Some thoughts concerning Lesson 19: Stand Fast Through the Storms of Life.

1) When addressing the storms of life, or trials, or suffering, what types of suffering are we talking about?  The opening example of the lesson from Joseph’s life is a dramatic story of individual physical torture, as a result of his teachings and leadership of the Church. This type of suffering is also implied / described at several other times in the lesson even though no other such dramatic examples are provided.  Physical suffering for the cause of the church, for the sake of faith in God dominates the material, but there are mentions or suggestions of other types of suffering such as the photo of a family in the hospital found on p. 234, or the mention of Joseph having a serious illness on p. 233.  Nonetheless it’s worth asking how broad the notion of suffering presented in the lesson is? Read the rest of this entry »

I don’t know that I really have anything at all to say about this lesson. It is a fantastic glimpse into Joseph’s family life, but there seems to be little more than that to say. I’ll post just this excuse for not saying more, opening up discussion of any parts of the lesson others would like to dwell on.

I think this is the most straightforward lesson I’ve yet read in this manual. This is at least in part due to the fact that almost every quotation is drawn from pre-Nauvoo sources (primarily letters, interestingly); but it is perhaps also a consequence of the nature of the subject. What follows, then, is: (1) an analysis of the construction of the lesson itself, tied to a brief discussion of the overarching topic of the lesson; and (2) an analysis of especially the first section of the “Teachings” portion of the lesson. Read the rest of this entry »