SUSTAINING OTHERS IN THE TIME OF NEED

Electric utility trucks on their way to the northeast

 

Sometimes we witness things (even as adults) that overwhelm us with a sense of awe. It's as if we may not believe what we see with our eyes, but it is real just the same! Today, Sister Lindsay and I had such an experience while driving south on Interstate 95.

 

The highway traffic in the northbound lanes headed towards New York City was heavy but not with the normal complement of tractor trailers, SUVs, and passenger cars, which you would normally expect to see. Instead, we witnessed a steady stream of electric utility trucks coming from the south, all of them headed for the hurricane-ravaged states of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. These trucks passed us mile after mile in an almost continuous procession. By their markings, it was obvious that these vehicles had come from many different places, but their focused mission objective was the same. It was a visual moment for us to remember with a heartfelt sense of appreciation for what is right about America, especially when we as a people face a difficult, life-threatening situation that endangers the well-being of our fellowmen.

Days after Hurricane Sandy has come and gone, most of the aftermath of the storm's destruction remains including the lack of electricity for millions of people in the northeastern part of the U.S.; hence the need for power crews from across America to restore service as soon as possible continues to be an urgent priority.

Helping others in need is not new nor is it limited to calamities associated with the weather or other natural disasters. There are both temporal and spiritual trials in this life for all of us. Just as there are many good people who respond unselfishly to assist individuals involved in a physical crisis, so also there should be fully committed valiant souls who come to the rescue during a spiritual storm in someone's life, too.

Those of us who profess to be Christians must surely recognize that . . . unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required (see Luke 12:48). As members of the Lord's Church, we are intended by Him to be a light unto the world in times of spiritual darkness. Satan wishes to extinguish the bright light of our testimony; but we must continue to have the gospel shine through us for family, friends, and all of our brothers and sisters whether or not they have yet received Jesus Christ as their Redeemer.

Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve reminds us that there is more to life than saving ourselves. We are commissioned to lift and to strengthen all those around us because the Lord wants us all to return back to Him together.

Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy

Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876)

 

Brightly beams our Father's mercy from his lighthouse evermore,

But to us he gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.

 

Dark the night of sin has settled; loud the angry billows roar.

Eager eyes are watching, longing, for the lights along the shore.

 

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother; some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,

Trying now to make the harbor, in the darkness may be lost.

 

Let the lower lights be burning; send a gleam across the wave.

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.



 

Without the guiding light of the Holy Spirit who testifies of truth in all things we would be alone in this dark and dreary world. May our countenance as full time missionaries always reflect the light of Jesus Christ so others may recognize whom we serve here on earth.