Yesterday, we were talking about Family Responsibilities in our lesson (I was teaching) and I brought out the story of Sariah when she was complaining to Lehi about their sons being gone so long.
It always intrigued me that this story in particular was included in the scriptures. It sort of had a negative connotation to me because it mentions Sariah’s complaining, and not really her faith. But as I looked closer, some things jumped out at me.
Sariah openly and honestly communicates her fears with her husband. She doesn’t mince words, and her natural worry for her children spills over to telling her husband he’s a visionary man.
But Lehi doesn’t over-react either. He doesn’t dismiss her feelings or tell her she’s a whiner. He agrees with her, “I am a visionary man,” and he tries to comfort her by letting her know of his faith that the boys are all right.
I love that because it’s honest communication between a married couple in regard to their children who may or may not be in danger. But the real eye-opener was, for me, whose point of view this entire story was told from.
Nephi.
This entire episode was recorded by Nephi, who didn’t witness it for himself (because he was gone) so he had to have been told by his parents what had happened. Although he did see and hear for himself how Sariah testified that her faith had been strengthened through this ordeal.
So, to me, this does show us and tell us something very important about our family responsibilities. We should have open and honest communication with our loved ones, but not the type of communication that would erode trust and cause contention. And we should share with our children our trials (maybe not the gory details) but how we arrived at the place we did and how our faith was strengthened because of it.
It was just an interesting little insight into something I’d read many times but had never thought about like that, and I thought I’d share.
Communication, strength, and love--something every relationship needs.
I'm an award-winning romantic suspense novelist, but in my free time I love to review books and my fave TV shows, as well as pass along great book deals, and eat Canadian chocolate---not necessarily in that order.
8 comments:
I find it difficult to know where that fine line of loving communication ends and whining begins. This being said, I have a great tendency to keep pretty much everything to myself. Counseling only helped a little, but when its deeply rooted from childhood, learning how to share is very difficult. i wonder if it might not be impossible at my age, to change? And if I did, could my husband's heart stand the shock? Maybe somethings aren't worth the risk. lol.
Wish I had been in your lesson instead of the one given in my ward. This story always intrigues me too because of its honesty. I think I would react in much the same way Sariah did if my children were off who knows where trying to accomplish a pretty impossible mission. What great insights Julie.
Wish I had been in your lesson instead of the one given in my ward. This story always intrigues me too because of its honesty. I think I would react in much the same way Sariah did if my children were off who knows where trying to accomplish a pretty impossible mission. What great insights Julie.
Deb, you make me smile! Sounds like you're doing what's best for you and your poor husband's heart. :)
Brittany, I wish you were in my class, too, because I could have called on you! And I agree about her reaction. There isn't anything that will get a mother to her breaking point faster than her children possibly being hurt or in danger. It was a very honest story. :)
I never thought of it that way before. Excellent insight!
I was here checking on the comments for the book review post, and when I saw my name and "complaining" I jumped a little. Until I realized you meant that other Sariah. ;)
Haha! I did think of you when I typed that title, Sariah! :)
I taught this lesson in my RS, too, but I wish I'd read your post first. I've never thought of their marriage and family that way before. Thanks!
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