Bishop Z can also be known as the tortilla man. He is a straight laced German, uber organized, sings opera and I love him a lot. He had a steady job his whole life, but times changed and he found himself with a large white truck, selling tortillas and chips. And when there were too many, or ready to expire flour or corn goodness, he generously shared.
Some people in our ward have problems with him. Some people in our ward are very vocal about having problems with him. Some people have even gone inactive, blaming him. Some people. Some people.
Finally, enough was enough. I was in the mother's lounge nursing little mama and this inactive member starts railing. First of all, I'm nursing. Let's have some peace. But no, the mocking and talking bad continues. I really wonder how God controls himself. Seriously. If I had all power to throw down fire from heaven, the earth would be slightly singed to say the least. I'm not saying anything, you think she'd get the hint. But sometimes you just need to be bold.
So this is what I told her. When Joe was set apart as the Young Men's president, Bishop Z gave him a blessing.
** Side note, what is a blessing? By the laying on of hands (on Joe's head) and by inspiration, those giving the blessing proceed to give wisdom and council from our Father in Heaven (as directed by the Holy Ghost). The scriptures are full of many accounts where blessings involving the laying on of hands are given. (Hebrews Chapter 6 verse 2, Numbers chapter 27 verse 18, 1 Timothy chapter 4 verse 14, Mark chapter 16 verse 18)
Bishop Z and Joe see each other at church, but they aren't bosom buddies who share every little detail about their lives. Joe loves the Bishop. My point is though, what the Bishop proceeded to say could not have just been through talking or knowing Joe. It was pure direction from our Heavenly Father. The Bishop quoted almost word for word another blessing Joe had received (one that is written down, called the Patriarchal Blessing). The Bishop is an inspired man. He may not be perfect, but neither am I or anyone else for that matter. Only our Saviour is. And that's the nice thing. He's got His church. He's the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He's organized and perfect. So let's just follow Him already and do what needs to be done.
I once read a quote that you can dispute a lot of things in life. You can argue this way or that. But you can't dispute the feelings of peace or testimony that one has. For example, I know that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are the word of God. I read them everyday, I ponder them, I pray about the words written and I've felt peace and warmth in the messages found in those divine pages. You may disagree, but you can't tell me I haven't had those manifestations of truthfulness. I have had them. That's why I continue to read them everyday and share with whoever is willing to listen.
I've made important promises to sustain and support my local church leaders. I feel saddened when people are quick to judge or nit pick. The tortilla man once wrote a letter of recommendation for Joe. In it he said that he feels a tremendous pressure to make sure the young men of the ward have strong leadership. He said in his prayerful consideration who should head that section of the ward, he knew that he could only choose the best of the best, which was Joe. My husband is greatness defined. Any person who realizes this is a beloved friend of mine. So Bishop Z, lead me and guide me. Thank you for your service. I know you have been appointed by the Lord to this calling these past 7 years, I've felt it in my heart and know that it's right!
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Maria was in 7
And if I don't feed her quick enough, she fends for herself...
