This winter semester, I'm studying parts of the New Testament in the Bible as part of my religious studies at BYU-Idaho. As is customary, I was required to write up a sort of research paper in the form of a talk on any gospel topic of my choosing for the midterm. This time, I chose to write about families, entitled "Families, Why I am Who I am Today", supported with some experiences, scriptures, and quotes from past General Conference talks to meet assignment criteria. Needless to say, I aced this assignment and now I'm publishing it here:
I love my family! It is probably one of the most cliché things one can ever say amongst Latter-day Saints (and probably among much of society), but out of everything I will ever say in my lifetime, that is probably one of the truest, short statements I can ever make. However, unlike most Latter-day Saints families, I, along with a considerable chunk of the Church membership come from a part-member family; my mother, as well as her side of the family are not members. Growing up in a part-member family has made the topic of “families” that much more precious and important to me as a result. But just because I come from a part-member family doesn’t mean I’m any different from many of you. Like many of you, I found enjoyment and spiritual nourishment from the various activities and callings associated with the Church. I am who I am today because of my family, and because of the way my parents raised me. I am privileged to hold a current Temple recommend and be able to attend the Temple. I was also able to serve an honorable full-time mission. And thankfully, my non-member mother has been very supportive of me in the various activities of the Church, including my missionary service to Japan (which also happens to be the country she is from!). And I love my mother regardless!
Speaking of mothers, one of the best accounts in the New Testament that hits me the most is at the end of the Savior’s mortal life. As He is hanging upon the cross on Calvary, He sees his mother, Mary and tasked one of His disciples to care for her: “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” (John 19: 26-27) President Thomas S. Monson said of this account, “From that awful night when time stood still, when the earth did quake and great mountains were brought down-yes, through the annals of history, over the centuries of years and beyond the span of times, there echoes his simple yet divine words, “Behold thy mother!”” (‘Behold Thy Mother’, October 1973)
As all of you know, the gospel is centered on the family. We know from studying the missionary lessons in ‘Preach My Gospel’ that families are considered the most important social unit because they are ordained of God. President Boyd K. Packer said, “We focus on the family in the Church, and we counsel parents everywhere to raise their children in righteousness.” (‘The Key to Spiritual Protection’, October 2013) It is through the gospel that parents, through heavenly guidance, inspiration, and revelation are able to successfully raise their children, even in troubling times the world faces today. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “There is no area of parental action that is more needful of heavenly guidance or more likely to receive it than the decisions of parents in raising their children and governing their families.” (‘Love and Law’, October 2009)
Looking at myself and where I’m at in life, I think it’s safe to say I’ve turned out okay for the most part so that tells me my parents raised me right! I hope someday, I can at least be half as good as they were when I start raising my own children as a parent. I remember it wasn’t always easy as a family, considering some of the things we went through. But at the same time, we got through those hardships together as a family. I remember my dad being unemployed for a few years and I was old enough to recognize that it was a scary thing; I cannot even begin to imagine what was going through my dad’s mind during those times. I was also old enough to know that I should be supportive of my parents, especially during those tough times we endured. I especially heeded the scriptural advice found in the sixth chapter of Ephesians: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
With my non-member mother, I have come to find that it’s important that our relationship be built on the grounds of mutual respect because we don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things. I certainly have a great deal of respect for her and her family’s Japanese culture and beliefs. I remember at the end of my mission, my family picked me up and went to my mother’s hometown to visit relatives. They took notice of my missionary name badge almost immediately and asked about it. I was completely caught off guard when my mother described to her siblings, her mother, and here nieces and nephews what an LDS missionary does and what I have been doing in Japan for two years. The best part, she described it perfectly! Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “Our leaders have consistently counseled us “to live with respect and appreciation for those not of our faith. There is so great a need for civility and mutual respect among those of differing beliefs and philosophies.”” (‘Our Father’s Plan-Big Enough for All His Children’, April 2009) So even though I come from a part-member family, I feel confident that we as a family share a strong bond in our relationship regardless. I am who I am today because of that bond we share as a result of that mutual respect for our differences.
It should be well-noted that families are important, even in ancient times. A reliable account that supports this can be found in The Book of Mormon when the righteous Nephites was at war with the wicked Lamanites: “And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.” (Alma 43:47) The Nephites probably wanted to avoid going to war but were forced to do so in defense of themselves and their families. Though modern day circumstances are different compared to Book of Mormon times, that shouldn’t diminish the fact that our families are important to us.
