#nephi

i get so irritated with the nephites, and it disturbs my spirit to read what some of them have written about the lamanite people. and i don't believe their point of view sometimes.

i think the book of mormon ultimately condemns the nephites' sinful behavior, but that is a message i think many people miss.

i have a soft spot for zoram and the zoramites as well. zoram didn't ask to be involved in all that, and didn't have a real choice about going with nephi and his family (he was coerced on threatof death). the zoramites have a right to be upset about it. my people were brought to the americas against our will as well, and i just feel the zoramites justifiable anger deeply. and while their way of worship needs correction, it feels like a "White people stepping in to save Black folks from their ignorance" narrative (which is a racist white savior narrative). i'm not sure i believe how the nephites presented zoram's point of view and the zoramites either.

since the BoM is written from a nephite point of view, i think it contains the prejudices that the nephites have. i guess i'm "nephite critical," but i think that's okay.

The Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song. 2 Nephi 22:2

I came across this verse today and I was inspired to write about what this verse means to me and how Jesus is my strength and my song

My Strength

When I am stressed and scared, He gives me courage. He helps me to continue trying and not lay down and give up when the only hope in sight is His promises, and not something earthly and tangible.

In all other times, He helps me to be my best self and constantly improve. To focus on my gifts and love for others. To be patient when I am frustrated. To make choices that improve my relationships. To trust in Him and His promises. He reassures and comforts me. He makes me achieve things I couldn’t achieve on my own.

My song

Through the good and bad times, He is always in my heart and my mind. Like a song, that comforts, that empowers, that celebrates joy and hugs you when you are filled with sorrow. Like a song, He feels every emotion with me. Like a song, He inspires me to sing praises and to open my heart to Him and to others. Like a song, He helps me to experience my emotions in a meaningful and productive way. Like a song, He makes life better, more interesting, more beautiful.