We read in Esther 8:16 “The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.” (Esther 8:16)

What great qualities, right?!

Light. Gladness. Joy. Honor.

Do you feel any of those in your life right now?

The Jews certainly did. They were a happy and blessed people, and they showed that outwardly.

But guess what happened because of all this light and joy they were showing?

In that next verse, we learn, “And many of the people of the land became Jews”. (Esther 8:17)

Isn’t that cool?

Other people saw the light and joy that the Jews had, and it made them want to join in their faith.

This makes me wonder about my worshiping.

I really do feel a level of joy and peace in my heart, no matter what is happening around me.

But do I show the light, gladness, and joy that I feel from living gospel principles with others?

Do I let my light shine, or am I accidentally hiding it, wanting to fit in with the sadness, fear, and weight in the rest of the world?

Do I take the easier way out of just agreeing with the assumptions that I must be exhausted, frustrated, or scared?

Or am I brave enough to show that I feel peace and happiness right now, in this stage of life, and in this state of the world?

When we show the joy that we really feel, others can’t help but want to join in, too.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Brave enough to feel happy first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Such joy, relief!

Out of Babylon and back to the land of your ancestors to rebuild the great temple as a sign of devotion to God.

Good intentions to do good things.

But then

SO MUCH OPPOSITION.

The work stops.

So heartbreaking!

But the prophet says to keep going despite all the opposition.

Letters are written to the Persian king trying to “tattle” on the Jews, encouraging the king to use his power to stop their efforts.

So what does the great Persian king Darius do with all of his social status, influence, and power?

He says, “Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.”

He even then tells all these complaining neighbors to give the Jews any material they may need for the temple so that, “they be not hindered”. (Ezra 6:7-8)

Darius didn’t know these Jews. He doesn’t really know much about Jerusalem.

But he stood up for the people who were getting picked on and encouraged others to assist, too.

Elder Renlund, in his talk “Infuriating Unfairness” in April 2021, said:

“Brothers and sisters, not throwing stones is the first step in treating others with compassion. The second step is to try to catch stones thrown by others.”

You may not feel that you have the power and influence that Darius used for these Jews.

But how could you be a powerful example of love the next time someone starts gossiping?

How could you be a powerful example of grace the next time someone starts criticizing?

How could you be a powerful example of inclusion the next time someone starts excluding?

Little by little, we can catch the stones meant for those around us, and share love and support instead!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Catching stones for the Jews first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.