For many, it’s important that there is quality time to be spent with family members. Families are to “live together in love.” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:45) Now, my family (both immediate and extended) is a little unorthodox when it comes to a few things and we’re okay with that. And I’ll tell you why by sharing an experience we had recently: My grandmother passed away late last year just before Thanksgiving and my parents and I drove out Eastern Idaho to be present for the funeral arrangements. This is where we Wynn’s are bit unorthodox. Some longtime family friends coming to pay their respects said to my dad, “We just walked in the door and heard laughter down the hallway and we figured, ‘Yep, it must be Wynn funeral!’” Another one of those “unorthodox Wynn-moments” occurred after the funeral services concluded: My dad and his brothers (who were the pallbearers) were carrying my grandmother’s casket out to the waiting hearse when the metal lid of the casket made a loud popping sound. Everyone in the family heard it and we were all thinking the same thing. We all tried to bite our lips, although unsuccessfully. My dad, in an effort to prevent the inevitable, quietly said, “Don’t say it!” Then one of my uncles went ahead and said, “I think she [my grandmother] wants out!” That’s when we all lost it and busted out into laughter! But we were okay with that because we were gathered together as one big, united family. And as somber as that funeral may have been, it is thanks to our belief in the gospel that this occasion was also a celebration, a time to be happy for a life well-lived and life now progressed into the eternities.
But not all families are the same and some are worse off than others, especially those who don’t know the joy we know and have. I feel sorry for those who don’t have the gospel in their lives. I feel sorry for those who don’t know what it’s like to have the bond I share with my family. President Dieter F. Uchtodorf said, “Many had lost out on choice memories that come from spending time with family and friends. They missed developing a deep connection with those who meant the most to them.” (‘Of Regrets and Resolutions’, October 2012) There are many reasons why we as Latter-day Saints should share the gospel; bringing families together should be one of those reasons. Compared to my part-member family circumstances, I feel fortunate that all is relatively well with us. Without going into too much detail, I have seen other families torn apart, dysfunctional, unable to work out differences and things ended badly for the family members, especially the children. If we’re doing things right with our families we desire nothing but the best for our family, like Lehi demonstrated in the vision of the tree of life: “And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.” (1 Nephi 8:12)
I know this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ also is true; it focuses greatly on the family and I know that when we raise our families around gospel standards, those relationships will become stronger and each family member will also be better individuals as well. Because of the unique experiences I have coming from my family circumstances, I have a testimony on the importance of families. I also know that no matter what the differences in culture or belief, things can work out. Furthermore, I know that families can be eternally together forever. I also testify of the importance of mutual respect; you can appreciate one’s culture and beliefs different from yours better that way, especially when it’s from a family member who is close to you. I am who I am today, because of my family. I know God loves each and every one of His children regardless of culture or belief. My thoughts and testimony I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Friday, February 7, 2014
Callings: Déjà vu
Quite literally. I've been back at school for a little over a month for another round of Winter/Spring semesters. And as the title states, I've experienced déjà vu. I'm in a different (and newer) apartment complex from last year so that means a new Ward for a BYU-Idaho student such as myself. This semester's load of classes are typical but it seems a little bit on the heavier side also. Plus, it's still winter time and it's been sort of hard to get out and broaden my horizon a little when I'm usually socked in by mother nature... that is, until I got my calling a couple weeks ago.
And that's the déjà vu part; I've been called to be the male group leader for my Family Home Evening group (AGAIN!). If you recall, I had this same exact calling in my college Ward from last year's spring semester (along with a couple of other callings, and you know how I felt about that!). Once again, I've been given a little more responsibility and I have reason to be here (which I am grateful for!).
I'm also a little bit intrigued because I'm actually looking forward this time around to get to know the people around me in my new Ward. I'm hoping to fulfill my calling to the best of my abilities so once again, I take it on with the mindset that I have been called for a reason and I have something to learn and something to gain from this. I said it before and I'll say it again: We get called to these capacities for a reason by way of revelation. At the same time, in regards to my calling in the Church, the people I'll come into contact and get a chance to work with (especially my FHE family) will no doubt touch my life in a way and vice versa.
