KeithLBrown

Lovely said: "I was raised by my great grandmother, daughter of a "mulatto" slave. I am blessed to still have her here at the age of 102 years old. When it would thunder storm. She would turn off all electricity, gather us all into one room, and we would could not move or speak. The storm was "sacred" to her. She said it was the "Lord's work." I can still see the seriousness in her face as the thunder would strike. She would continuously pray out to the Lord. If I said one word, she would gently hush me, and remind me to be quiet during the Lord's work." "Many of the younger generations do not practice these things, but I'm just trying to give you an idea of how we are different. It is the way we can relate to one another that others really cannot understand." Thank you for your examples in your recent post. At 50 years of age I can look back and reflect upon some of the things that were said and done by the "older folk" when I was a boy that I really didn't understand, but I did learn to appreciate them. My mother was the same as your great grandmother. Whenever a storm was coming up she would go around the house unplugging everything and lighting candles or oil lamps. She would have us all sit quietly in the living room until after the storm had passed. She too taught us that it was the Lord's work and we should have respect for His work by being silent until He was through. Even if a storm came up during the middle of the night, my mother would get up, unplug everything, and sit up until the storm had passed. Young people today may think that is crazy, but it taught my brother, sisters, and I an important lesson in reverance and respect for the Lord.

Lovely, There are three videos that I would personally recommend that you get and watch. All three are very well done and address the subject of Blacks in the Church / Blacks in the Scriptures in an easy to understand manner. In fact, I recommend these three videos to anyone who seeks a better understanding of the subject. The videos are: 1. Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons (this video is produced by two of my friends, Margaret Blair Young and Darius Gray) 2. Blacks in the Scriptures (this video is co-authored by Marvin Perkins and Darius Gray). Subjects to include the following are discussed: Blacks in the Bible; Skin Color, Curses, Equality, and Blacks and the LDS Priesthood. 3. Pioneers of Africa - An Inspiring Story Of Those Who Paved The Way (Please click on the titles to be taken to pages where you can obtain the videos) Notes: Marvin Perkins of Los Angeles, CA, is a 20-year convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY, just 90 miles west of Palmyra, he had never heard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, or Mormons. Marvin is also an accomplished vocal recording artist. When one of his business associates wanted to come out to see him perform, this desire set off the missionary experience that would lead to his Baptism into the LDS Church, 3 months later. He currently serves as Co-Chair for Genesis Public Affairs. a calling out of Salt Lake City, though Marvin lives in Southern California. He teaches throughout the country on the Black and LDS issues. He also serves as a Temple Worker in the Los Angeles, CA Temple, and has represented the Church on numerous news articles, television and radio programs. Darius Aidan Gray joined the LDS church in 1964, at a time when black members were not allowed to hold the priesthood and could not enjoy temple blessings. But a remarkable answer to prayer, "This is the restored gospel and you are to join," led him to put aside his strong aversion to the then- current policies and trust in God's goodness. The answer he received was so powerful that it has provided the grounding for his testimony ever since. And it had to be powerful to sustain him through the many challenges he has been called to go through in a life of service that has allowed him to advocate firsthand with prophets and apostles on issues affecting black Saints. He still affirms that his life is "blessed," that "God is in charge."

