2 And he [Nephi] gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi. [JACOB 1:2]
I’ve always loved that Jacob, Nephi’s much younger brother, was entrusted with with writing upon the sacred plates. How did he become entrusted to do so? He wasn’t with Nephi during the daunting task of retrieving the Brass Plates from Laban—and Laman and Lemuel’s rebellion. He wasn’t with Nephi during the convincing of Ishmael’s family to join them in the wilderness—and Laman and Lemuel’s rebellion. And if we’re keeping track, I presume Jacob was present for their rebellion when Nephi built the ship and then their mutiny on that ship, along with many other instances of insurrection afterwards as well. Nevertheless, my point is that Jacob was entrusted with the truth because he believed the truth. He believed his brother Nephi knew the truth and he did not rebel and that is why the Lord (not just Nephi) entrusted him with carrying on the sacred task of writing the history of their people—of which we are the grateful recipients of such inspiring, guiding, guarding wisdom found in these “most precious” words of Jacob. Thank you, Jacob, for your faith and diligence in sharing your history.
The Story of Your Life
Do you believe that your story is worth writing down, let alone being passed down to your posterity? Why or why not? When was the last time you wrote your thoughts and feelings in a diary, or journal? I remember finding a notebook from my late Grandmother and was excited to read through it—but it was mostly history, not her story. It was mostly about where she and Grandpa went on trips, but didn’t express feelings about the excitement or wonder of their many journey’s. It was mostly about when they baked cookies, doctor’s appointments and when she got her hair done. It was about when friends came to visit, but not anything about why they were friends, or how certain events made her feel. Thankfully, I was able to share enough time with her to hear (and see) her testimony in person, but it would have been a blessing to have more of her thoughts and feelings, the “precious parts” of her life written down so I could read them, and gain strength from them today.
The “Most Precious” Parts
I know some days feel boring and routine, but even the rotten ones have lessons to learn that could bless your posterity! Sure, maybe you did some things you’re not proud of, but that doesn’t mean you can’t write down the lessons you learned from those missteps and mistakes. You may think you’ve done things more precarious than precious, or have no priceless wisdom worth writing down, but I disagree. The Lord didn’t put you on this earth to just bake cookies, take trips, go to the doctor and get your hair done. He wants you to have precious moments to enjoy life. And I know there are some precious parts that your posterity needs to read to help prepare, protect and inspire them to live better lives. If you really don’t believe there are such precious moments in your life worth sharing, then I’m daring you to go make some!
A Commission of Courage
I know it may not be easy. I know you may have to sift through some uncomfortable memories, but as you do so, the Spirit of the Lord will guide you to the more “precious parts” so you can write them down and you can trust in the Lord to help them bless all who read them. Along with courage, also have faith that what you write will be the right things to bring hope and healing to your posterity; and to yourself, also! (Writing your story will bring hope, healing and clarity to your heart and soul!) Thus, your story could be the tipping point, or turning point, to help your posterity more fully believe in and commit to the Covenant Path, or to help them believe in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and follow Him more faithfully as He helps bring them back to the Father’s fold.
Do not doubt the power of your history to improve someone’s future and to bring them back to and even closer to their Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe your life is a greater story than you know. And if you need help discovering and documenting your precious life story, I will help you.