It's going to be an interesting semester nonetheless. But that gospel's still true!
And that's the déjà vu part; I've been called to be the male group leader for my Family Home Evening group (AGAIN!). If you recall, I had this same exact calling in my college Ward from last year's spring semester (along with a couple of other callings, and you know how I felt about that!). Once again, I've been given a little more responsibility and I have reason to be here (which I am grateful for!).
I'm also a little bit intrigued because I'm actually looking forward this time around to get to know the people around me in my new Ward. I'm hoping to fulfill my calling to the best of my abilities so once again, I take it on with the mindset that I have been called for a reason and I have something to learn and something to gain from this. I said it before and I'll say it again: We get called to these capacities for a reason by way of revelation. At the same time, in regards to my calling in the Church, the people I'll come into contact and get a chance to work with (especially my FHE family) will no doubt touch my life in a way and vice versa.
It's going to be an interesting semester nonetheless. But that gospel's still true!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
All-Time New Years 2014 Highlights: Great Friends from the YSA
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends..." (John 15:13-14)
No joke, this is how I feel about these people:
I'm still not fond of living in Oregon but I did meet and befriend some great people. We had our multi-Stake Young Single Adult New Years Party and this time, it felt different. It wasn't about those New Years resolutions that we were going neglect and toss aside anyways (although it would be great that we DO see through to those resolutions all year long!). This year, I met people. I got to know better people I met before. And most importantly, I met Saints; my brothers and sisters. People who I have the privilege of sharing commonalities with. We all come from different backgrounds and circumstances but that didn't mean we couldn't enjoy each others' company! We are friends, and brothers and sisters from the same YSA Branch we've been blessed to have!
Happy New Years, my dear friends! The gospel's true!
No joke, this is how I feel about these people:
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| I just love being around them! |
I'm still not fond of living in Oregon but I did meet and befriend some great people. We had our multi-Stake Young Single Adult New Years Party and this time, it felt different. It wasn't about those New Years resolutions that we were going neglect and toss aside anyways (although it would be great that we DO see through to those resolutions all year long!). This year, I met people. I got to know better people I met before. And most importantly, I met Saints; my brothers and sisters. People who I have the privilege of sharing commonalities with. We all come from different backgrounds and circumstances but that didn't mean we couldn't enjoy each others' company! We are friends, and brothers and sisters from the same YSA Branch we've been blessed to have!
Happy New Years, my dear friends! The gospel's true!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Christmas/New Years Highlights
I want to wish you a merry Christmas, for those of you who celebrate it. And if not, Happy Holidays! And a Happy New Year to you all!
As of last year, I started dreading the holiday season not because of the typical stresses that is normally included with it but mainly because since I am on the Winter-Spring track at BYU-Idaho, that means I start school as soon as the holidays are over. So naturally, I'm a little reluctant to leave the comforts of home... The one silver lining about that is I already have a year of college done so I know what and what-not to do this time around. Plus, I still have relatives close by (and they're always happy to take me in! Benefits!).
But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the holidays. Christmas time for my family at least is pretty low key; we got the tree and some decorations out so at least we were attempting to show some holiday spirit. But surprisingly, this year I found it a little difficult to have that spirit; I can't pinpoint on an explanation as to why... Some of us were a little under the weather unfortunately, and that probably contributed to it. I also tried to listen to Christmas music at home and while driving around town but that seemed to do little to remedy the lack of Christmas spirit. Of course we're one short in our family this year, with my younger sister currently serving her mission in Singapore; she was pretty good at bringing in the Christmas spirit at home in the past.
But we tried to have a good time and all. We're low key because well, we're poor. But that's okay because we realized a few years back that we don't really need a lot of material objects. The holidays officially start at Thanksgiving. The Friday after Thanksgiving is Black Friday; I am still appalled at how people would be celebrating a day meant to have a heart full of gratitude and then get all materialistic afterwards all in an attempt to get their shopping done with some of the lowest discounted prices around. The holidays have become overly commercialized; some places worse than others.
