Refuge From The Storm

 Shortly after the dedication of the Nauvoo, Illinois temple on June 27, 2002, some of our family members and extended family members went on a Church History Tour. As part of that tour, we ended up in Nauvoo, which is a very historical place in our church's history. The Nauvoo Temple had initially been built by the early saints. Mobs in the area persecuted the saints, driving them out of the state, and then they  destroyed the temple.

Having this temple rebuilt and then dedicated was a very historical moment. I remember that the dedication was broadcast in church buildings throughout the world to those with a temple recommend. We were in Utah at the time and viewed the dedication at a Stake Center in Bountiful. It was glorious and gave me a feeling of great peace and it also renewed my testimony of Jesus Christ, His church, and the importance of temples.

While in Nauvoo on our church history tour in 2002, some of us were fortunate to be able to go on a session in the Nauvoo Temple. While we were in the temple, shortly after our session ended, the power went out for a period of time. Fortunately, the back-up generator went to work and dim lighting appeared. I was then able to participate in the scheduled baptisms of some of the youth in our group.  Cheryl and Kyle were among those who participated. It was a great feeling to be in the baptistry with them. 

After we exited the temple, we were able to learn why the power had gone out. Evidently, a big storm came through the area and lightning had struck a tree in one of the historical areas close to the temple, causing the power to go out. This unfortunate event provided me with a powerful object lesson. Temples are considered places of refuge. While we were in the temple doing the Lord's work, we had no idea that a strong storm had been in the area, nor did we have an awareness of the damage it had done. We were completely naïve about the situation. Had we been outside, we would have needed to find shelter or some kind of refuge from the storm. Since we were in the temple, we didn't need to run to a place of safety or refuge because we were already protected while inside the temple. 

What this taught me is that there will always be storms in our life - not necessarily weather related storms, but storms more in the form of trials or afflictions. Everyone has trials. It is part of living. I have found that if my heart is in the right place and I am doing the right things like following Christ, being engaged in a good cause, keeping the commandments, praying, reading the scriptures, etc., the storms of life will have little or no affect on me. I can weather them much easier. Christ is my refuge from any storm. If I turn to Him, He will always be there for me to lift me up and succor me and help me through any trial that comes my way.

I'm grateful for that object lesson that day while in Nauvoo. I can't always be in the temple, but my home can be a refuge for me as well. Our home was dedicated shortly after we moved in by my husband through the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood which he holds. Here is an excerpt of that blessing:

We would like to dedicate this home as a place of love, a place of gospel learning, and a place where peace can abide .Please bless this home to be a place where the spirit of the Holy Ghost and the spirit of Jesus Christ can dwell without restraint and that all who enter herein will feel welcomed, at peace, and do nothing to detract from the spirit here.

We dedicate this home to be a place where we can receive personal revelation and inspiration for ourselves and for our family members. Inspire us as parents in all our dealings with our children and grandchildren. As they reach out to us for advice, help us to be able to communicate openly and honestly with each other.

We dedicate the earth on which this house sits and the whole structure from its footings to the top of the roof to be able to withstand any future tempests and natural disasters that may threaten to bring it down. Protect it, as well, from any defiling hand of man for as long as we occupy it. May it stand strong, steady, and firm, even as we stand strong, steady, and firm in our commitment to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom here on the earth.

In many of the Psalms in the Old Testament, we are taught to trust in the Lord. He is our Rock, our Redeemer, and our Refuge from the storms of life. We can get through any curveballs life throws our way with Christ on our side. I stand by that and bear testimony of that.