I've got a bunch of things I could say but I want to focus on one in particular and I think it's a really good story. Sorry, I wasn't really able to respond to anyone's emails last week but I greatly appreciate hearing from you. If my email last week seemed extra short here's why. Yes, I was busy as always but we had an Elder in our district that has bipolar depression and a breathtaking temper. He was throwing a fit because his companion was still emailing and he wanted to go back to the dorm and as District Leader I felt like he was my responsibility so I cut things short to go with him, more to pacify him for everybody else's sake. He's what I want to focus on.
Ever since day one he was an interesting guy. He liked to boast about how many people he's put in the hospital and all the stuff he had to clear up to come on his mission and on and on. Much of his self-esteem came from being the tough guy and through intimidation. He went through some weird mood swings constantly. Closets would be punched. Doors were slammed. He was a constant form of stress for me for the first two weeks because whenever you were doing anything with him it felt like playing minesweeper. And because I'm District Leader I couldn't just ignore him because it's my job to make sure things go well for all the Elders in the district. And lots of the Elders in the district voiced their concerns to me as well. That's what I dealt with for the first two weeks.
Well fast forward to the story. He went into the counseling doctor or whatever the title here is last Thursday and got the official diagnosis of bipolar depression. He could've gone home that same day to begin treatment or sometime close to it. But he said no...I want to meet with my last TRC investigator one more time before I go and talk to him about baptism. He had told us about this TRC investigator and how special he felt he was. We had all taken his word for it but none of us really understood. Until I got the opportunity to go on exchanges with him to meet with said TRC because his companion was dealing with back problems and had a doctors appointment. I won't forget that experience for a while and it solidified something I learned.
This TRC investigator was the perfect example of someone who needed the blessings of the gospel. He had such strong faith in Christ and he had a very strong desire to change. This investigator suffered from anxiety, insomnia, bipolar depression, and a host of other mental problems. He had also done some things in the past that he didn't share but that he sincerely wanted to feel forgiven of. And this Elder, who had been such a form of frustration, I saw a different side of. This Elder cared for this man so much and related to him on such a personal level. He taught him a very simple lesson and bore one of the most sincere testimonies that I had ever heard. This experience, I believe, gave me a very small taste of what it means to love as the Savior loved.
This certain Elder was obnoxious, stressful and had many faults. But, he also had one of the biggest hearts I had ever seen. He would volunteer to role play with us for a good 40 minutes or more on one occasion. When we heard that some of the sisters in our district were struggling he made an effort to reach out to them and make them feel welcome. When he was in his good moods he was very service minded. Those examples along with the experience I mentioned above led me to really care for and love this Elder.
Christ loved all. Especially those who rejected him. After fasting for 40 days and being tempted by the devil he sent angels to comfort John who was imprisoned. He healed the ear of the very guard who was sent to bring him to the cross. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." That is Christ like love. He was able to see the good and the potential in everyone and didn't let the bad attributes of people cloud his view. He did not ignore or excuse the mistakes and short comings of the people. That is something important. Do not simply ignore the sin and short comings of people. But don't let those negative things become who they are in your eyes. Hate the sin, but love the sinner. Be patient with people and when you serve them you will see in small part the way Christ sees them.
I'll be able to tell you things about Spokane next week! Love to all.
-Elder Herd
P.S. Here are a few pictures. Don't ask me why Elder Fullmer has a pillowcase with Nicholas
Cage's face on it. (Elder Fullmer is the one who is eating a carrot cake
with an Oreo)
No comments:
Post a Comment