I was recently asked to write an article for the ward newsletter. (Published again! W00t!) Below is the text from my article:
The "war chapters" of the Book of Mormon cover approximately 20 chapters, from Alma 43 through 62. In his account, Mormon takes us through a long, grueling experience for the Nephites as they endure years of hardship and sacrifice. In battle, they and their loved ones are wounded or killed. The people themselves suffer through hunger and sedition within the government. By the conclusion of this terrible war, everyone is understandably exhausted.
At this point, Mormon tells us that "because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility" (Alma 62:41).
These people have been through the same experience together. Yet there are two very opposite effects on those who have lived through it. What is the difference between those who have become "hardened" and those who have humbled themselves? Ultimately, it is their attitude.
Not long ago, I read through these chapters in my personal scripture study. I couldn't help but think of the COVID-19 pandemic we've all endured together these past few years. When I came to verse 41, I replaced the word war in my mind with the term pandemic.
"Because of the exceedingly great length of the [pandemic] many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the [pandemic]; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility" (Alma 62:41).
Just like the Nephites, we determine our reaction to adversity through our attitude. Will we become hardened by our challenges? Or will we choose to be more humble?
As I've had the opportunity to visit with our ward members, I have learned so much. I have observed that you face a wide array of challenges. Again and again, you have chosen humility over hardness. I'm in constant awe, inspired by the depth of your character and strength. You also strive to take care of each other. Like the people of Alma the Elder at the waters of Mormon, you witness that you "are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in" (Mosiah 18:9).
In return, our Father in Heaven promises that He will "pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon [us]" (Mosiah 18:10).
May we each strive to choose humility through our challenges. "And while [we] strive through grief and pain, His voice is heard: '[We] shall obtain'" (Hymns, no. 134).
