Greetings,
An unfortunately scanty report this week. Let me share a few things with you.
I had yet another privilege to drive a Sienna. This time a 2023, brand new, off the lot. If you can reasonably acquire one, I would highly recommend it.
I went on an exchange (the ol' switcheroo) with an Elder who was literally called Elder YONK. No jokes. And, let me tell you, he had sufficient power to support his namesake. He is one righteous fellow with a contagious desire to work. We had a jolly good time biking around town, jesting, joking, and spreading the good news.
On another day we saw one of our friends, who I'll call Zeke. It was about 7:30 PM, and quite dark for that hour, but we decided we'd go see Zeke. Last we had heard from him he was recovering from a head injury which he had received when he was bludgeoned with the dull side of an axe. When we arrived he had not expected to see us, but was in a very dire moment. Just having come out of rehab for a fentanyl addiction, he was encircled by temptations and anxieties, submerged in depression and darkness, and feeling completely, completely alone.
We asked if we could come in and sit with him. He agreed. As we were able to spend time with him many things transpired. Among them were ministration through prayer, the scriptures, and the Priesthood, as well as friendly conversation and empathetic silence. Though the truths of the gospel carry great comfort, we knew there was more we could offer him. Yes, Zeke desperately needed to be connected to the divine to receive strength and comfort beyond his own. But perhaps just as desperately, Zeke needed a friend.
Though we may not be able to remedy the complex challenges of morality, we can ensure that nobody has to face them alone. We can, "reach to lift hands which hang hopelessly down." After all, was this not the mission of Christ? Was it not He who suffered, "pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind…the sicknesses of His people…that he [would] know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."
My dear friends, these truths I know. Jesus Christ lives, as sure as you or I. He is the best listener in the cosmos and He wants to listen to you. He wants to listen to your heartaches, your troubles, your fears. And then He wants to put them all to rest. On occasion He may deliver us from suffering. Most often He will say to us simply as He has to many before, "Be still, and know that I am God." But when we hear it from His mouth through His spirit, it will be enough. I am confident our sorrows will be thoroughly silenced.
Your Savior has said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." Let us not exclude ourselves from the best friendship eternity has to offer. Let us not exclude ourselves from the friendship of Jesus Christ.
And so, with the Prophet Joseph I say, "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
Song 🎵
Older Chests–Damien Rice
Farewell for now, with all my love,
Your Friend,
Elder Winegar
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