Lowering Clouds (9/23/2009)

"Naturally, believing Christians, even those who have a mature faith in the gospel, are concerned and disturbed by the lowering clouds on the horizon. But they need not be surprised or frantic about their portent, for, as has already been said, at the very beginning of this last dispensation the Lord made it abundantly clear that through the tribulations and calamity that he foresaw and foretold and that we now see coming upon us, there would be a people who, through acceptance and obedience to the gospel, would be able to recognize and resist the powers of evil, build up the promised Zion, and prepare to meet the Christ and be with him in the blessed millennium. And we know further that it is possible for every one of us, who will, to have a place among those people. It is this assurance and this expectation that gives us understanding of the Lord's admonition, 'be not troubled.'" - President Marion G. Romney

These words by President Romney were spoken over 40 years ago in a time that saw the assassination of an American President, the dawning of an ugly war in Southeast Asia, and eroding social mores. Perhaps the events that define today are different, but the concern about the "lowering clouds" among those faithful to Christ have not changed. Then again, neither have the words of encouragement. Regardless of what takes place in the world around us, as long as we remain faithful to the Savior and strive to improve ourselves and our homes, we will have no reason to fear. I hope that as we furrow our brow over today's headlines that we can maintain the eternal perspective that all of these things will soon pass.