llytn51

I was a bit harsh in my last post and apologize for it. Please try to understand that the LDS Church does not have a racist past. Some racist members, yes, but the Gospel was in no way racist. There was a good reason for what they did and it had to do with the general feelings of blacks in this country as being equal. Not holding the priesthood wasn't a punishment....it's my understanding that even though they didn't hold the priesthood, they still were given all of the blessings of those who did hold the priesthood when they lived the Gospel. It was because of the social racism in America, not the church being racist. The church intervened and made it so that they had all the blessings of any other member in good standing. This was actually a blessing for the blacks and it was the opposite of racism. They were accepted into the highest kingdom without the priesthood....who else can say they got that privilege? The Lord knew that many just wouldn't accept a black man having a higher priesthood position then a white man. There were many blacks in the early church and I have seen some beautiful stories concerning Joseph Smith and Brigham Young in regards to their black friends and new black converts. When you understand why, then you will understand the love that the Lord had for these people and for the early church members and how the church went above and beyond to protect them. Check your Church History and you will see that it's true. Remember, "If it weren't for the people, the Church would be perfect."

Of course she feels out of place! She's the only Black in a group of Whites! She needs fellowshipping, prayers, love and understanding. This might be a wonderful Ward, but she hasn't gotten the message that she is a sister to all the members of the Ward. When she spoke out during testimony, that was appropriate because she was crying for help with her feelings of lonliness within the membership of the church. This is part of her testimony! Go to her and ask forgiveness for not understanding her uncomfortable situation. My son in law is Black and a Melchizedek Priesthood holder. When he was going up to bless a baby in a Ward that he wasn't from, one of the Bishopric quickly came down to tell him that he had to have the priesthood to come up there........this is only one of many times these things happen. There are racists in our church and it will take more Black members to love them out of it. And I mean LOVE them out of it. These people (and they know who they are....they say they aren't racist, but then they open their mouth and you know they are) need to know that we are all brothers and sisters and they are the ones who will suffer eternally if they don't get a grip on reality. We need this sister to return to church and help us to grow as the Lord has asked us to do. Someone needs to go to her and tell her how important she is to the growth of the church and that she is a shining example of true love between all people. It's been a month.........SHE IS OUR SISTER, so go and tell her that! P.S. Say an 'on your knees prayer' before you leave.

We might see those things happen during the Millenium which I'm sure we will see soon enough.