I truly don’t want to pass judgment on Jarom, but I do want to learn from his example.
Jarom prophesied.
Jarom received revelations.
He may have even had an amazing conversion story, gave a powerful sermon, or had a unique life story.
And yet, when it was his turn to write on the plates, Jarom wrote:
“It must needs be that I write a little; but I shall not write the things of my prophesying, nor of my revelations. For what could I write more than my fathers have written?”(Jarom 1:2)
Now, really, I don’t want to pass judgment on Jarom. It’s possible that he was asked to only write a little. And clearly God made it work with whatever Jarom did or didn’t do.
But his question of “What could I write more than my fathers have written?” Is so intriguing to me!
Where am I selling myself short?
Do I think other people have more important things to say than I do?
And does believing that others are better than I am limit what I do?
I matter!
I know that Jesus loves me and cares about my experiences.
I don’t think He would want me NOT to talk about something cool I learned in the scriptures just because someone else had said something like it before.
I don’t think He would want me to stay silent when I feel I should bear my testimony just because I have nothing unique to say.
I don’t think He would want me to not teach my children the gospel because I don’t feel I know it well enough.
“Our clumsy efforts can lead to miracles.” – Elder Vern P. Stanfill
I wonder what Jarom could have shared if we got to learn more about his life, his prophecies, his difficult moments, his conversion, his joy…
Jarom didn’t think he could add anything that Nephi and Jacob hadn’t already said.
But I believe we’ve all got something.
We might not realize it, but our unique little experiences and perspectives matter.
And when we share them with others, it might be exactly the thing that connects with their soul, too!
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
3 Responses
I loved this! I’m one that pauses before speaking or sharing (if I do).
THIS! This hit me hard today. Thanks for sharing Cali. I love that you always share things, they always make sense to me. Thank you for not being afraid to share your thoughts just because others may have shared something similar before. Love love this message!
Thank you! ❤️