Modern Gladiator: the MMA Cage vs. the Roman Arena

My wife and I recently watched the movie, Pompei.  A violent reenactment, but beneficially purposeful.  The Film’s story and purpose reminded me of a once ancient, terrible reality: the horrifying man-on-man violence, where contenders beat each other senseless, and then finished off the loser with a death strike, all in the name of entertainment for a violence-loving crowd; apparently, a very bored crowd.  A crowd so desperate for excitement in their lives that they reached the point of turning to animalistic entertainment, where human life hung in the balance.  A midst the audience, men and women could be seen indulging in the unspeakable gore while simultaneously popping grapes into their mouths, with their sandal-strapped legs kicked up, reclining casually.  Others viewed the battle while standing up, yelling, and cheering for their favorite fighter, with a passionate support. 

While watching the aforementioned movie, my troubled thoughts questioned: Why were people so evil, back then?  How was it possible that a society could ever evolve into such a morally desensitized group, being capable of casually watching immoral brutality, as if they were watching a Shakespearean play at the theater?! 

But then, it dawned on me, that today’s culture is not far off from Roman times.  I know, a depressing thought.  However, my intent is not to be discouraging, but rather inspire a meaningful assessment of what we currently support, and to encourage change or simply a more proactive stance, if needed.

Anciently, they had the Roman Arena.  Today, we have the MMA Cage.  Below are some similarities and differences between the two: 

Similarities 
*Roman Gladiators ruthlessly beat each other to a pulp.  MMA Fighters also beat one another in a ruthless way.  It’s not an act.  Not a theatrical performance or cinematic show purposed to illustrate a good versus evil struggle or to teach some historical lesson.  No.  The violence of MMA events is very real. The blood splashing into the air, from one Fighter hammering his fist and elbow into the head of his straddled opponent is real blood; not a movie effect or graphic.
*Why did the Roman Gladiators fight each other?  For what purpose?  To entertain.  Why do MMA Fighters fight each other?  To entertain.      

Differences  
*Where MMA Fighters will stop the fight once their opponent has had enough (i.e. tapped out or knocked out), the Gladiators would finish the fight in the most definitive way: death.
*MMA Fighters use their bodies as weaponry, whereas Gladiators used forged weapons like spears and swords, in addition to their bodies.  
*No rules, and therefore no referees in Roman Arenas.
 

The Terrible Equalizer

Given these differences, Gladiator battles were, hands down, more barbaric and violent.  More evil.  Yes, we still have a couple levels to plummet before we are as bad as the extremist Romans.  But, do we have to be as bad as the Romans (i.e. the very worst), before we are concerned?  Before we change?  

Moreover, there exists a terrifying equalizer between the two time periods that perhaps you've never thought about: 
The Gladiators of old where slaves, forced into violence, whereas MMA fighters of today pursue the life of ‘man-maiming’ out of their own free will and choice!  They are not slaves to the cage, but free agents.  Indeed, from a pool of endless career options, cage fighters choose the path of violence.  But they are not soldiers of the U.S. Army who, out of necessity, utilize violence for the purpose of defending innocent lives and freedom.  They are not a husband or father fighting off a home invader to protect his family.  No, no.  MMA fighters fight for no moral cause, and I believe that without a justified moral cause, violence is wrong. Therefore, this industry is damaging our society and world on a devastating level, as it encourages moral-less violence.  

Hard Look
   

Now, let’s take a hard look at ourselves.  The only reason MMA fighters have a job is because we as a society create the demand.  As if the extreme violence of many inappropriate movies wasn't enough, we now seem to need the adrenaline rush of real, live battles for the sake of being amused.  Entertained.  Since when did fishing, hiking, or REAL sports and games lose their fun?  Their therapeutic purpose?  Since when did serving, loving, and lifting up others around us become so boring, that we’d rather cheer on and praise violent behavior, with our spare time?  And ultimately, when did spending quality time with family and friends translate into viewing the worst physical demonstration of blind hatred one to another (i.e. physical beating)?  
  

