Inspired by others

I've been thinking about Samuel the Lamanite lately. He is a man of extraordinary courage. Often when we read about him in the Book of Mormon we see this courage of which I speak. However this time as I studied the account, I saw for the first time something different.
While what he did was exactly what the Lord asked him to do, the account is often viewed from the historical perspective. This time I saw him in the midst of a life-threatening trial. Yet even with hideous odds, he continued to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As some of the on-lookers saw his courage, some followed his example and went away to find Nephi to be baptized...shortly after that as others saw that the soldiers arrows and stones could not hit him, still others went away believing, and sought Nephi to baptize them. Meanwhile, having done as the Lord had commanded him, Samuel slips away-unharmed physically, never to be heard of again. He probably had no idea anyone had been affected by his bold declarations, in peril for his life.

Perhaps we are sometimes a little like Samuel, we boldly go forward doing what's right, doing our best, sometimes we are still surrounded by trails, heartache and pain. We pull on our faith, follow the Lord, and somehow the light at the end of the tunnel eventually is realized. During these times we are often so absorbed in survival we have no idea who is watching.

I submit that as we each keep our covenants, we pray for each other, when we are aware of their trials, and we do what we can to lighten others burdens. Yet ultimately our gift is that we can draw strength as we witness others stand tall during their personal trials and heartache. Our own testimonies can be strengthened if we are willing to learn from those around us.

My dear friend Chris, recently went through a grueling year fighting breast cancer. It was not a fight any of us could do for her, yet we fasted prayed and supported any way we could. And ultimately as she came to the end of the tunnel, I knew this experience had strengthened my testimony of a loving Father who knew her well! 

And so I guess the lesson to be learned from courageous Chris and obedient Samuel, is that sometimes our own trials are not for us alone but in part, to lift and strengthen those around us, even if we are totally unaware at the time.

I like to believe that Samuel and his converts have enjoyed a glorious meeting, on the other side of the veil, and are eternal friends now!