For the last couple Christmases since moving to Oregon, we've been so poor that what we would get for Christmas couldn't even compare with what a lot of people usually get. Again, we were alright with that; my sisters and I are old enough and grown to understand the true meanings of the holidays and we're okay with very little material things received on Christmas morning. For our family, the Christmas season is where if we find something for somebody that we know they're going to enjoy and use, get it but don't overdo it. The first time around was actually pretty sad because my dad was unemployed at the time and we didn't get any Christmas decorations out; we lacked any real motivation due to the fact we had just moved across the country and a list of other reasons I can't think off the top of my head. We even went to have lunch at Burger King on Christmas Day (mainly because it was the only place even open). That's sad, isn't it? But believe it or not, that has become a tradition for us to repeat. Again, we were fine with that because we were just grateful to be together as a family.
I wish I could say the same of this year with my sister currently serving a mission but I'll say it again: she is where she needs to be. Speaking of my missionary sister, of course we would get to talk to her on Christmas via Skype (technology is amazing). It was just nice to see her face and know that she's doing well and she's finding joy in the service of the Lord. We also tried to find time to play games as a family and that's always pretty fun. We had a lot of fun playing rounds of Rummy, something my parents taught us all to play years ago.
From a Church standpoint, I found time to meet new friends and get to spend time with them, which I am also grateful for...
Truth is, I haven't even heard from or seen a lot of my old friends from high school so I went out and made new friends to do fun things with. Most of them are in the YSA Branch I attend while at home so I spent time with them at Church activities and Family Home Evenings regardless. And then there's always the annual YSA New Years party to close out the year. For me the holidays have become much more than just traditions and materialism. For me, it's about the quality of it from different aspects and going the extra mile a little bit more, year by year. "Going the extra mile" meaning trying something new and spending time with different people when opportunity allows.
With school around the corner, it's time to enjoy the opportunities at hand and make preparations for greater opportunities packaged with the new year. With an attitude like that, the possibilities are endless. As one of my favorite Reno Air Races t-shirts say:
"Fly low, fly fast, turn left!"
Happy New Years everyone!
As of last year, I started dreading the holiday season not because of the typical stresses that is normally included with it but mainly because since I am on the Winter-Spring track at BYU-Idaho, that means I start school as soon as the holidays are over. So naturally, I'm a little reluctant to leave the comforts of home... The one silver lining about that is I already have a year of college done so I know what and what-not to do this time around. Plus, I still have relatives close by (and they're always happy to take me in! Benefits!).
But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the holidays. Christmas time for my family at least is pretty low key; we got the tree and some decorations out so at least we were attempting to show some holiday spirit. But surprisingly, this year I found it a little difficult to have that spirit; I can't pinpoint on an explanation as to why... Some of us were a little under the weather unfortunately, and that probably contributed to it. I also tried to listen to Christmas music at home and while driving around town but that seemed to do little to remedy the lack of Christmas spirit. Of course we're one short in our family this year, with my younger sister currently serving her mission in Singapore; she was pretty good at bringing in the Christmas spirit at home in the past.
But we tried to have a good time and all. We're low key because well, we're poor. But that's okay because we realized a few years back that we don't really need a lot of material objects. The holidays officially start at Thanksgiving. The Friday after Thanksgiving is Black Friday; I am still appalled at how people would be celebrating a day meant to have a heart full of gratitude and then get all materialistic afterwards all in an attempt to get their shopping done with some of the lowest discounted prices around. The holidays have become overly commercialized; some places worse than others.
For the last couple Christmases since moving to Oregon, we've been so poor that what we would get for Christmas couldn't even compare with what a lot of people usually get. Again, we were alright with that; my sisters and I are old enough and grown to understand the true meanings of the holidays and we're okay with very little material things received on Christmas morning. For our family, the Christmas season is where if we find something for somebody that we know they're going to enjoy and use, get it but don't overdo it. The first time around was actually pretty sad because my dad was unemployed at the time and we didn't get any Christmas decorations out; we lacked any real motivation due to the fact we had just moved across the country and a list of other reasons I can't think off the top of my head. We even went to have lunch at Burger King on Christmas Day (mainly because it was the only place even open). That's sad, isn't it? But believe it or not, that has become a tradition for us to repeat. Again, we were fine with that because we were just grateful to be together as a family.