My First Cage Fight Experience

I remember the first cage fight I ever watched.  I was invited to a stranger’s home via a mutual friend.  At the time, I didn't know what MMA was, but was interested to find out.  The host paid good money to order the big showdown match up; the fight of the year.  The television room was filled with about twenty guys and several girls.  I stood against a wall at the back of the room, and observed the scene.  Some people were casually sitting in love sacks with their feet comfortably kicked up while sipping down soda and munching on potato chips.  A couple guys had their arms wrapped around their significant others, cuddling like they were watching a romance film.  Others were laughing hysterically when fighters took intense blows to the head or knee jabs to the groin.  A few watched the fight standing up, yelling and screaming at the TV, cheering on their favorite fighter.  I stood quietly, dazed in a moment of shock and sadness.  I've since compared this experience to the scene portrayed in the movie, Pompeii, and, in terms of differences between the two crowds, I don’t see a ton of bandwidth.  Scary.   

Change

I know it may seem overwhelming, because ‘everyone’s doing it’.  But, we can either wait for the world to change, OR, change ourselves, first.  I used to watch MMA Fights, but no more.  Now, I choose to support entertainment and activities centered on love, good purposes, and appropriate fun.  My determination is to support things that promote our society’s upward progress, instead of downward digression.  How about you?  Let’s avoid the ‘Roman Times’ by no longer supporting the ‘MMA Times’!  

Sincerely,

Kyle 


Extra Food For Thought

*I've heard arguments advocating MMA fighting on the premise that Professional boxing is worse.  Well, I believe both those 'sports' are immoral and harmful to society and family.

 *I've heard arguments advocating MMA fighting as a good sport on the premise that injuries are sustained in all sports, including cheer leading.  This position would indeed hold ground if, of course, the risk of physical injuries was the grading criterion for determining whether an activity is good or bad.  Ultimately, the scale that weighs morality is based on purpose, intention, and the spirit of those details.  For example, when you break down the sport of Cheer leading to its core parts, when you review the purpose and intention of that sport, what do you get?  A loving spirit of teamwork in working together to encourage, lift, and motivate others, using smiles, positive cheering, and dance.  And yes, occasionally the cheerleaders fall or miscalculate a tumble and break some toes.  That's the sport of Cheer leading.  However, when you break down Cage Fighting to its fundamental parts, what are you left with?  A contentious, hateful spirit of men hitting, choking, and kicking each other, all the while inheriting serious physical damage, and in the end, for no positive, moral purpose.  This same display can be seen in school fights or street fights or on the battle field of wars, we claim to despise.           

First Swing Anticipation

You approach the tee.  With ball in hand, you crouch down and gladly welcome the pleasant aroma of fresh cut grass.  After positioning the ball to your exact specifications, you arise.  An eerie calm falls over the crowd.  Thousands of gawking eye balls now position themselves on your every movement.  No one blinks or speaks.  Even the birds seem to withhold their songs in anticipation of the long drive.  Driver at the ready, you now shuffle your feet back and forth as to properly distribute your weight.  Success!  Your “happy spot” has been found, and a perfectly balanced posture achieved.  You proceed to alignment.  With moderate ease, you quickly mold into your seasoned and well practiced swing stance, and are now comfortably and confidently aligned for the first swing of the competition.  The moment has come.  You are ready, and an anxious world holds its breath; and waits…     

"If God Exists, Why Does He Allow Innocent Suffering?" (educational/religious))

Example of Innocent Suffering in the U.S.  

On December 14, 2012, a man entered an elementary school in Connecticut, and brutally murdered over 20 1^st grade children, by way of shooting.  America gasped in shock, and wept mightily at the scene of unimaginable, innocent suffering.  When I heard this story, my blood boiled in rage.  

   

Example of Innocent Suffering Abroad   

In Afghanistan, innocent women of all ages are treated with an incomprehensible level of brutality by Muslim men.  The corrupt Muslim religion is deeply entrenched into the Afghanistan culture and government.  As a consequence, men can legally beat and barbarically murder the female members of their family, including wives and daughters.  On one recent occasion, American soldiers witnessed in a public street as a Muslim father beat his young daughter near to death, because she “dishonored” him.  He then poured motor oil onto her broken body, and lit her on fire.  She died from the burns.  She was about 6 yrs. Old.  

When I heard of this atrocity, my blood again boiled in anger, and was further reminded of the widespread cruelty that exists in the world.  Many thoughts raced through my mind.  One of those thoughts was a question you might be asking yourself now: why did the American soldiers just stand there and watch?!  They were armed, and could have easily stopped the father…so why didn’t they?! Turns out, their inaction was actually the direct result of strict military command, and sadly, was and still is absolutely critical.  

