August 23, 2010

Tonight I read Alma 27 about Ammon and the Anti Nephi Lehis leaving the land of the Lamanites and seeking refuge among the Nephites. A couple of things stood out to me in this chapter. The first is that the king and his people were willing to stay in their land and be killed by the Lamanites rather than go to the Nephites and be destroyed by them. They were so worried about their past sins and murders of the Nephites that they assumed the Nephites would want nothing to do with them but kill them. But more than giving in to their worry, the important thing is that they were willing to go to the Nephites if that is what the Lord commanded them. I think that is a wonderful example of being willing to obey the Lord's will over our own. The thing to remember is that God wants us to be happy! By obeying His will, we are leading ourselves in the path of joy and true happiness. Such was the case in this instance. The Anti Nephi Lehis found total forgiveness, generosity, sacrifice, service and protection from the Nephites. It must have been a humbling experience for both groups of people. I totally also admire the example of the Nephites, when hearing of the conversion of these people they were completely generous in offering them land and protection from the Lamanites as well. This was towards a group of people that had committed "many murders" among them. This is a beautiful example of forgiveness.

Another thing I thought was really neat in this chapter is when Alma comes with Ammon to tell the people the news and he shares his own conversion story with them. It occurred to me how powerful and uniting that must have been because Alma and his friends came from a wicked background, just as the Anti Nephi Lehis did. So I am sure they could relate to each other's conversion stories. It must have been strengthening and uplifting to them both. I feel inspired to remember my own conversion and to be willing at all times to declare my love for Jesus Christ and my testimony of and faith in the plan of happiness.