122. The Daughters of the Lord
"The Trigger":
I was asked to give a Sacrament Meeting talk on "Home Teaching". Fine, Great topic. There was a lot of lead time, an abundance of material, and even a prior relevant poem (albeit a little long), "Servants in the Shadows" (#17). By God's grace, I believed I was ready days early.
So, at night I would ponder the subject, and mentally review scriptures, points, quotes, and so forth. Well, and good. But in the very early hours of the Saturday before I was to speak, a phrase awoke me: "There awaits a crown of glory, for the Sisters of the Lord." I was even reminded of a pertinent passage in Malachi which is found below.
O.K. I arose, typed up the first draft in half an hour, and attempted to return to sleep. But a message remained: "Why did you receive this piece? You're not speaking about Visiting Teaching?" And the answer was clear and pointed:
"Because in these tumultuous times, a perilous rift is growing between men and women which is repugnant to Christ's gospel and unacceptable, in the Kingdom, to Deity. Make mention in your talk about the crucial role of sisters and sisterhood, joining with brethren and the Priesthood. Remember #92, "Brothers and Sisters Fulfilled Together".
Message received.
The Revision:
More than one year later, pondering Mosiah 5:7, I came to appreciate that the title of this piece, and its message, required revision. First, the scripture:
"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters."
Now, the insight. Jesus has billions of mortal "sisters"--but the title daughter is reserved for the faithful who shall dwell with Him and the Father forever in celestial glory. That is a much smaller number. This poem is intended to convey the glories, powers, and unlimited progression reserved for righteous sons and daughters. The brethren have a duty, and an opportunity, to "step up" to the Savior's call to join His Royal Army--which includes, in part, supporting and sustaining the sisters. The sisters may become more than "beings with a common spiritual Father"--they may become Joint Heirs with Jesus Christ and be known as His Daughters. This poem is for that rather select group--REJOICE, you are known and beloved of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; you have truly been born again.
“The Daughters of the Lord”
There awaits a crown of glory
For the Daughters of our Lord.
You who serve His needy children,
Without notice or reward.
You give your lives to lift the hands,
That hang heavy with despair.
You strengthen, daily, feeble knees,
With courage, hope, and prayer.
A busy, selfish, world derides
Your service and your faith.
But unseen angels hover, close,
Until your souls are safe.
Fear not, beloved of the Christ,
He shall make your burdens light.
And Father's smile shall ease all pains,
You have born to serve the right.
© servingjesuspoetry.com
Unlimited non-commercial usage allowed.
Malachi, Chapter 3:14-18
"Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?
And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."
ADDENDUM: Brethren may become "sons" as well.