Moroni was left alone and described his situation: "My father hath been slain in battle, and all my kinsfolk, and I have not friends nor whither to go" (Mormon 8:5])
About a thousand times in the passed 5 years of my life i have been asked "Why on earth! Did you ever join the marines!" There are many reasons why that ring true. Standing stable and loyal to your family and country. Maybe becoming something strong and progressing in my life. setting a goal that seemed to be only gained if hard work and determination was applied. all the reason and be summed up into one word for me. A word that has guided me and has been of pillar of light and strength.
"grandpa"
around 50 some odd years ago, in this town, my grandfather was standing in the same shoes as me. a young marine trying to start a career and laying a foundation that would help himself and his family one day grow. As a kid his firm and strong ways made a huge impact on my life. while watching him as I grew up, i noticed he stood taller than everyone else that i knew. He was someone who was true and steadfast to his beliefs. Grandpa's way was the right way, the good and true way.
I remember one day helping him in my backyard adding a to our short patio. we sat and worked all day preparing the ground for bricks that one day would be laid down. these bricks would be a standing area for future barbq's, conversations, and a shady place to get away from the heated summer days. as we finished laying the bricks my mother came outside and had us a nice big glass of tea. i remember my grandfathers exact words, something that i never i knew i had in me" Boy Yvonne your son James is a harder worker, I never knew he had it in him to finish this." i sat on the ground in amazement of what i had heard. As the sun blinded our eyes and the sweat poured from both mine and my grandfathers faces. He gave me a smile that i would later receive 10 years later as i walked off the parade deck at MCRD San Diego as I received my Eagle Globe and Anchor. after 3 months of drill, physical training, and courage i was finally a United States Marine. I stood next to my grandfather just as tall as he ever did for the first time.
As i began my enlistment i started to notice that the light and strength my parents and grandfather gave me growing up was starting to fade away into the dark. i was now on my own and very independent. i was set into motion and could only look back to make sure my bearings where correct. i applied the fundamental things i was taught as a child. the examples that were given to me by everyone started to become more like second nature to me. All i wanted out of my life was to be successful like my my grandfather was. He has retired 3 times, hard work flows through his body, he has remained a strong person for everyone in his family. the riches he has are more than of this earth. the love our family has for one another is simply amazing. I am truly blessed for the love i have from my grandfathers family. After 5 years of service the one thing that i have found to be true above all others to be successful is remain close to your morals and standards. hold tight to the things you believe and you will be blessed in return. after flowing in his footsteps all i want to do in my life is work hard and progress. to have a family that is eternally together. and as i sat watching general conference it was all summed up to me by Cheryl C. Lant, Primary General President
"At the end of my father’s life, he passed much more on to us, his children, than a red ruby ring. His body was spent, but in reality he stood as a pillar of strength, an example of righteousness and truth. His very life held the traditions that strengthen us today, even though he is no longer with us. He was “steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.”
what a wonderful thing to have that in your life as i have had with my grandfather. that's what i want to be that's what i want my children and grandchildren to feel not necessarily say when i pass, that's all i want out of this world.
i saw a pillar a light exactly over my head above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me, it no sooner appeared than i found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound when the light rested upon me i saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing over me in the air, one of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other Joseph this is my son hear him
i know these things to be true, so true they give me hope for the future. i know them to be so true they give me hope in so many other things.
Monday, April 14, 2008
pillar of support