America’s current involvement in the Middle East is specifically to fight against terrorism; not the corrupt country itself.  Many Americans do not understand the distinction.  Middle Eastern terrorists are basically Muslim extremists who, like their moderate Muslim counterparts also abuse women, but additionally, attack and kill any human who is not Muslim, including Americans (people they refer to as “infidels”).  These attacks are defined as terrorism.  An example of terrorism, is the 9/11 attack on the twin towers.  Violence towards a female in Middle Eastern streets, however, is lawful, and therefore not an act of terrorism.  

Simply put, if an American soldier attempted to save a female in a Muslim country, it would be an act of war against that country’s religion and law.  We are already at war with terrorism.  An additional war with an entire religion would be a much larger animal to tackle, and would require America’s support.  However, many Americans are already upset with our war on terrorism.  This is the reason American soldiers are strictly forbidden to intervene during such events; they must preserve a higher purpose.  But believe me, they want to intervene.  One American soldier had to be restrained by his comrades from killing the murderous, Muslim father.       

Enraged at the unspeakable event, another high ranking, American soldier approached and tried to persuade Afghanistan political leaders of the blatant murder of an innocent child.  But the murderer (child’s father) was protected by corrupt Muslim law.  Afghan authorities said, “It was a justifiable killing.” Blood continues to boil within the veins of the just onlookers, who could do nothing but helplessly watch the inhumanity.       

The Question   

               

Tragic events like school shootings, domestic violence, and many other forms of human cruelty towards innocent victims, can elicit serious contemplation as to God’s existence.  After all, the God preached and talked about in Christianity is a being who possesses perfect love for his children and infinite power; power enough to stop any criminal act.  This Christian God is also described as a deity whose hatred towards all things evil is as intense as his love for all things beautiful and good.  When one weighs this Christian message against the eye burning and ear piercing human reality, the question naturally surfaces: 

If God truly exists (as described), why does he allow innocent suffering?  Why does he not lower himself from his high dwelling place of observation, and rescue the innocent from the awful terrors inflicted by evil hands? Why did he not turn the Connecticut shooter to dust, before he could pull the trigger?  Why did he not set the Muslim father on fire, before he was able to burn an innocent daughter?  He has the power, right?        

If you find yourself sincerely asking similar questions, or have battled the inner conflict of what seems to be a contradiction of messages between a loving creator and innocent suffering, you are not alone.  And there is an explanation.  One that carries with it peace, hope, and healing.  I will attempt to share this message of comfort with you.    

The Answer: Agency and Judgment…crucial components to God’s plan  

Certainly, the creator of Earth and heaven, the resurrector and healer of bodies, the great oracle, the mighty exorcist of demons, and the commander of heavenly hosts could have easily prevented the estimated 1,203,564 violent crimes that occurred in America 2011 alone (FBI), including the Connecticut shooting and continuous Afghanistan horror.  God indeed possesses the power described in the Holy Scriptures.  So why does he choose to “stand down?”

The following story effectively answers that question.  It is a scriptural story, where a group of wicked men burn Christians alive for no other reason than because of their belief in God.  They bind, and force two of the Christian leaders to watch the innocent suffering of their congregation, 

“And they brought their wives and children together, and whosoever believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God they caused that they should be cast into the fire…

 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire.

And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene?  Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.

But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea and cry mightily against them at the last day.”   (The Book of Mormon---record of ancient Christians who lived on the American continent.  Alma 14:8-11). 

Amulek felt the very same inner pain and blood boiling anger that the American soldiers felt upon witnessing the brutal killing of a little, Afghanistan child.  The same anguish and hatred we all feel when we see or hear of innocent suffering, like the Connecticut shooting.  However, we learn why God, as a general rule, does not allow his personal power to be used to stop crime.  The reason is summed up in two words: agency---judgment.  

A key element of God’s plan, is the ability to make choices.  To freely act according to the dictates of our own conscience.  This is what it means to have agency.  To choose God and eternal life, or the devil and eternal misery.  The ancient, American prophet, Alma, reminds us that God must honor man’s agency so that his eventual judgments will be just and accurate.  

