Forward!

During his conference sermon on Sunday evening, President Veazey told the story of the young Joseph Smith III who, while travelling to the 1860 conference where he would accept the leadership of the church, had to cross the Mississippi River. That was before the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers deepened the river, so it was still wide and shallow, and crossing was often difficult. Joseph got into a small boat in which he was to cross. The crossing was rough, and the boat began to take on water. Hence he was faced with a choice; to risk going forward or retreat to the safety of the shore from which they had departed. Choosing forward, young Joseph removed his shoes and began to bail water out of the boat. The rest is history.

President Veazey used this story to set up the question with which he ended his sermon. “Forward or back? It is your choice now.” Yesterday afternoon, following weeks of prayer and discernment and days of deliberation, the 2010 World Conference chose forward by approving the Counsel to the Church and authorizing its inclusion in the book of Doctrine and Covenants of Community of Christ as Section 164. We live in exciting times!

While Section 164 has caught the imagination of many, I wish to urge a word or two of caution. First of all, while many are excited by the possibilities of this document, some of our members are troubled by it. I therefore urge that we continue to support one another in prayer and caring. We do not all see things the same way.

Second, understand that nothing is likely to change right away. The First Presidency has outlined a multi-step process to ensure moving forward in an orderly manner. That process will take time. How much time remains to be seen.

Finally, I think we can be assured that the world is unfolding as it should. This is still God’s world, and we each have a part to play in it. May we each be ready to do our part whenever and however the opportunity arises.

Blessings for today.

Posted by Carman