Per my Mom's recommendation I am reading a book titled "America's Women," written by Gail Collins. I am only about half way through, but every day when I read I am more amazed at the history of our country, humans in general, and our amazing female sex. I have been in a mood to learn as much as I can about the history of America and those great names we associate with it. Reading the John Adam's biography that I just finished fueled this in me. Our history is absolutely fascinating.
In AW I was reading about the slave period. I have to say that I was brought to tears many times while reading about the inhumane treatment that was given to them. When I think about that period in our country's history I am appalled. How do humans get to the point of thinking that such behavior is natural, acceptable, and to be sought after? Bry and I were discussing this and we both are unable to fathom believing that slavery or any other attack on human rights would ever be OK, much less desirable to take part in. The vast number of stories about women, children, and minorities being abused, neglected, and taken advantage of is more than disturbing. The saddest part, however, is knowing that these experiences continue today all over the world.
We have been taught about the 'natural man' and how we must strive to overcome it. In my optimism, or possible naivete as my life has been free from any of these horrors, I like to believe that people could not behave this way. I'm not uneducated. I've been taught history and I see happenings on the news every day that are incredibly sorrowful. But I've also learned of brave women and men who stood up, defended, pioneered and fought their way into bettering our country and world.
As I read these books I see parallels to our present day. The evils that plague us now have always done so. There have always been people that give in to evil and act on those influences. We, as human beings, do not tend to learn from our history very well - just look at the stories in the Book of Mormon. How many pride cycles were necessary? Apparently more than what was experienced as an entire people had to be wiped out because they couldn't learn (amongst other things, of course).
Recognizing this could lead to an absence of hope. How can we expect the world to be a better place ever? How can we feel confident in letting our children grow up in this environment? In this never-ending cycle of natural man? I have hope because I know the Lord watches us and intervenes often. America was established through His hand, despite the blunderings of the early citizens. Familie's grief is shortened by the Spirit of the Lord - they still must face the consequences brought on by evil in this world, but they never have to face it alone. We have the knowledge and light of the Gospel available to every one of us. We have the words of the prophets of old and the prophet today. We have the Spirit to lead, guide, instruct and teach. Yes, the natural man is always there. Yes, we will always battle evil in this world (until the Savior comes again). But, we have all the tools to beat it. All the tools to excel as those sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father.
Reading this book is inspiring. No matter the dire circumstances we may face in life there is always a way to overcome and better ourselves, our families and our situation. I am grateful for our heritage. I am grateful for records of the past to study. I am grateful for the knowledge the Gospel in my life. And I am grateful that I can use these things to prepare my children for their life's journey - and with hope for their future.
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