I wish I could say the same of this year with my sister currently serving a mission but I'll say it again: she is where she needs to be. Speaking of my missionary sister, of course we would get to talk to her on Christmas via Skype (technology is amazing). It was just nice to see her face and know that she's doing well and she's finding joy in the service of the Lord. We also tried to find time to play games as a family and that's always pretty fun. We had a lot of fun playing rounds of Rummy, something my parents taught us all to play years ago.
From a Church standpoint, I found time to meet new friends and get to spend time with them, which I am also grateful for...
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| All great people! |
Truth is, I haven't even heard from or seen a lot of my old friends from high school so I went out and made new friends to do fun things with. Most of them are in the YSA Branch I attend while at home so I spent time with them at Church activities and Family Home Evenings regardless. And then there's always the annual YSA New Years party to close out the year. For me the holidays have become much more than just traditions and materialism. For me, it's about the quality of it from different aspects and going the extra mile a little bit more, year by year. "Going the extra mile" meaning trying something new and spending time with different people when opportunity allows.
With school around the corner, it's time to enjoy the opportunities at hand and make preparations for greater opportunities packaged with the new year. With an attitude like that, the possibilities are endless. As one of my favorite Reno Air Races t-shirts say:
Happy New Years everyone!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
To My Late-Grandmother: Years of Experience and Wisdom Passed On
This past weekend has been one of the more harder ones... Not only that, but this is the third time this year I had to go through this, these emotional roller coasters (second time for family). It was Wednesday morning and we had just finished up the first of three jobs of the day cleaning air ducts of people's homes. My co-worker was collecting payment while I was waiting outside with the work truck when my Dad forwarded me a text message he received from one of my uncles, informing us all that my Grandmother, Thayle Beckstead Wynn died. Reading that message made my work day a whole lot harder; I cried for about five minutes but I focused on getting back to the days work ahead and tend to these family matters after I got off work. My parents and I were able to get work off for Friday which we spent half of driving over to Idaho, just in time for the viewing service; my youngest sister drove up with relatives from Provo to join us as well.
Health problems related to age finally caught up with her but she went peacefully, didn't linger, was in no pain, and was surrounded at home with family members. She is now free from the pains of this world and reunited with her parents, siblings, son, and friends... Having lived until the age of 85, my grandmother had a life well-lived, having been through and being a witness to so many iconic moments in the history of the 20th Century. Earlier this year one my uncles (my grandparents' oldest son) died unexpectedly and that was really hard for my grandparents. I'm pretty sure my uncle was one of the very first people to greet my grandmother on the other side, along with a whole lot of others meaningful in her life back in the day. Heaven received an incredible angel.
She served a total of three missions with my grandfather as her companion; first the Eastern States Mission in the late 40s, then the Ohio Akron Mission during the late 80s, and most recently as Family History Center Missionaries in Mesa Arizona around the turn of the century. She also raised nine children, including my Dad. She was also a strong advocate for having good music in the home, which my Dad mentioned in his tribute to her during the funeral services. As a Piano, Trumpet, Baritone, and Ocarina player, the fact I can play these instruments and read music (along with my two younger sisters) is a part of my Grandmother's legacy. I suppose I should also credit her for the fact that I listen to a lot good genres in music, including the things my Dad grew up listening to and not so much with the crap this current generation listens to!
Though she is gone now, it is only a temporal 'good-bye'. I know there were a lot people waiting for my Grandmother on the other side. Though it was a somber occasion, this was a life with an incredible legacy to celebrate. And my grandmother touched the lives of many in the Ashton, Idaho-area. We Wynn's are slightly unorthodox when it comes to handling death and that's usually the result of having the gospel in our lives. During the viewing someone coming to pay their respect said, "We walked in the door and hear laughter down the hallway and we all thought, 'Yep, this must be a Wynn funeral.'" My Dad and my uncles were the pallbearers for the funeral. As we moved from the Church to the hearse en route to the cemetery, the lid of metal casket bearing my late-grandmother made a popping sound. Family members in hearing distance of that sound all had the same thought, at the exact same instant. We all had to bite our lips, not very successfully, a quiet laugh. In an effort to prevent the inevitable, my dad said in a low voice, "Don't say it!" But then there's my ever-so-awesome uncle Sam, in a not-so very low voice said, "I think she wants out!" And that was it, we all lost it, bursting into laughter! Again, "It must be a Wynn funeral!" But we were fine with that because that's how we were all raised. My grandmother would've laughed with us.
