worship in the synagogues that they helped build. They
explain that the reason for this is because of the clothing they wore.
There were "esteemed as filthiness" and "despised because of their
poverty.
I grew up very poor and in an area where there seemed to be prejudice
against the Mexican/Spanish culture. There were times when we too were
"esteemed as filthiness" because of our poverty and because of our race.
I can remember a time when my best friend's parents told her she could
not play with me anymore .... I will not use the words they used but how
the words hurt me. I just couldn't understand that because my skin was a
little darker than theirs, and our home was not as nice as theirs, why I
wasn't a "nice little girl" to play with. My mother always made sure my
clothes were clean - I was always bathed, and my hair was combed and
styled - despite my protests°Ü°
I can honestly say now that I'm grateful for the prejudices I faced as I
grew up. I have a deeper understanding and compassion for those who
suffer because of their race or their financial circumstances. I've make
an effort to help my children understand the counsel given to Samuel,
"Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; ... for
the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward
appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" .
When I was in high school I wrote an English paper about why God created
so many different colors of people. At the time I didn't understand that
Heavenly Father is no respecter of person and that He loves each and
everyone of us equally.
I ended my story by saying that I was suppose to come out of the oven at
l0:00 a.m. Unfortunately Heavenly Father forgot about me and took me out
at l0:20 which is why I ended up a littler browner than everyone else.
I laugh now and wonder why I received an "A" on that paper. Was it
because my instructor read deeper meaning in my writing - meaning that I
didn't even understand at the time? Now I understand - Heavenly Father
left me in the oven on purpose °Ü to add interest to our world and for
our growth.
I like what William George Jordan said, "Man has two creators; his God
and himself. (The Kingship of Self Control) Heavenly Father also sent me
on my way with a little extra dough to develop into talents. "For all
have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts..." (D&C
46:l2) He gave me potential. Now, it is up to me to make something of my
life experience and help others realize their potential
I dreamt of publishing that story one day for children. Now my ending
would be much different. I would want each child to feel loved and not
ashamed because their skin was a different color or they were shorter or
taller than all of their friends. I would want them to understand how
wonderful our differences are and to see the beauty in those around
them. Heavenly Father purposely planned our earth experience this way.
More importantly - Heavenly Father would never forget about anyone in
the oven - "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"
(D&C 18:10)
Or I could end the story with, and Heavenly Father knew how anxious we
all were to go to earth, so he took some of the children out of the oven
before they were finished cooking (LOL - Just kidding)
Activities &
Thoughts
M3L33
Home |