Untouchable

     As conference has passed there are many new things happening within the church. One is which is the calling of three new apostles. From this I have been thinking a lot about our leaders and who they interact with most.  It's obvious that they attend lots of meetings, and spend lots of time with God, but after much thought I came to the realization that the leaders of this church interact with the members of the church the most. This type of thinking lead me to relate to other leaders of the world in the same aspect. 

    Last week, The Pope came for a visit to the U.S. and the main news headlines for a week were circled around the Pope reaching out to bless bystanders, or go against protocol to touch the crowds.  Even stopping his car to bless babies and kids. People felt loved and considered that a man of his stature would do such a thing on his precious time

      I started thinking that it shouldn't be news that a spiritual leader does something that Christ would so easily do. Why do we live in a society where getting in touch with church leaders makes the news. This lead my thoughts to further develop the idea that never in the History of the LDS church has it been difficult for members to get a hold of their leaders.  I don't believe God would send Prophets to this earth that are untouchable. If God tells us he loves us and wants us to be happy why would he block us from any revelation we may seek or help we may need from our leaders.

    The facts is if we wanted to, we could write a letter to anyone of our LDS leaders and in time receive a letter back. We could go to a speaking engagement and actually get to meet an apostle or the prophet and have the chance to smile, shake hands, be acknowledged, and feel the effects of their spirits. The list is actually long, You as the reader can probably think of a very specific time a leader in the church made you feel singular. 

     I'm so blessed to be part of a church where I know God created it. He actually got out the blueprints, finalized the building and began to raise the greatest establishment here on the earth. From his plans, we are not alone but have continued help and resources. His plan is a smart plan and I have a testimony of his living prophets. Since the keys of the restoration, we see that God never leaves his people without leaders and touchable leaders at that.

     As I finish the first chapter of The Book of Mormon I think so much about Nephi, one of the most fascinating prophets that ever lived. This chapter is filled with TRUTH and ENLIGHTENMENT. For the majority of this chapter we learn of Nephi, being the youngest, having 2 older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, who consistently create contention and malice towards him. We read that they despise Nephi for his younger age, leadership skills, and prophecies.  We learn of many stories where the brothers of Nephi, retaliate against him by intentionally hurting Nephi or literally trying to kill him in order silence his direction. Learning of all the plans and selfishness these brothers posses, Nephi never retaliates but prays for forgiveness, their salvation and an increase of their faith. We see that Nephi is self-disciplined and humble and always grateful. In one event, during a storm on a ship, Nephi is tied up for days by his murmuring brothers who seek to silence him, he expresses in a prayer:

1 Nephi 18:16

"Nevertheless, I did look unto my God and I did praise him all the day long and I did not murmur against the lord because of my afflictions"

     All of the Lord's Prophets are on his errand and are always looking towards him to know how to better serve the people around them. Knowing that Prophets of old and the prophet today may have lots of work to accomplish but always have time and the patience for the members makes my membership golden. I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I love that our prophets and leaders are touchable and real! After all, this is Christ church and this is what he would do.