The weather for this occasion was absolutely gorgeous. My grandmother would've loved it... And many, many family members were present. The only downside was that my grandmother would have loved to have been among her many extended family members... I was extremely privileged to be part of the funeral service in accompanying the closing special musical number on the piano with my aunt and sister in a flute duet, playing a Hymn well-loved by my grandparents, 'Sweet Hour of Prayer'. According to my Dad, we put the exclamation point on his tribute to having music in the home. Our only regret with this musical number is that it wasn't a flute trio, with my other sister currently serving in the Singapore Mission, but she is where she needs to be and my grandmother would've wanted it that way. I loved what my dad said to my sister in an E-mail detailing the occasion: "I'm sure she's smiling down on you right now and will be another companion for you for the rest of your mission."
It's times like this when your testimony is truly strengthened and you're more grateful than ever for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the promises made to each and every one you in the Plan of Salvation. As my 'favorite' sister missionary in the Singapore Mission so eloquently put it, "The Atonement of Jesus Christ fixes everything that's unfair about life. I was thinking, grandparents are supposed to die. Dads and brothers aren't. Young missionaries aren't supposed to die on their missions. But that's okay because Christ already took care of everything that will ever hurt us." I echo the words of my sister. This gospel is true. Jesus Christ did suffer for each and every one of us so that the very things that will ever hurt us would have less of an impact. The Atonement works; it has worked for our family and will continue to do so. And of course, it can and will work for you as well. Families can be together forever. I leave these thoughts, these experiences, and my testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen
Health problems related to age finally caught up with her but she went peacefully, didn't linger, was in no pain, and was surrounded at home with family members. She is now free from the pains of this world and reunited with her parents, siblings, son, and friends... Having lived until the age of 85, my grandmother had a life well-lived, having been through and being a witness to so many iconic moments in the history of the 20th Century. Earlier this year one my uncles (my grandparents' oldest son) died unexpectedly and that was really hard for my grandparents. I'm pretty sure my uncle was one of the very first people to greet my grandmother on the other side, along with a whole lot of others meaningful in her life back in the day. Heaven received an incredible angel.
She served a total of three missions with my grandfather as her companion; first the Eastern States Mission in the late 40s, then the Ohio Akron Mission during the late 80s, and most recently as Family History Center Missionaries in Mesa Arizona around the turn of the century. She also raised nine children, including my Dad. She was also a strong advocate for having good music in the home, which my Dad mentioned in his tribute to her during the funeral services. As a Piano, Trumpet, Baritone, and Ocarina player, the fact I can play these instruments and read music (along with my two younger sisters) is a part of my Grandmother's legacy. I suppose I should also credit her for the fact that I listen to a lot good genres in music, including the things my Dad grew up listening to and not so much with the crap this current generation listens to!
Though she is gone now, it is only a temporal 'good-bye'. I know there were a lot people waiting for my Grandmother on the other side. Though it was a somber occasion, this was a life with an incredible legacy to celebrate. And my grandmother touched the lives of many in the Ashton, Idaho-area. We Wynn's are slightly unorthodox when it comes to handling death and that's usually the result of having the gospel in our lives. During the viewing someone coming to pay their respect said, "We walked in the door and hear laughter down the hallway and we all thought, 'Yep, this must be a Wynn funeral.'" My Dad and my uncles were the pallbearers for the funeral. As we moved from the Church to the hearse en route to the cemetery, the lid of metal casket bearing my late-grandmother made a popping sound. Family members in hearing distance of that sound all had the same thought, at the exact same instant. We all had to bite our lips, not very successfully, a quiet laugh. In an effort to prevent the inevitable, my dad said in a low voice, "Don't say it!" But then there's my ever-so-awesome uncle Sam, in a not-so very low voice said, "I think she wants out!" And that was it, we all lost it, bursting into laughter! Again, "It must be a Wynn funeral!" But we were fine with that because that's how we were all raised. My grandmother would've laughed with us.
