Nibowaka

1. For centuries blacks were denied the priesthood because of the "curse of Cain". They were said to be spirits who were "not as valiant" in the pre-mortal life. 2. Children who die before the "age of accountability" are said to be Celestial spirits. 3. Millions of black children died before the "age of accountability" prior to blacks being allowed to hold the priesthood. 4. If blacks were punished for being "not as valiant" in the pre-mortal life, how then did black children who died before the "age of accountability" earn Celestial glory? As for me, I accept all of God's children. We are all special spirits of our Heavenly Father. If their are any weak among us, they need to be lifted up.

And guess what...not being given a ride today either.

The person who was supposed to pick me up is my home teacher. He called a couple of days later and apologized; he had "forgotten". It happens. I forgive him. Tomorrow I expect to be picked up by someone else. As for walking, I am tired from having to walk to work five days a week. The bus drops me off about a mile and a half from work, so I have to walk the rest of the way. Too, walking in church clothes in this desert heat would be very hard, and by the time I got to church I'd be a sweaty mess. My crimes from years past, and the way society treats me today, cause a lot of judgment and disdain from people. I suppose you can guess my crimes, but I really do not want to discuss that issue. Thank you to everyone who posted a response, even though some were judgmental and haughty. Many others were very kind.

Hemidakota wrote, "If it doesn't moo, oink, or cluck at dinner time, I WON'T SWALLOW!" Well, if it is still mooing, oinking, or clucking, I'd suggest killing and cooking it first...then swallow!

I finished reading 3 Nephi tonight, on my way to reading the entire Book of Mormon by year's end. This scripture struck me as never before: 3 Nephi 6-7. In part this passage reads, "Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord...." / "Yea, and wo unto him that shall say...there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus Christ; for he that doeth this shall become like unto the son of perdition...." [emphasis mine] I had always been taught that to become a "son of perdition" you had to have a direct knowledge of Jesus as the Christ, give by the Holy Ghost, and then you deny the Holy Ghost and the divinity of Jesus. 3 Nephi 6-7 seems to say that just denying the revelations and saying there can be no more miracles is enough to make one a "son of perdition". Please clarify.

Good for you for returning to Church activity. Get back on the straight and narrow path, hold to the iron rod, and walk tall to the tree of life. I pray for your success.

There are many here wiser than I. Having acknowledged that, let me give you my poor thoughts: As I understand the Church policy on helping the poor within the Church, first the supplicant seeks help from his family. Secondly, he seeks assistance, legally, through public and governmental services, e.g., welfare or employment services. Thirdly, he seeks blessings from the Bishop, e.g., the Bishop's storehouse or Deseret Industries. We often help best when we help the poor get back on their own two feet, as best they can. Each person has a responsibility, as best he or she can, to work and provide for their own needs. I believe the old adage of "Give a man a fish....." applies.

If I read your profile correctly, you live in Mesa. Is that Mesa, Arizona? If so, check out the following website: https://egov.azdes.gov/CMSInternet/common.aspx?menu=108&menuc=162&id=2520

Who is Harry Potter? Just kidding. My granddaughter is 15 now, and during her growing up years I bought her all the Harry Potter books. I read each of them too. That way, though separated by many miles, we shared an experience. Kelsy, my granddaughter, loves the Potter series, as do I. My favorite character is Hermione. She is a strong girl, later a young woman, who knows her mind. My favorite scene, actually from one of the movies versions because it is visual, is when she hauls off and decks Draco Malfoy. (I am non-violent. No, really in real life I am.) Kelsy seems a lot like Hermione, though I've never seen her deck anyone.

Welcome, Alix Thank you for posting. Hope you like it here. Look around and let us know your thoughts. How did you find out about the Church and join? Conversion stories are a good place to start sharing. Enjoy your stay.

"...not currently...." Hmmm. Have to work on that. Someone get the baptismal font ready! :)

Hey, theJason - And maybe someday you'll learn to spell Canada. Canuck Mormon - Very happy for you. :)

PeeJee, Welcome! Africa is a mighty big place. Care to be more specific? I am interested in hearing more about the growth of the Gospel in your part of the world.

Welcome, Cody...and Rebecca. Being an eternal married couple is wonderful. I am sure our Father in Heaven will be pleased to send his spirit children into your home. Hope you enjoy the board. Stay safe!

Welcome. Enjoy.