Elders in the Hood: Week 25 - Trying times will come

So, one little note. As a kid I loved birds, and I do not doubt that this love came from Gram (my beautiful grandma on my mother's side). So, going on about that, I loved reading and studying everything about birds. Though I do not do that anymore, nor have I done that for years, a little piece of my childhood comes out deep within me when I see a Cardinal, which was without a doubt my favorite bird in this world. I don't know what it is, but I still have strange connections with this bird. And what do you know? Michigan has Cardinals! They aren't everywhere but enough to let you know that they are still there.

On to the week though. This week I tracted (a word for knocked doors) down on of the hardest streets I have ever done in my time here in Detroit. From gangbangers to faith shaking questions from the bitter. But I say "faith shaking", because that is truly how I felt when we stopped by a specific door. What caused this shake of my faith well one, this rather unpleasant man asked questions that I had never thought of, nor did I know the answers to, but also the fault and cause is my own. I allowed my faith to be shaken. This experience made me sick. Though this man placed these questions like a knife to the heart, how could I just pack all my bags and leave the gospel? I know in some situations some may choose to do so, that even though this gospel is the only true and full gospel in this earth, because it seemed for a moment, imperfect, incomplete, and unanswered they would pack their bags and leave. They would quit. Because for a moment we had a stumbling block, a stupor of thought. Well, I ask you brothers and sisters, if you have had, or are currently experiencing this kind of event in your life whether the situations are similar to mine or not, how could you just leave something that has brought so much love and light in your life? How could you just quit on yourself and your God? Do you not know that if you lack wisdom to ask of God? That by faith, patience and diligence all may be revealed? I encourage you that if you are backed up to the wall of faith, DO NOT JUST QUIT. Trying times will come, prepare yourselves, take arms, and put on the full armor of God. These times are meant to be endured and given to us that we may have more strength in He who is the source of all strength. Don't give up the eternities because of few short moments. Test the promises of the gospel, find the answers that will be given us. And prepare yourself more than I, that when that time comes you may fully be able to testify of the truthfulness of this gospel.

So, a question you may ask. Has Elder Alger now received his answers? He must have! Look at how he defends his faith! I can tell you no, I have not received my answers but they will come, in God's time. But because He hasn't given me answers does that mean He is not there? No, He is there, and He has told me so, through scripture study and prayer. And answers will come. But until then He comforts me.

Take comfort in Him, even in your trying times and He will carry you.

Until next time,
Elder Samuel Afton Alger

Graffiti picture of the week!