May 15, 2013

May 15, 2013

Happy Mother’s Day!

     So yesterday all the missionaries were given the great opportunity to speak with their families.  That goes to show you how important Mother’s Day really is because the only other day we get to call home is on Christmas.  Now that I have been in the mission through this grand holiday, I can see the huge reason of its importance.  During the wonderful talks given this Sunday on the subject my mind was turned to the scripture of Alma 57:47-48.  For those that are not familiar with this scripture it is talking about the 2,000 sons of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's who took up arms against their enemies to defend the rights to liberty and protect the oath that their fathers had made with the Lord.  During this point in their battle with the Lamanite army, while they were leading them into a trap, they felt impressed to turn back and enter into a situation that would put their lives in danger.  Despite the fact that they were all in their youth because of their great faith in God and in the faith which had been taught to them, by their mothers, they went to the aid of their Nephite brethren.  From the faith that they showed in this circumstance and the zeal they had in obeying the words of their mothers as a result of this battle none of the 2,000 sons were killed during this battle because they knew that the Lord would protect them as their mothers had taught them, and they had faith in the words of their mothers.
     These youth understood what it meant to "honor your father and mother".  And to honor them does not only mean to listen to them, but it also means to bring honor to them.  I have been thinking about how applicable this is to everyone as we need to bring honor to our parents who are in heaven.  Sorry that this email was a little preachy I guess it’s just because Mother’s Day was just yesterday and the feeling hasn't worn off yet.  I love you all and hope that you had as good of a Mother’s Day as I did.

 Elder Erb