The Gum Tree for 2007 October 8

24 ¶ Another aparable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to cburn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matt. 13: 24-30

Both inside and outside of the Church, there are many ideas that are floating around concerning the proper role of men and women in families, what is the true nature of families, and what is the nature of God and his relationship with us. Reading this week in the New Testament, I came upon this passage which ostensibly refers to the corruption which exists inside and outside of the Lord's people. Then conference weekend came and I realize that there is so much work left to be done; notwithstanding the angels' pleading to reap the earth. It seemed that conferece was directed more towards people who are not familiar with the Church or for those who are very young in their conversion to it (see e.g. Elders Holland's Talk on the Godhead vs. Trinity, Nelson's talk on the Book of Mormon, Hales's talk on personal revelation, and Scott's talk on acquiring truth). Of course I also loved all of these talks and found many good applications for myself: a somewhat 'seasoned' member of the church, but it seemed that the fundamentals were the focus this conference. Some of that may be the increasing attention the Church has had recently and the it's much more active role in defining it's own doctrine to the media. I am also interested in the reaction that many in the church have had in response to Julie Beck's talk on motherhood and womanhood. Can I just say that I love the frankness and honesty of Sis. Beck. Of course there were those who wern't too pleased about the talk (see here, here and here), but there were others who were more charitable in their reaction to President Beck's talks (see here and here). Two points: 1) Some seem more comfortable criticizing the women leaders of the church (President Hinkley has made similar statements with nary a word about what we might "wish he would have said." We will be held accountable for rejecting truth; whether it's source be the Relief Society President, the Prophet, or a young missionary). 2) I know I need to be sensitive, especially to women, but we all need to straighten our shoulders and take on life's burdens without whining and murmering. Life is tough and if women are going to whine about their alotment in life, they should consider the condition of other, much stronger women; and the source of their strength. What a wonderful time we live in today. We are so blessed, and yet many wish to dwell on the negatives, or on what they wish the Prophet and our other fellow-servants might have done to aleviate their burden (or guilt, perhaps). Regardless of what seem to me the tares within the church, I am very hopeful for the future, and I am excited to see what will become of the Church, and the World; in the next few decades.