Yesterday I watched a film depicting the story behind the carol Silent Night. I watched as Joseph Mohr struggled to do the right thing for his congregation. He wanted to preach and sing in his native German so that the people could understand. Tradition was that all church services and choirs were in Latin. As I watched him have trial after trial I saw the wisdom of God. God knew that these trials must take place in order for that beautiful carol to come forth. That Mohr would not be able to create this song without experianceing heartbreak and standing for what he knew was right despite the persecution.
He did persevere, he did write Silent Night and he continued his work among the poor. At the end of the film we read that Silent Night is the most popular Christmas Carol of all times, that it is sung in 140 languages. We also read the Joseph Mohr died not knowing how his carol impacted the world.
To view the video click here
It reminded me how many people in this world never know their impact: Handel and his beautiful Messiah was performed a few times and then put on a shelf for decades before being "found" again and now it is performed every Christmas across the globe. Abinadi (a prophet of the Book of Mormon) died for what he believed in never knowing it would change the lives of his people and millions more in the future. My own ancestor John Rogers (click here to read about him From Wikipedia) who helped with the translation and publication of the Bible and was the first martyr under Mary I of England. I am reminded that I don't have to know if I am making a difference, I don't have to be recognized as someone who is great to make the world a better place. That just being me, doing what I know is right, standing for what I believe, not failing the Lord, these will put me where the Lord wants me to be and will make me into the woman He wants me to become. Then I will be successful.
He did persevere, he did write Silent Night and he continued his work among the poor. At the end of the film we read that Silent Night is the most popular Christmas Carol of all times, that it is sung in 140 languages. We also read the Joseph Mohr died not knowing how his carol impacted the world.
To view the video click here
It reminded me how many people in this world never know their impact: Handel and his beautiful Messiah was performed a few times and then put on a shelf for decades before being "found" again and now it is performed every Christmas across the globe. Abinadi (a prophet of the Book of Mormon) died for what he believed in never knowing it would change the lives of his people and millions more in the future. My own ancestor John Rogers (click here to read about him From Wikipedia) who helped with the translation and publication of the Bible and was the first martyr under Mary I of England. I am reminded that I don't have to know if I am making a difference, I don't have to be recognized as someone who is great to make the world a better place. That just being me, doing what I know is right, standing for what I believe, not failing the Lord, these will put me where the Lord wants me to be and will make me into the woman He wants me to become. Then I will be successful.
Oh my sweet daughter,
ReplyDeleteIf you only realized all the lives you touch in your quiet but persistent ways. You daily set an example which people want to emulate. They look to you for the strength and faith you show through everyday trials. You would be amazed if you saw all the people who take courage from silently watching you go forward with a smile for them at each contact. You touch lives every day. You are moving forward, accepting the challenges given you and striving to be your best. Oh my sweet daughter, you are the BEST. You are a daughter of God and someday you will be crowned with the glory you have become because of your sweet and simple and persistent faith.
God Bless you,
Mother