Mortal Life is a Test…For Us (additional part of the answer) 

This mortal existence is a test.  Very much like being in the testing center of a large university.  During an academic exam, does the teacher intervene when we are about to pencil in an answer to a question?  Of course not.  Otherwise, the test results would not be our own, and we could not be graded.  Similarly, God is a deity of order and organization; and is our great instructor.  For us to be judged (or graded), we must first be allowed to make choices, whether for good or bad.  This is the reason God does not intervene when a bad guy chooses to harm a good guy (sin of commission), or when a good guy refuses to stop a bad guy (sin of omission).  He honors agency at both ends, so that we can, in turn, be judged and receive our just reward or punishment.  This is a test for us; not God.

Is God Aware of All Injustice?  Where was God when the girl was burned to death in Afghanistan?  Does he even know she died, or did her suffering slip under the radar?  

We are taught that not a single sparrow falls without God knowing it.  Thus, God’s watchful eye was present in Afghanistan.  Like the armed American soldiers, God had the power to stop the event, but in his wisdom, he knew his interference would jeopardize a higher purpose; in this case, the very plan of agency and salvation.  If God always intervened, then our test of life would be compromised.  So, like the soldiers, God could do nothing but watch, as his rebellious, savage son murdered a precious young one.   

Although it may seem like bad men get away with their crimes, the day of their awful judgment will inevitably come, and a fullness of God’s wrath will be unleashed in that moment.  They have escaped nothing.  As such, the guilty Afghanistan father has God’s sword of justice hanging over his head. 

And just like the innocent Christians from the Alma story, the little Afghanistan girl has been received up to God in glory, and is enjoying a never-ending state of happiness and rest from her Earthly pains and sorrows.  These are indeed comforting truths.    

Does God Feel Emotion?  

Yes, of course.  God is not an emotionless robot.  In fact, because of his perfect nature and love, God’s level of pain from witnessing innocent suffering is much greater than our own.  Thus, we can only imagine the extreme sadness, disappointment, anger, and inner anguish he must have experienced on that terrible day in Afghanistan.  The same pain he feels each time he must watch a beloved child innocently suffer.    

In one recorded scriptural story, the heavens open to a prophet named Enoch, in a vision.  What he sees has taught me much about the nature of God, and supports the above claim. 

Enoch sees the almighty God, the all-powerful king of the universe, weeping: 

 “And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?

And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?

The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge…and gave I unto man his agency;

And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;

And the fire of mine indignation is kindled against them…behold, I will shut them up; a prison have I prepared for them…wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?” (Moses7)

  

The above picture perfectly illustrates the very real emotions of sadness and anger that God feels from the suffering caused by evil works.  

I find this passage to be interesting for two particular reasons: 

1.  God knows the future, as he is from “eternity to eternity.”  He knows that evil men will receive their terrible punishment.  He knows that the pain of victimized innocence will be but a short moment, and they will receive justice and eternal peace.  However, despite this knowledge, he still morns alongside us at the present scene of suffering.  Despite his infinite power, glory, and might, he is not too great to feel emotion or cry.  In fact, it is his perfect sensitivity to our needs that makes him so great.  In other words, God’s ability to feel emotion does not diminish his glory, but only adds to it.  Therefore, God undoubtedly wept when that sweet, little girl was killed.  And he wept again, when the 1^st grade children were shot in Connecticut.    

   

2.  The second interesting message I see in this story, is that the majority of God’s tears seem to be shed on behalf of the wicked; not those who are innocently wronged.  But this actually makes perfect sense.  God knows that, in the long run, the just suffering of the guilty will be far more terrible than the unjust pain of the innocent.  And thus, although he clearly feels sadness for the temporary suffering of the innocent; he feels even greater sadness for the eternal suffering his rebellious children must face.  

My Witness 

I know that God exists, and indeed loves us all, more than we may understand.  We are his children.  His most precious creations.  For us, he has created a very special, detailed plan, which has already been set in motion.  The Great Plan of Salvation or Happiness is an opportunity to receive heavenly mansions, powers, gifts, principalities, dominions, an eternal family and eternal peace; even everything he himself enjoys.  The ability to choose or reject this plan for ourselves is a fundamental part.  And no matter how painful or difficult it may be for him, God has promised, in the end, not to rob our agency.    