The weather for this occasion was absolutely gorgeous. My grandmother would've loved it... And many, many family members were present. The only downside was that my grandmother would have loved to have been among her many extended family members... I was extremely privileged to be part of the funeral service in accompanying the closing special musical number on the piano with my aunt and sister in a flute duet, playing a Hymn well-loved by my grandparents, 'Sweet Hour of Prayer'. According to my Dad, we put the exclamation point on his tribute to having music in the home. Our only regret with this musical number is that it wasn't a flute trio, with my other sister currently serving in the Singapore Mission, but she is where she needs to be and my grandmother would've wanted it that way. I loved what my dad said to my sister in an E-mail detailing the occasion: "I'm sure she's smiling down on you right now and will be another companion for you for the rest of your mission."
It's times like this when your testimony is truly strengthened and you're more grateful than ever for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the promises made to each and every one you in the Plan of Salvation. As my 'favorite' sister missionary in the Singapore Mission so eloquently put it, "The Atonement of Jesus Christ fixes everything that's unfair about life. I was thinking, grandparents are supposed to die. Dads and brothers aren't. Young missionaries aren't supposed to die on their missions. But that's okay because Christ already took care of everything that will ever hurt us." I echo the words of my sister. This gospel is true. Jesus Christ did suffer for each and every one of us so that the very things that will ever hurt us would have less of an impact. The Atonement works; it has worked for our family and will continue to do so. And of course, it can and will work for you as well. Families can be together forever. I leave these thoughts, these experiences, and my testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen
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| On the left is my grandfather and on the right is my late-grandmother. |
Don't wait up for me Grandma! I'll see you on the other side!!!
Friday, October 11, 2013
Missionaries: You Need Them and They Need You!
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| Granted, there are more things you can do other than the ones mentioned here, depending on local circumstances. |
Recently, the Salem YSA Branch got sister missionaries in place of the Elders who transferred out. After a while, I overheard a conversation where someone said, "These sister missionaries are the best! They're better than any Elder I've known."
Where have I heard THAT before?! And THAT got my blood boiling. I know many great young men (friends and extended family) who served their missions faithfully and did their best. I even had the privilege of working with some of them, both during and after my mission. One thing I despise and resent is favoritism, especially in the Church and I'm afraid many members do it more often than we realize. I've seen it way too often on my mission between Elders and Sisters. Sister missionaries seemed to get pampered with extra "luxuries" such as a ride to the mission home from the subway station on a rainy day en route to a mission meeting.
I served in the Japan Nagoya Mission (Central Japan) and Japan overall is a harder place to do missionary work than other parts of the world. Generally speaking, sister missionaries seem to get more baptisms and lessons in a transfer mainly because their investigators are mainly women and they don't have problem visiting them. There are opposite sex rules that every missionary has to abide by. One of the most frustrating parts about my mission was the difficulty of getting Priesthood holders to go with us to our lessons because of their work schedules. Our tracting/housing led us to mostly female investigators and we had a hard time meeting them often due to the rules regarding the opposite sex. From my mission experiences, male investigators were hard to come by because from a cultural standpoint, they were always at work and weren't home until late in the evening, a time when all missionaries need to be home in their apartments getting ready for bed. That of course, led to criticism from members and mission leaders alike, who felt we weren't giving it our all when we were in fact trying to make the best of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. It also led to some missionaries being more favored than others and it shouldn't have been that way at all. And it didn't stop there; at mission meetings, the Elders often get grilled for the supposed "lack" of success.
Why do you think sister missionaries are much more "successful" than the Elders? It's because their investigators and converts are mostly female and they don't have a problem meeting with them.
Why do you think sister missionaries are so much more better than "any Elders you've known?" It's only because of those "higher success rates."
Now, I have a younger sister who is currently serving in the Singapore Mission. She has my full support in doing what she's doing and I couldn't be more proud of her. And mind you, she is in a place that's equally as difficult to do missionary work due to varying culture and religions. She's doing many good things. And for your information, Elders can be just as successful if YOU, the member help them. You don't measure success just in the number of convert baptism missionaries get. You measure success in their obedience to mission rules and in their faithfulness. Some missionaries will and have gone through their entire mission without seeing a single baptism and some feel like a failure as a result, but that's only because those around them who are critical make them feel so. Elders for the most part have a greater vision in mind for their investigators: worthy Priesthood holders. The Church stands in need always of worthy Priesthood holders and that potential lies within the new converts of the Church. And that's why we need to support our missionaries.
