Refiner's Fire Ministries

This post is intensely personal. If you don’t want to know my most inner thoughts at the moment, I understand. But this is for those of you who are struggling with family members who are still in the clutches of Joseph Smith’s doctrines. At times it seems as if we take two steps forward and seventeen back.

As some of you may know I fractured two vertebrae in a car accident on October 13th. It has involved pain, a turtle shell brace, help with showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed, assistance with some aspect of nearly every activity of daily living. Finally, surgery last Thursday. As a previously healthy and very active senior citizen I had, in an instant, achieved the status of the people for whom I care in the nursing home. Without hubby Cecil, I probably would have ended occupying one of those beds, at least temporarily. Major bummer.

In the two years since I escaped the RLDS, Cecil has been gracious enough to frequently accompany me to my church, Fellowship Baptist in Aurora (Come and visit us sometime and receive a blessing beyond your wildest dreams.) The extremely high gas prices had something to do with it in the beginning. God moves in mysterious ways! But as he got to know our pastor, Lee Parsons, he went more willingly, oftentimes going when I had to work or was otherwise indisposed. He raves about Brother Parsons’ sermons, which are absolutely Bible-based and salted with the zest of someone who has been there and done that. He considers him one of the finest and most sincere human beings he has ever met. He shouts “Amen” from the pew with the rest of us and seems the epitome of a hardcore Bible-believing, fundamental Baptist. He and Brother Parsons have become very close friends. I, of course, have been in seventh heaven (no disrespect intended.)

When I had my accident Cec and Brother Parsons were in Aurora having lunch. I called Cec from the car and the rest of the day involved ambulance rides, x-rays, CT scans and MRIs. Bro. Parsons was there for us the whole time and stuck by Cecil like a third arm. The pain I was experiencing was greatly buffered by the interaction between the two men whom I feel closest to. I truly felt they were on the same page. Keep in mind that Cecil hasn’t been able to attend his church in Miami, OK because he hasn’t been able to leave me long enough. I have considered this a gift from God and have told myself that surely he must have “seen the light” by now.

A few days ago I was resting after a flurry of activity. For me a flurry of activity is going to church and coming home. Cecil and I were talking about the wonderful people at Fellowship Baptist and how fortunate we are to have them in our lives. Cecil mentioned Bro. Parsons and again commented on how well they get along. Then he added, “Even though we don’t see eye to eye on some issues I consider him one of my best friends.”

Understand—I am on pain medication and my brain doesn’t always thoroughly engage before my mouth starts running. “What issues?” I queried.

“I believe the Book of Mormon,” Cecil answered.

I was shattered with disappointment. Quite honestly, I don’t remember how the rest of the conversation went. But after he left the room I spent quite a lot of time in tears and prayer.

Now, in the cold light of reality, I can almost look at it rationally. Cecil has been a member of Joseph Smith’s church since the mid 60’s, most of his adult life. He has heard nothing but preaching from the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the “Inspired” version of the Bible for most of that time. How can I expect him to “get it” when he is not even looking or questioning, and he truly believes Joseph Smith was a prophet? What makes me think he will just gather up those books and toss them into the trash just because he agrees with much of what he hears at my church? Of course some of it is similar, which makes the Joseph Smith church, or any false church, for that matter, so insidious.

My error was in thinking for God. I believe we all do this on occasion. Okay, God, here’s what I think you’re doing because it’s a really good idea, it fits perfectly and it certainly suits my agenda. Let’s face it; God doesn’t need us arranging His plans for Him. What an abrupt awakening.

Someone once said to me, “Make plans but don’t plan the outcome.” I never really understood it until this little incident. I think I understand it now: we may think they’re our plans, but if we let God into them, it’s always His outcome.

God bless and thanks for listening. You are all in my prayers. Have a blessed holiday season and yes, it is okay so say Merry Christmas. I'll try to get God Doesn't Run a Cafeteria 2 up soon.

In His amazing love

Jan