I hope you can now understand and appreciate why there is no contradiction to the teaching of a loving God, and the human reality of temporary, innocent suffering. 

Before we came to Earth, we knew it would be difficult to pass the great test of life…but if we are faithful to God, the difficulty will be well worth it.  The eternal reward will far outweigh the temporary suffering required to obtain it.  If this was not true, God would not have sent us here in the first place, and there would be no point to mortal life.  Let this truth comfort, and motivate you to follow God’s path.  

Two Important Points for Emphasis 

1       1.  God is by no means apathetic or uninvolved in our lives.  He says, “For behold, this is my work and my glory---to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1).  His day job is to literally work for us; for our salvation.  On an appropriate level (without infringing upon our freedom of choice), he helps us, teaches us, guides, strengthens, and gives us the ability to pass our great and terrible test of mortal life.  He diligently and tirelessly works to lead us to the water of salvation, but does not force us to drink.  I believe one of the greatest and most difficult labors he performs, is the exercise of constant self control when a loved one suffers (i.e. holding himself back from stopping evil.  And not forcing us to choose the right).  I praise him for his commitment to our agency.    

      2.  If God, as a general rule, does not personally come down and stop evil when he sees it, does that mean we must not try to stop evil when we see it happening?  For example, if you were walking down the street and saw a man in a ski mask beating and mugging a random person, should you “stand down” and do nothing?  If a loved one emotionally or mentally damages innocent bystanders (including him/herself) because of a harmful addiction, should you not attempt to persuade against the evil?  The answer to all the above is a resounding, no.  God expects us to stand up against all forms of evil that cause innocent suffering, both on a physical level as much as on a mental, spiritual, or emotional level.  To defend the helpless whenever possible is our great responsibility.

This is one of the few exceptions where we are, in a sense, not to follow God’s example, simply because of the differences in our situations.  We are currently in the middle of a test.  God is not.  And as much as he would love to take the test for us, he can’t.  He won’t.  So, if we see someone in need of help, we must not stand idly by and say to ourselves, “God will fix the problem, eventually.”  We must take the initiative ourselves.  Personally serving and helping others is a commandment from God, and one of the primary actions we can perform to receive a passing grade on the test of life.  Furthermore, helping to save someone’s physical or spiritual life is the greatest service we can offer; and is our duty.   

Therefore, when we see or hear of tragic, innocent suffering, instead of allowing our inner frustration to elicit contemplation as to God’s existence, the injustice should elicit contemplation as to the existence of good people.  Are we doing all we can to solve the problem?  Are we actively engaged in the great test of life?  Or, are we living in apathy?  This is the “tough love” portion of this Great Dane Thought:  That we must stop ignorantly placing so much responsibility and blame upon God and others, and start doing everything we can do to make the world a better place.  After all, this is our test of life; not God’s.      

      

Additional References:

Matthew. 11:28 (we can receive comfort and rest through the savior)---Bible

Ether 8: 24-26 (we can hope for a better world)---Book of Mormon

Alma 40:11-13 (the immediate state of the righteous vs. the wicked, after death)---Book of Mormon

1 Peter 3:19 (wicked are sent to spirit prison after death.  Gospel is preached to them)---Bible

Mosiah 2:17 (service to others---one of our greatest responsibilities)---Book of Mormon

Matthew. 25:32-40 (service to others---criteria to pass God’s test, and be counted as his sheep)---Bible

3 Nephi 9:13-15 (healing is possible through the savior—he who created the earth)---Book of Mormon

Revelations 20:12 (all will be judged, after this life)---Bible

Alma 5: 52 (punishment of the wicked---the wicked will be cast into an unquenchable fire)---Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 2:11-12 (opposition in all things)---Book of Mormon

James 2:26 (works are required of us by God, “faith without works is dead”)---Bible

Alma 34:32 (This life is a test---our time to prepare to meet God)---Book of Mormon 

Discover All the Essential Truths Regarding Our Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation: mormon.org or lds.org 

"Waters of the Great Deep" (inspiring/spiritual)

