131. Will You Ever Ask the Questions?
THE “TRIGGER”:
It happens all the time—massive revisions of boundaries or units which shake up wards, stakes, or even regions. Such events are to be expected in an expanding Church. They happen every week. Only, this week, it was us. The “pick and flower” of our Ward was removed in a single swath.
It is painful. I grieve.
Some of my choicest role models, dearest friends, and most inspired teachers and leaders have not moved one inch from their former homesteads—but they have moved far from the constant interaction in the Kingdom with me which took years to nurture and refine.
I wanted to “memorialize”…”express”…”explain” my poignant feelings about this necessary (and inspired) change of circumstances—but I could not find the words. Until the whisper came to me: “Now I will not be able to seek out those special, even unique, moments when, one by one, I might ask these souls (my mentors): “Have you dared to ask…the questions?” The verse below followed swiftly—but those to whom it is addressed must find the piece for themselves. Such “unsung songs” are not the stuff of casual conversation. You have shown God’s light to me. God bless you always.
“Will You Ever Ask the Questions?”
I
Busy days too filled with meetings,
Prayers and worries fill your nights,
For the Saints who seek your succor,
And the Lord’s forgiving might.
Oh, the day to day seems endless,
Without time to pause and ask
The deep questions of the Kingdom,
And the Father’s foremost task. (1)
Will you ever ask the questions,
Of the Father’s foremost task?
II
Time to time, throughout the ages,
There were those who sought for “more”. (2)
As they made their way, in stages,
To come close to Heaven’s door.
Fewer still dared heed the Spirit,
As it whispered to their souls,
“It is time to ask the questions,
That can make God’s children whole”. (3)
Will you dare now ask the questions
That can make God’s children whole?
III
Yes, each day we ask for “blessings”
For ourselves and those we love.
Seeking health and food and shelter,
From our Father from above.
But at times a deeper yearning,
Bids us seek a higher state,
Bids us dare to ask the questions
Of our own eternal fate.
Have you not yet felt that yearning,
To seek out that higher fate?
IV
Sisters need not hold God’s Priesthood, (4)
To obtain those holy proofs,
That can only be acquired,
By the pure who quest for truth.
So as voice for Higher Powers,
Who await your prayer of faith,
I beseech you ask the Father,
The He seal you sure and safe.
Will you heed this feeble servant
Who would see you sealed and safe?
(c) servingjesuspoetry.com
Unlimited non-commercial usage allowed.
FOOTNOTES:
(1) See: Moses 1:39
(2) See: Abraham 1:1-2
(3) See: Joseph Smith History 1:29
(4) See: Number 122, above, as revised.
AFTERWARD/TENDER MERCIES:
The next day I received No. 132, which begins to express my admiration, even awe, at the Saints who have nourished, cheered, and taught me. I have known giants-first as a pre-existent spirit, then as a mortal child, and finally as a man.
It happens all the time—massive revisions of boundaries or units which shake up wards, stakes, or even regions. Such events are to be expected in an expanding Church. They happen every week. Only, this week, it was us. The “pick and flower” of our Ward was removed in a single swath.
It is painful. I grieve.
Some of my choicest role models, dearest friends, and most inspired teachers and leaders have not moved one inch from their former homesteads—but they have moved far from the constant interaction in the Kingdom with me which took years to nurture and refine.
I wanted to “memorialize”…”express”…”explain” my poignant feelings about this necessary (and inspired) change of circumstances—but I could not find the words. Until the whisper came to me: “Now I will not be able to seek out those special, even unique, moments when, one by one, I might ask these souls (my mentors): “Have you dared to ask…the questions?” The verse below followed swiftly—but those to whom it is addressed must find the piece for themselves. Such “unsung songs” are not the stuff of casual conversation. You have shown God’s light to me. God bless you always.
“Will You Ever Ask the Questions?”
I
Busy days too filled with meetings,
Prayers and worries fill your nights,
For the Saints who seek your succor,
And the Lord’s forgiving might.
Oh, the day to day seems endless,
Without time to pause and ask
The deep questions of the Kingdom,
And the Father’s foremost task. (1)
Will you ever ask the questions,
Of the Father’s foremost task?
II
Time to time, throughout the ages,
There were those who sought for “more”. (2)
As they made their way, in stages,
To come close to Heaven’s door.
Fewer still dared heed the Spirit,
As it whispered to their souls,
“It is time to ask the questions,
That can make God’s children whole”. (3)
Will you dare now ask the questions
That can make God’s children whole?
III
Yes, each day we ask for “blessings”
For ourselves and those we love.
Seeking health and food and shelter,
From our Father from above.
But at times a deeper yearning,
Bids us seek a higher state,
Bids us dare to ask the questions
Of our own eternal fate.
Have you not yet felt that yearning,
To seek out that higher fate?
IV
Sisters need not hold God’s Priesthood, (4)
To obtain those holy proofs,
That can only be acquired,
By the pure who quest for truth.
So as voice for Higher Powers,
Who await your prayer of faith,
I beseech you ask the Father,
The He seal you sure and safe.
Will you heed this feeble servant
Who would see you sealed and safe?
(c) servingjesuspoetry.com
Unlimited non-commercial usage allowed.
FOOTNOTES:
(1) See: Moses 1:39
(2) See: Abraham 1:1-2
(3) See: Joseph Smith History 1:29
(4) See: Number 122, above, as revised.
AFTERWARD/TENDER MERCIES:
The next day I received No. 132, which begins to express my admiration, even awe, at the Saints who have nourished, cheered, and taught me. I have known giants-first as a pre-existent spirit, then as a mortal child, and finally as a man.