This week I read about Alma the elder and the people in the land of Helam. They were unfortunately discovered and conquered by the Lamanites, and Amulon took control of the city. He was unkind to say the least…

Amulon “…began to persecute him, and cause that his children should persecute their children… he exercised authority over them, and put tasks upon them, and put task-masters over them… and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death.” (Mosiah 24:8-11)

Alma and his people “did pour out their hearts to [God], and he did know the thoughts of their hearts” (Mosiah 24:12). In the end, Heavenly Father answered their prayers and delivered them, but before that he strengthened them to bear the persecutions. I’m impressed by their attitude…

“And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.” (Mosiah 24:25)

I don’t think it was the will of the Lord for Amulon to be so cruel, but it was the Lord’s will that Amulon be able to use his agency. Agency is so important to Heavenly Father that He allows his children to do horrible things. So, when Alma and his people submitted “cheerfully and with patience,” they were submitting to the Plan of Salvation — which requires that people have agency and be able to serve or harm others.

I heard HWN this week reflecting on this story and what it means to submit to the Lord’s will :) This also reminds me of a post from a few weeks ago (Thy Will Be Done) if you’d like to check it out.

A couple highlights this week were having dinner with my friend Graden and his wife on Thursday, and lunch with my friend Kiya on Saturday. Yesterday, I also got to go on a hike near Squaw Peak with my friend Todd. What a blessing to still have such nice weather in November!