Missionaries, whether they are full-time Elders, Sisters, Senior Couples, Mission President and wife, or member missionaries, we need them and they need us! I challenge you to step up to the plate and give the full-time missionaries who are serving in your home Ward or Branch a helping hand in whatever way you feel inspired to do so. Stop playing "favorites!" Every missionary has a reason for serving and they're out there to touch different peoples' lives.
You should expect nothing more out of them than for them to do their best, obey the mission rules, and be faithful to the Lord. And that applies to us members as well:
- Do your best
- Obey the commandments
- Have faith
Monday, September 30, 2013
Changes in the Air... AGAIN!
One typical trend we always see in any Young Single Adult Ward or Branch is changes in membership with people coming and going, whether it's for school, careers, marriages and the list might go on... That also means constant changes in many callings in the Church for us YSA members, including leadership. It's inevitable that I've been on the radar for some time now and that means my callings in the Church, particularly in the YSA Branch are subject to change in order to accommodate said changes. That being said, I was recently extended a calling to be a counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency. I was also released from my duties in the Sunday School Presidency. It was funny how all this played out; I first a got a phone call from a member of the Branch Presidency, who asked if he could meet with me before the block on the upcoming Sunday. About 15 minutes later, I get ANOTHER phone call, this time from a member of the Stake Presidency. He asked the same thing, if he could meet with me sometime before the YSA block hours on the upcoming Sunday. Immediately I got that feeling; my thoughts went "Greeaat, they want me to do more things for the Church."
Sunday came and I first met with the member of the Branch Presidency who called me previously. He extended the calling of Sunday School President to me, which I accepted. Soon after, I met with the member of the Stake Presidency who called me earlier in the week and he extended the calling of Second Counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency to me. Was I surprised? No, considering how lacking the Salem YSA Branch has become. But this caused a little confusion and some quick last-minute shuffling on the part of the leaders. How typical... My initial calling as Sunday School President was now null and I would get the calling to be part of the Elders Quorum Presidency. Personally, I am feeling a little under-qualified to be in this capacity. And even on a more personal note, I have become a little fed-up with how things have been going for the Branch, in terms of membership attendance in both Church and Family Home Evening activities and in leadership meetings. I have attended a few Branch Council meetings and honestly, it's all talk and not a lot of results. Anything I felt inspired to say either gets shot down or I get an earful of something in response. All I want to do is fulfill my duties in the calling(s) that I have and help move the overall progress of the Branch in a forward direction. If there's one thing I don't like about a leadership capacity in the Church, it would have to be going to additional meetings, especially ones where it's almost pointless to go to if things are not going to get done. Nothing against the Church and the people who help make it up but there are WAY too many redundancies.
Once again, I take my new calling with the attitude that I have something I need to learn out of it. I don't know why the Lord put me in this position but I'm confident that He knows what He's doing and I'll put my trust in Him and His guidance. And most importantly, I will do my best.
Sunday came and I first met with the member of the Branch Presidency who called me previously. He extended the calling of Sunday School President to me, which I accepted. Soon after, I met with the member of the Stake Presidency who called me earlier in the week and he extended the calling of Second Counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency to me. Was I surprised? No, considering how lacking the Salem YSA Branch has become. But this caused a little confusion and some quick last-minute shuffling on the part of the leaders. How typical... My initial calling as Sunday School President was now null and I would get the calling to be part of the Elders Quorum Presidency. Personally, I am feeling a little under-qualified to be in this capacity. And even on a more personal note, I have become a little fed-up with how things have been going for the Branch, in terms of membership attendance in both Church and Family Home Evening activities and in leadership meetings. I have attended a few Branch Council meetings and honestly, it's all talk and not a lot of results. Anything I felt inspired to say either gets shot down or I get an earful of something in response. All I want to do is fulfill my duties in the calling(s) that I have and help move the overall progress of the Branch in a forward direction. If there's one thing I don't like about a leadership capacity in the Church, it would have to be going to additional meetings, especially ones where it's almost pointless to go to if things are not going to get done. Nothing against the Church and the people who help make it up but there are WAY too many redundancies.
Once again, I take my new calling with the attitude that I have something I need to learn out of it. I don't know why the Lord put me in this position but I'm confident that He knows what He's doing and I'll put my trust in Him and His guidance. And most importantly, I will do my best.
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