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Strengthening Thy Stakes

 This week the study skill I used in the assigned reading was symbolism. Which ended up being a great skill for these verses:

Isaiah 54: 2-4 which says, 

"Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy see shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more."

What Tyler got from this was very different than what I learned. That is because we were being taught two different things, that is the beauty of symbolism. Two people can be reading the same thing and learn two totally different things. 

For me, I learned that it is important to strengthen and open our homes. So, anyone who comes to our home can feel loved and accepted by us and our Savior. Our home is stronger when it is focused on Christ and filled with His love. 

When we moved to Leamington, I had a profound desire for our home to be a refuge. To be a place that people would want to come to to feel peace, love, and acceptance. I could picture people wanting to come back to our home because they felt like it was home to them. I know this kind of home isn't built over night, but it is a goal that I am working on. 

Doctrine and Covenants 115:6 teaches, "And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth." Our homes need to be "a refuge from the storm". They should be places our children should feel safe in or safe to return to. For they will grow up, move out, and experience the world. If we have built a home they feel safe in then they will feel like they can go out into the world and face it. Then when they need a place to rest and be strengthened, they can come home. 

I believe these verses are also teaching us that our homes should feel this way for everyone that comes into our home. Not everyone has the blessing of having a safe haven for a home. Just as the temple can be a refuge to everyone, our homes can be the same way.

Part of making our homes safe is that need to feel like they are being met with love and not criticism. I love this quote from Pres. Camille N. Johnson, "we can choose how we show up - with respect, even when we disagree, and with compassion for the burdens others are carrying. We can show up with the intention to listen to understand, rather than defend our position with hostility and hurtful words." We do not have to agree with everyone that comes into our home. We all have been given agency and that means we all get to use our agency. We should be able to use our agency without the hurting criticism of others. 

I think that is what Isaiah is trying to teach us. Our homes need to be a place of love, not criticism. I think this is an important principle to remember especially in the month of June. June is widely recognized as Pride Month for the members of the LGBTQ+ community. Depending on the member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints there can be a rift between this religion and this community. One that I believe can be bridged from efforts on both sides. 

I saw a reel on Instagram that I really appreciated. Here is what it said, "As a Latter Day Saint what would you do if your child came out to you?"

I would still love them.

I would still support them.

I would still walk through life with them.

I would still encourage healthy relationships.

I would still support their desire to be married.

I would still honor their desire to become a parent.

Why? What would you do?"

I agreed with every one of these statements. I did add one.

I would maintain my own relationship with God.

I think both things can exists. I can use my agency to strengthen my relationship with God while supporting others use of their agency. Others choices do not have to weaken my faith. I determine how strong my faith is. I can approach conversations with the intention of love and understanding. I can still have a healthy relationship with someone who I disagree with.

When someone is in my home, no matter what they do or believe, I want them to feel love from me and hopefully understand that, that love comes from the Savior too. My house chooses to obey the commandment given to everyone in John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

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