Lovely, I too am a Black member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was baptized a little over 11 years ago (10 March 1998) in Reykjavik Iceland while serving on active duty with the United States Navy. In the 11 years that I have been a member, I can honestly say that I have felt nothing less than a welcoming spirit and love from my Brothers and Sisters. I have tremendously enjoyed the blessings of the many callings that I have had thus far to include serving as First and Second Counselor in the Bishopric of the ward that I attend and now as High Priest Group Leader. In many ways I feel more at home and at peace in the LDS Church than I did in the Baptist Church (and please understand I am not in any way putting down the Baptist Church). Actually, it was not until a couple of months ago when I was given the assignment by my Stake Presidency to conduct a Fireside on the 1978 Revelation on the Priesthood, that I actually took a keen interest in the subject. It is a bit ironic I suppose, as I had purchased a book several years before being baptized by Brother Joseph Freeman (the first Black to receive the Priesthood after the 1978 Revelation) that deals with some of the same questions and concerns that you have. Interestingly enough, the title of the book is "In The Lord's Due Time". In explaining the subject of the Priesthood ban, I believe those 5 words are very significant. During the course of my research for the Fireside that I conducted one of the main points that I came across was the fact that there has never been any official statement made by the Church as to why the ban ever occurred in the first place. From what I was able to glean from my research, there were a couple of things in particular that may have played a factor in the ban taking place and they are the issue of slavery and the persecutions that the Church was already facing at the time of the ban. Now, I am not saying that these reasons are an excuse for the ban taking place, but research shows that they very well may have been key factors. Please keep in mind as I pointed out during the presentation that there were Blacks that held the Priesthood prior to the ban. One person in particular that very few people know about was Elijah Able who was ordained by the Prophet Joseph Smith himself. Also, keep in mind that part of the reason for the early persecution of the Church was because of the slave issue and the fact that the Church was not in support of slavery, although, research will show that there were some members that owned slaves. I believe that someone has made a comment on this topic that the issue of the Priesthood ban was based more on a prejudice than any factual reasoning. Someone even pointed out during the Fireside that I gave that perhaps the Church was not fully ready at that time to fully accept those of darker skin into Priesthood positions. Again, we are talking speculations. We honestly don't know the reasoning. It is also interesting to point out, and extremely important to note, that the Priesthood ban was not based on skin color alone. The decision for denying a Brother the Priesthood aside from being unworthy, was based more on his lineage than his skin color. Any male that was found to be from African lineage was denied the Priesthood. That means, a blond hair, blue eye, white male could have possibly been denied the Priesthood as well, as did happen in some cases, if it was determined that there was African lineage in his family line. The truly amazing thing is that even during the period of the Priesthood ban there were many people of color who remained true and faithful to the Gospel. Even though they could not hold the Priesthood, they were still able to hold callings in the Church. I admire the Brothers and Sisters that were determined to press forward with the steadfast hope that one day, in the Lord's due time, the ban would be lifted, and every worthy male would be allowed to obtain the Priesthood and enjoy the full blessings thereof. That blessed day came in June 1978. I am truly thankful and blessed to be counted among the members of the Lord's True Church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I testify that I know for a surety that I am exactly where the Lord would have me to be, doing exactly what he would have me to do at this time. Whatever the reasons were for the Priesthood ban are known to the Lord. I choose to believe that he allowed the ban to occur for a time and a purpose known only to Him. Perhaps it was a time of learning and preparation for what was yet to come as the Church has experienced tremendous growth in many parts of the world since the 1978 Revelation. I testify that this is the Lord's Church and all things have been, are being, and will be done according to His purpose and plan, and in His due time. The events that took place did indeed happen. We cannot deny that. But, we cannot not let the past stop us from pressing forward by faith. God our Eternal Father lives and Jesus is the Christ.

C.S. Lewis was not LDS. He may, in fact, not have even liked The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But Mormons love C. S. Lewis. Authors Marianna Richardson and Christine Thackeray looked at the famous Christian apologist in their book "C.S. Lewis: Latter-day Truths in Narnia." They wrote about the letters Lewis sent to many of his readers. "(T)here is no record that Lewis had any contact with the Church but he did correspond regularly with a woman who lived in Salt Lake City," the authors write. You can read the rest of the story by going to: What C.S. Lewis thought about Mormons

Having served as both a Second Counselor and a First Counselor in a Bishopric I can tell you that there is no set amount of time that a person called to serve in either position will remain in that position. Through Divine inspiration and guidance, the Stake Presidency will know when the time has come to release the current Bishop and call a new one to serve. When the Bishop is released, his counselors are also released. Now, it is possible that one or both counselors could be called to serve in the new Bishopric, or neither of them may be called. I served in two consecutive Bishoprics and now serve a the High Priest Group Leader after being released. If someone is called to a position in the Church and have to move away due to a work transfer, military obligations, etc., then he is released from that position and a new person is called. I hope this helps.

Pam, I agree that our young people do need much better role models than some of the people they choose to follow. I can also see your point about people simply joining the Church because of David Archuleta and not because they truly believe that it is the Lord's true Church. I am sure that similar situations occurred during the height of the Osmond family fame. I still wonder sometimes when David Osmond, for example, participates in Firesides, how many are there for a spiritual experience, and how many come just to have a chance to see David and hopefully get an autograph or picture taken with him. Serving a full time mission is something that is between David and the Lord. As long as he is faithful, the Lord will certainly bless him in whatever decision he makes.

