Essay #3: Persuasive Essay - God’s Merciful Interventions… Or Lack Thereof?

During a movie set during the Pacific portion of World War II, a hardened soldier asks another, “If God made all of us, why did he make the Japs?” The second responds humbly that we are all created by God, but we all have free will. The first said he wanted nothing to do with a God who could create such hateful people, while the second smiled and walked away with his bible clutched to his chest.

This exchange shows two different viewpoints; one, believing God sits on his throne watching us and not caring one bit, while the other showing belief that God has a plan and through faith, we can be given His blessings.

The question is: Is God involved in our lives even today? To what extent does He interfere, punish, or bless?

The topic of war is an example of being subject to suffering in many forms, not just the act of warfare. Looking at God in the Old Testament, many see things like the plagues of Egypt (Bible KJV Ex 7-12) as evidence that God, when He does intervene, acts harshly. However, careful study of the plagues sees the Lord giving Pharaoh chance, after chance, after chance to hear Moses. God had compassion even on Pharaoh, just like He does with the people we perceive as “wicked” today by allowing them to use their agency before He intervenes.

Why, then, does God allow people who follow Him to suffer? Is He just letting us flail around in the dark, letting life events unfold with no intervention? If that were the case, then following the teachings of God would be fruitless. However, Dallin H. Oaks said, “Our loving Heavenly Father wants His children to have the joy that is the purpose of our creation.” This statement demonstrates that God is involved. Why, then, do we suffer? Kenneth H. Beesley explained; “We must pass through the refining experience of sorrow… if we are to enjoy… the blessings of the celestial kingdom.”

Refining experiences are found throughout history. The early saints, the people of the Book of Mormon, and the biblical tale of Lot, (KJV Bible) are riddled with examples of suffering bringing about a greater purpose. 1 Nephi 20:10 says: “For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” In Ether 12:27 we also read; “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” Thus, we see that God allows us to struggle and to use our agency, so we learn to turn to Him and He, in return, can make us stronger.

God wants us to be happy. He has a perspective we cannot fathom. He knows us in ways we do not even realize. He loves us so much that He allows us to use our agency for better or for worse. He loves us enough to let us learn through hard times, while He stands by, ready and waiting for us to turn to Him for help. Whether or not He intervenes is up to us.

Works Cited

The Holy Bible, King James Version, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1979.

The Book of Mormon. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981.

Beesley, Kenneth H. “What is the Purpose of Suffering?” New Era. April 1975, https://www.lds.org/new-era/1975/04/what-is-the-purpose-of-suffering?lang=eng

Oaks, Dallin H. “Truth and the Plan.” General Conference. October 2018, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/truth-and-the-plan?lang=eng

Essay #2: This I Believe

Motherhood

At church one Sunday, we had a lesson about nobility in motherhood and I almost burst into tears. At the time, I was exhausted from another week of failing to keep my house tidy, sleep deprivation, and fighting with growth-spurt induced tantrums. When I see other kids sitting quietly while my two wild girls climb the furniture, let out high pitched squeals, and eat— constantly eat—I think, why did I sign up for this gig?

No matter how hard it is raising kids, I wouldn't trade them for the world. In my heart, I believe that being a mother is the noblest of callings. Being given the responsibility to care for, mold, and love someone so they can become a functioning and intelligent member of society is crucial. Although I have a love-hate relationship with my role, in the long run, my struggles and tears will be worth it.

Carrying and bearing children is a wondrous part of motherhood, a great gift from God, but there is so much more to this role. Being a mother means being a leader. To guide people down the paths of life means being intelligent, compassionate, kind, refined, faithful, virtuous, and most of all, loving. People usually respond positively to these qualities. These qualities can instigate greater good than harsh words, casting a vote, or being the driving force behind a protest rally.

While working in elementary schools, I’ve seen children of all varieties. There was one girl whom everyone had grown frustrated because of her poor behavior. I discovered all she needed was someone to listen and see her as someone deserving of love. Soon, I became the one she would run to for anything from when she had a rough night with her divorced parents to when her peers upset her. She needed to know someone cared. With her, and other children, I’ve seen behavior turn right around when shown tenderness, kindness, and understanding.

While struggling with fertility, I’ve often wondered why, with my desire to be a mother and my love for children, having a brood of my own will never be an option. The grief of months turning into years of inability to conceive becomes crippling. My fertility problems help me appreciate my wild girls, but with women around me having children like rabbits, why would I agree to this heartache as part of my life plan?

The Lord responded to my plea; Because you agreed to mother those who are motherless. That is your role in gathering Israel.

He has given me a gift to love, and I agreed to use that love to save His precious children from lives of anguish and loneliness. Therefore, we are preparing to take in children as foster to adopt. It won’t be easy, but I know it is my role as a daughter of God, chosen to be a mother in Zion.

Being a mother is a divine and noble role. Although some are blessed to magnify this role through a traditional manner, others are given a different route. They can fulfill their divine purpose just the same. Although I will struggle, when these children are grown I will see the blessings of my efforts. God has entrusted me with His precious children, and that's the greatest honor of all.

College Essay #1 - Love Letter

Since I started college this year, my time to write has taken a heavy hit and has diminished significantly. However, this semester I am doing an English writing class, so I thought I'd share them here with you so you can see what little writing I have done lately.

Enjoy!

The Gift of Sight

Dear Reading Glasses,

You may be small and simple, but you make the most important things to me possible. I chose you because you’re pretty, yes, with the brown outside and a leaf and gem detail on the side in teal, but they are cosmetic details. What you do matters to me.

Your lenses have scratches, yes. I wish I could take care of you better, but you are used so often. When at home, I use you to read to my girls. I use you to read novels, articles, scriptures, the Ensign. With you, I can do the activities I love the most despite my farsightedness.

You make it possible to work with students at my job. I can read their textbooks, their worksheets, and help them with their math problems. In fact, kids notice when you’re gone and ask why I’m not wearing you.

At night, you help me drive safely. With my slight night blindness in my left eye, you adjust my weakness and make lights go from blurs to clearly defined objects. This simple thing ensures I can do what I need to do and keep myself and my children safe.

Mostly, you make it possible to spend time on my computer where my passions lie. With you, I can do my studies for school, pursue my dreams, and follow the path I have been inspired to take. You have made it possible these past few years to spend hours writing, revising, and pouring over manuscripts from first drafts to publication.

 Without you, things get blurry and I develop headaches. Without you, I struggle to do the things that mean the most to me. You are a simple thing I often take for granted or forget where I’ve left you, but I search frantically for you for a reason. You are my lifeline. You literally give me the ability to read and write and use my talents. I love you, my reading glasses.

Sincerely,

Katie