Imagine you are treading water somewhere out in the middle of the ocean.  Your legs kick violently downwards into the cold, dark, and unknown waters in a desperate attempt to stay afloat.  You greatly fear what lies below.  The creatures that may be looking up; the ill intended monsters of the great deep stocking your every move, and waiting to strike when you least expect it.  The anxiousness and unrest is nearly unbearable.  Above the surface there is no refuge either.  A hostile wind occasionally sends waves to rush up and swallow you whole, but you fight back.  With focused eyes, you can see the waves coming in advance.  With very focused eyes, you can even spot the waves just as they are beginning to form.  This gives you plenty of time to prepare.  Right before a wave hits, you exert increased energy into your legs, while tilting your chin back as far as it will stretch, and push up your body high enough to clear the wave.  If your timing is perfect, you can even ride the wave with moderate ease, and discover an unprecedented sense of satisfaction at the accomplishment.  However, your watchful eye often becomes careless, and your strained mind zones out.  This allows a wave to blindside you, slapping the side of your head and engulfing your entire body.  Such is the case in this very moment.  You are temporarily submerged in defeat, but quickly rush up to the surface in renewed determination while spitting up as much of the intrusive water as possible.  The salt stings the tender, inner part of your nose.  Swelling eyes causes your vision to blur.  The back of your throat, mouth, and stomach also join in the boycott against your careless behavior.  But you do not have time to apologize, for you are now in a state of increased vulnerability to additional wave attacks due to the temporary blindness.  With a sense of urgency, you try to regain vision by rubbing your eyes with a free hand while the other continues to paddle, but you are too late.  SMACK!  Another wave mercilessly crashes into your face; this time from the front.  You begin to panic.  You have now swallowed a significant amount of salt water, and lost precious energy.  Fortunately, after emerging from the water a second time, your luck changes.  Before a third wave is able to hit, your vision returns and you successfully counter attack.  Control of the situation is regained, and for a brief moment, the water comes to an eerie calm.  You are grateful for the opportunity to rest your body, but your thoughts are at unrest in the anticipation of the next assault on your life.  You are exhausted.  The culmination of this recent event coupled with the hopeless perception of an endless journey has you mentally and physically drained.   The pains and hardships seem too great and too frequent.  You question your ability to endure.  Your strength wanes from the miles of water already covered; the countless battles already fought and won.  Yet, before you lie additional miles of water; additional battles.  This of course means that continued focus and endurance will be required or you will drown.  But again, you are unsure of your ability and desire to continue any further.  For, as far as your eye can discern, there is no land in any which direction and therefore no end to the struggle.  The once mild tempest of reasonable reservation within your mind has now evolved into a raging storm of immense fear and unto the convincing of certain failure.  You are faced with only two options: 1. Continue forward in the hope that refuge will eventually be found, or 2. Stop swimming and sink into the dark depths bellow, and allow the creatures to consume your flesh.  A laugh of insanity escapes your lips, followed by a solemn expression of sadness and hopelessness, as expressed by the free-fall of several tears.  You are in desperate need of outside help; and you know it.    

In life, we cannot make it alone.  We frequently face difficult challenges and greatly need outside assistance.  But true relief is not found in alcohol or drugs.  No.  Comfort will not come through sexual immorality.  Peace will not be found in a life of thrill seeking and constant movement.  Strength cannot be gained in the pursuit of power.  Self confidence and inner worth will not be acquired through fame, nor will the most crucial, life-saving treasures be received from green paper or a black number on a bank statement.  What we need is the reassurance and encouragement of a friend.  The love of a family member.  And ultimately, we need the salvation of God.  We need divine saving from not only our innocently suffered trials, but from self-inflicted sins as well.  With our creator’s help, we can gain an understanding of our purpose in this difficult journey; the journey in which we ALL find ourselves.  

I wish to end with the testimonial of an ancient American prophet named Nephi.  Interestingly enough, Nephi was commanded by God to literally cross a great and mysterious body of water.  This is what Nephi says about the journey,

“My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.  He hath filled me with his love even unto the consuming of my flesh…behold, he hath heard my cry…and by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.”  2 Nephi 4:20-24 (the Book of Mormon)    

Likewise, if you seek God through prayer, faith, and obedience; he will minister unto you.  He will send the tailored help you need, and fill you with love, peace, and happiness amidst the chaos.  He will assure the successful completion of your personal life journey unto the obtaining of that great and marvelous reward which he has promised to the faithful: eternal life.  In short, you will be preserved upon the waters of the great deep.