Forging Onward Into the Future

by Candace Salima | More from this Blogger

02 Aug 2006 10:31 AM

"Recounting the faith of that great band of early Saints, Elder Ben E. Rich said, 'This country was unknown to them. They believed that God had given to President Young a vision of the future home for the Latter-day Saints. They had faith in their leader, and they were willing to go into the unknown with him. . . . Who should ever forget the faith, . . . the bravery, of those who had such confidence in Brigham Young as to follow him into these valleys of the mountains' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1911, 104). As modern-day pioneers looking to the future, we must be willing to go into the unknown, having the same confidence and commitment in following President Hinckley and the other constituted authorities of the Church." (James E. Faust, "Pioneers of the Future: 'Be Not Afraid, Only Believe,' " Ensign, Nov. 1997, 44-45)

I was in Thatcher, Arizona a few weeks ago and was asked to contribute to a fireside on pioneers. I listened to the other speaker tell delightful story after story of true events in the lives of Latter-day Saint pioneers. I looked around the room and realized these were the descendants of pioneers who had been sent by Brigham Young to settle this area of the country. As a descendant of pioneers myself, I felt a sudden and deep kinship.

Suddenly knowledge coursed through me. When I stood, I recounted the story of my great-great-great grandfather (see an earlier blog on Moses Harris) and of his journey west with his family. As I spoke it became very clear to me that we are pioneers standing on the precipice of choice.

Surrounded by a world which would make acceptable every degradation, every sin, every dark and evil thing, should stand the Latter-day Saints as points of light across the globe. Do we throw our shoulders back, hold our heads high and declare to the world of the divinity of Jesus Christ? Do we state, without question, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds the truths that will lead our Father's children home? Do we testify of the truth and hope within the pages of the Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price? Do we make it clear in every action, thought and deed that we are followers of Jesus Christ?

When I asked that little congregation that night these questions, they hit as hard to home in my heart as they did in theirs. For we are as pioneers as we forge onward into the future, blazing a path for all to follow. This is not the time for fear. This is not the time for trepidation. This is not the time to quail in our shoes. Our ancestors did not, and because of this bold and righteous heritage, neither must we.

Learn more about Candace Salima

Candace E. Salima was born right smack dab in the middle of twelve children.

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Tristi Pinkston (10839) 03 Aug 2006 09:38 AM

Very true, Candace. Sometimes we forget that we, too, are pioneers and should act with the same courage and dignity that our ancestors did.

WillMags06 (103) 07 Aug 2006 08:03 AM

Thanks for a Wonderful Story/Testimony-enjoyed it very much,as well as the other writings I've viewed from you.Looking foward to more.Being an aspiring writer,hope to learn from you.

adrenals (19) 18 Aug 2006 11:19 AM

It's good to hear someone reflect upon the pioneers that made their ways here. Forgetting who we are can cut us off, and handicap us in blazing our own ways through this "Modern day wilderness" of bright lights and dark debauchery.