I have been following David Archuleta"s up budding musical career through various video clips on the internet and I have to say that he is definitely a very gifted and talented young man. The Lord has certainly blessed him with the ability to take command of a stage and win an audience with the amazing voice that He has blessed him with. In a sense, if we really think about it, David is serving a mission of sorts by sharing those wonderful God given talents and abilities with the world. Through his genuiness, honesty, and humbleness, he is setting a great example not only for the many young people that adore him, but we older folks can learn a lesson or two from watching him as well. There is no doubt in my mind that David could go, and probably will go, very far in his career as a singer or in whatever area or areas he chooses to pursue in life. With that being said, it is my humble opinion that the Lord will bless David's life even more if he is faithful and obedient in following the Lord's commands and would willingly serve a two year full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I certainly hope that this is something that his parents and Bishop have talked with him about, and even more importantly that it is something that David himself is prayerfully considering. Yes, it will mean that he will not be in the "spotlight" as he knows it now for a couple of years, but he would be fulfilling an even greater call on his life by teaching others about our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Does that mean he has to give up his singing all together? Not at all. Again, the Lord has truly blessed him with a marvelous gift. Certainly David will not be on a stage performing the types of songs that he does so remarkably well with now, but he will have the chance to be on an even larger stage and be an even greater testimony to the world through opportunities that the Lord may bless him with to share the Gospel through the gift of song. After he has faithfully served a two year mission, I humbly believe that David will find that his life will take him in a whole new direction, not just with his musical talents, but in every area of his life. It is a definite win-win situation for him. I only pray that whatever David decides to do, whether to serve a full time mission or not, that he will make it a definite matter of prayer and do what he knows is right -- not what his parents may want, or what his "fans" may desire -- but that he will do what he knows is the Lord's will for his life. These are my humble thoughts. What are your thoughts?

David Archuleta hasn't let success spoil him. Even though he recently wrapped up his first headlining tour and his self-titled first CD debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 (and is nearing platinum status), he's still just a kid from Murray. "I was amazed at how many people came to my concerts," Archuleta observed during an interview Wednesday. "I knew people liked me on 'American Idol,' but I didn't think they'd care to come see me sing at my own show." Salt Lake fans will get a chance to see the "American Idol" runner-up at an event on Saturday, June 6, at the Rio Tinto Stadium. It will be a nice break for Archuleta, who is working on two new CDs, one of which will be for Christmas. "We're still trying to decide what songs might be best," he said about the Christmas release. "They'll probably be my favorite Christmas songs, and we might need to come up with more different approaches. "The pop album is different, (because) you need to try to find what suits you best," he said. "I definitely want to get more involved with the writing. But I feel like I have writer's block 24/7, with little openings. We've all got our weaknesses, and that's mine." You can read the entire article by going to: David Archuleta: Already serving a mission. You can also view a video interview with David by going to: David Archuleta Video Interview.

Thank you for sharing this. I have been in conversation with Bill MacKinnon, the author of the paper/talk that was presented at the Mormon History Association Conference in Springfield Illionois on "The Mormon Problem", via email. This is his comment on the use of the term "The Mormon Problem": "The phrase "the Mormon problem" (which I used in the title to my talk) was a sort of catch-all phrase used by non-Mormons during the nineteenth century to sweep in or label any number of areas of conflict, misunderstanding, or disagreement between the LDS Church and the American society of which it was part: plural marriage, the issue of statehood for Utah, Brigham Young's administrative style as governor, bloc voting, etc. It got to the point where the phrase was used without precision or definition...a catch-all that came to define itself much as the phrase "the slavery problem" swept in all sorts of issues and views." He also commented on whether President Abraham Lincoln or the Prophet Joseph Smith ever met: " The question of whether JS, Jr. and AL ever met came up explicitly in several conference papers, and the consensus seemed to be that it was possible (they were both in Springfield at the same time on several occasions -- Lincoln's law office was in the same building as the federal district court room in which Joseph Smith appeared at one point), but no firm documentary proof." He has also promised to send me a copy of the abstract of the actual talk that he gave at the conference.

No more long goodbyes. Concerns over the spread of swine flu have prompted The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to accelerate its plans to permanently allow only curbside drop-off of new missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center. Parents and families taking new missionaries to the MTC will have to say goodbye to their sons or daughters in the parking lot from now on, the church announced Monday. With this change, only missionaries will be allowed inside MTC buildings. Parents and families had traditionally accompanied their missionary children into the center for a brief orientation before parting. Precautions to prevent possible spread of the H1N1 virus accelerated the church's plans to allow only curbside drop-off at the Provo MTC. All other church missionary training centers around the world already operate that way. In addition, parents of missionaries entering the center are being asked to pay particular attention to the physical condition of their sons and daughters and to delay their arrival at the center if they show any signs of illness. Missionaries and staff at the center also will be washing their hands more frequently, avoiding handshakes and hugging, and not playing basketball for the time being, said Elder Richard G. Hinckley, executive director of the LDS Church Missionary Department. To read the complete story go to: MTC changes missionary drop-off procedures.

