Like a Good Neighbor ...
I spent the evening with a dear friend of 20 years tonight. We laughed together and talked of serious matters.
My friend is 86 years old. She is a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
She has spent her life in serving others. Her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her church.
She came to my rescue on more than one occasion.
She has rescued many people, often giving more than was asked.
I was able to be here for the funeral of her husband.
I was here when she fell and broke her hip.
It was only fitting that I was here for her tonight.
The leaders of her Utah church called her in for a Bishop’s Court.
We met at the local church.
I met each of them and shook their hands.
They invited me to share my feelings.
I watched as each person entered and left the room.
I felt a sweet feeling with each one there.
I talked with her earlier in the week and she had expressed concerns to me about tonight’s meeting.
She said that as a young child she wanted to know what church to join. To her parents credit, they allowed her to visit other churches and make up her own mind. Each church seemed lacking in something and so she decided to look into her parents church. She read and prayed and decided to be part of her parents Utah church.
She spent time as a successful missionary, married and raised a large family.
Through her many years she has always given service.
Tonight she was tried and convicted of Apostasy.
I marveled at her response.
“Tonight I begin a new life.”
She told me that her church had changed. What she was taught as a child, no longer applied. She had to abandon her old teachings and accept the new or face the consequences.
She told them she could not comply.
She will be publicly denounced and prohibited from participating in church affairs.
Church members will be prohibited from associating with her.
Sadly for some, this will seem a tragedy.
For others a senseless act of cruelty.
For my friend, the beginning of a new life.
She has now become a Free Agent.
She shared with me her love of God, her love of family, and her love of life.
She will continue to serve and rescue and help those in need.
On her hill, she will continue to let her light shine.
Love and Blessings Always, Dear Friend.
