It took faith for Moroni to trust that the Lord could take his "weakness in writing" and turn it into strength (see Ether 12:23–27). It's this kind of faith that makes us "sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God" (Ether 12:4). And it's this kind of faith by which "all things are fulfilled" (Ether 12:3).
Many of us struggle to feel confident in writing. Moroni describes some of the issues he was worried about. Do any of these resonate with you? (See Ether 12:23–27)
Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing
For Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing
We could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands
Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared
Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words
Moroni records how the Lord addressed his concerns, taught him, and comforted him.
Ether 12
27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness [mortal-ness]. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.
29 And I, Moroni, having heard these words, was comforted, and said: O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I know that thou workest unto the children of men according to their faith;
Moroni's writings are convincing evidence that he went forward with faith and fortitude, and the Lord fulfilled His promise to make weak things become strong.
The Lord Will Magnify Our Faith-filled Efforts To Write
President Henry B. Eyring shares why he began writing things down. After an experience of seeing charity extended toward his family, he states, "I heard in my mind—not in my own voice—these words: "I'm not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down."
"Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory ..." (O Remember, Remember)
See also: Prophets and Apostles Share Why It's So Important to Keep a Journal
"On nearly every headstone, no matter how plain or ornate, is carved one universal symbol. It's a simple horizontal line—a dash—separating two significant dates. The first marks the day one precious soul entered this mortal life. The second marks his or her inevitable journey onward.
A well-known poem by Linda Ellis, "The Dash," speaks of this symbol:
"For that dash represents all the time
that they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
know what that little line is worth."
When you think about the future, what do you think will be some of the challenges and opportunities ahead that will require courage and faith in Jesus Christ?" See Send a Letter To Your Future Self.
Stuart Edge shares how following the prompting he received from writing a letter to himself brought amazing blessings.
Faith in Jesus Christ can lead to mighty miracles.
As you read these verses together, you might review some inspiring examples of faith you have read about in the Book of Mormon. This could lead to a discussion about examples of faith in your family history or your own lives—consider recording these experiences if you haven't already.
Moroni selected events from the past to illustrate and teach of the "faith of our fathers."
13 Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the aprison to tumble to the earth.
14 Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the achange upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the bHoly Ghost.
15 Behold, it was the faith of aAmmon and his brethren which bwrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites.
16 Yea, and even all they who wrought amiracles wrought them by bfaith, even those who were before Christ and also those who were after.
17 And it was by faith that the three disciples obtained a promise that they should not taste of death; and they obtained not the promise until after their faith.
18 And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.
Stories of Faith
What examples of faith in your family history do you know? Finding family history stories has never been easier! Check out Week #22, for a myriad of ways to find stories that teach us about the Lord's mercy in the lives of our ancestors, and to learn how our hearts can be changed by what we discover, learn, and share. They can also help and encourage us to write, preserve, and share our own stories.
This week's lesson describes many ways to write about your life. Writing one story each week will bless you and your family now and for generations to come!