Thanks for sharing this Pam. I liked Susan Boyle as well, but I really don't think that she would be able to stand up to the pressure of all of the publicity that follows winning a contest like Britain Got Talent. I do suspect that she will release a CD and I would probably buy a copy of it. Watching the final two performances of Flawless and Diversity, in my humble opinion, I believe that the right group won, as Diversity is so much more talented and entertaining, especially the two youngest guys. I too noticed the comment that the choreographer made about being blessed. What I found surprising (maybe I shouldn't have) is that people laughed. Truly this entire group has been blessed with an amazing talent. I wonder what Her Majesty, the Queen, will think of them. It would be nice if Susan Boyle could sing for the Queen as well.

Truman Madsen, well known LDS scholar and educator, died this morning (Thursday, 28 May 2009) after a long battle with cancer. Madsen, a grandson of Heber J. Grant, was born in 1926 in Salt Lake City. He developed an interest in his Church heritage at a young age and would eventually become a recognized expert on Joseph Smith and one of the most popular lecturers among Church members on LDS topics. After serving a mission in Canada and studying at the University of Utah and the University of Southern California, Madsen received his Master of art and PhD in history and philosophy of religion from Harvard University. Part of his legacy includes his work with leaders of other religions to better understand Mormonism. You can read more about the passing of Truman G. Madsen by going to: Truman G. Madsen Passes Away and Truman G. Madsen, LDS author and scholar, died Thursday.

Despite the recession, Provo has the nation’s strongest growth for college town jobs, according to a Forbes report released on Tuesday. Thanks to a plethora of small student-related businesses and campus construction, Provo experienced a 2.9 percent growth in jobs between March 2008 and March 2009. Provo managed to outrank 67 other college towns that experienced growth, including towns surrounding Duke University, University of Virginia and Texas A&M. To read the complete story go to: Provo Named Best 'College Town' For Jobs

These guys get 5 stars from me as well. We need more talent like this on American Idol. Don't get me wrong, I thought Season 8 was a great season and the finale was excellent, but I think the show should be tailored a little more like Britain Got Talent to add a little more diversity to the show and give some of the hidden talent out there more of a chance to compete without the boundaries of age limitations. By the way, did I happen to mention that I was really excited that Kris Allen won over Adam Lambert!

This group of guys are truly amazing. There is definitely a lot of hard work and commitment put into their act. I like Flawless as well, but if I had to choose between the two, my vote is for Diversity.

REXBURG, Idaho—Officials at Brigham Young University-Idaho have dissolved the student-run College Republicans and College Democrats political organizations. School spokesman Andy Cargal said the move is to make sure the university's political neutrality policy is being followed. The Rexburg-based university is a private institution run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "We feel that it is in the best interest of our university to be politically neutral," Cargal told the Standard Journal of Rexburg. "While we actively encourage our students to be politically active and join political parties of their choice, we feel that BYU-Idaho itself can't be a sponsor of partisan political groups or activities." You can read the full story by going to: BYU-Idaho Dissolves Student Political Parties

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched its official radio station called "Mormon Channel". You can listen to this new radio station by going to: Mormon Channel. Enjoy!

Fire Creek, BYU’s first theatrically-released film, debuts Friday, May 8, in Cinemark theaters in Provo, Orem, American Fork, West Jordan, and Layton. The film, created by faculty and students from several departments across campus, is the first motion picture to be produced by undergraduate students at any university and released in theaters. Produced as part of the expanded mentoring efforts of BYU, in which undergraduates have the opportunity to work on a professional-level project, Fire Creek was written, co-produced, directed, shot and edited by BYU students under the guidance of faculty and staff. Students also helped extensively in creating and performing the music, in greenlighting (approving) the film for production, and moving the film into distribution. To read the entire story go to: BYU-produced Film First of Its Kind to Enter Theaters

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is investigating a report that a posthumous temple ordinance was performed for President Barack Obama's deceased mother. Salt Lake researcher Helen Radkey says she found proxy baptism ordinance records for Stanley Ann Dunham while doing research in the LDS Family History Library. You can read the entire story by going to: Church Investigates Proxy Baptism of President's Mother

Pam, thanks for sharing this. It was all too funny especially since I served on the Stake High Council for 3 years. Great humor to start the day!

Congratulations!!

Lance, Hello and welcome to LDS.Net. It sounds like you live a pretty full and interesting life. I am sure that you will enjoy your visits here.

Wonderful! Out of the mouth of babes!

Hello and a very warm welcome.

Pam, I am sorry for the loss of your father. Please know that you and your family continue to be in my prayers. Take care and God bless.