Sisters and brothers, my friends, aloha!
I'm so honored to be here. This is such a special place. As I was looking around Laie this morning, on a walk, and then driving over here, I just felt in my heart that you are in an exceptional place to go to school, to work, and to be a part of a community that is so closely knit. I feel like this is a beautiful example of Hawaii, of aloha and of love.
Here on this campus, I was thinking about a map that I saw this morning, near the offices where President and Sister Kauwe are. On the map there were tiny little specks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean representing Hawaii. As I looked at those islands, I thought you cannot really see anything other than the name of each island and maybe a little star where some maps might say "Honolulu," but you're not likely to find on a world map, Laie, but you are on the Lord's map. This is a special place. And He loves you very much. This area and the individuals serving you have been uniquely prepared by the Savior of the world to teach you to go forth and to serve, and to love and to lift everywhere you will go. Some of you will remain in Laie and some of you will go to other parts of the world. Your influence will affect generations. You will help people everywhere you go because of what you learn here. So, if you're unsure or if you're super sure in your decision to be at BYU–Hawaii, let me reassure you that this is the right place at the right time for each of you.
As you just heard, my wife Nanci and I traveled from Maui to be with you for this devotional. It is an honor to be here, and I am humbled to accept the invitation from President and Sister Kauwe to speak to you today.
I know that you are aware that it has been an unprecedented time on the island of Maui—and really for all the islands of Hawaii—as we navigate the immediate and long-term aftermath of the devastating fires which wreaked havoc last month. I feel it appropriate to express, for just a moment, my love, and sincerest gratitude (and the love and gratitude of so many others across the island) for your support, your faith, your prayers, your service, your time, your means, and everything you have done—and continue to do—on our behalf. Each of the islands has poured out aloha in its truest form upon us. I wish I could personally thank everyone in the world who has supported us during this time, but considering the spirit of this devotional we are participating in today in this special place in beautiful Laie, I wish to express my love to each of you here, and the many others in our Hawaii ‘ohana.
This box, and message written upon it, is just one of many received from the wonderful people of Oahu’s north shore. Your response has been tremendous. Your love has lifted us. We hear you. We feel you. We sense your compassion and your mana. I pray God will pour His love into your lives in beautiful ways. I pray He and His Son will be with us today, and that His Holy Spirit will teach us as we meet together.
My aim today is to share with you a portion of what has been engrained in me as a result of the past seven weeks—specifically, experiences of feeling the Savior’s love and light in unexpected ways as we have worked and moved forward since that fateful day in August. I hope to use these lessons, along with examples from our Savior’s life, with the hope that you will be able to find some useful principles that will brighten your life—not only today, but, as you learn in your mission and the values of your university, it is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ for the rest of your life. I hope that what we discuss today will influence you every day of your journey.
I recognize that each of us carries burdens, mostly unseen. I hope each of you receiving this message today will feel seen and will understand just how remarkable you are as a child of God. We have been promised by His Son and through His Spirit that He will come to His disciples, and “not leave [us] comfortless.” That promise is sure. [1] I bear witness that He loves you very much.
In Matthew’s account of the first Sunday after Christ’s crucifixion, he shares the special experience of Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” as they came to the sepulchre. I would like you to imagine for a moment that you are walking with Mary on that day:.
"Behold, there was a great earthquake… [and] angel[s] of the Lord...rolled back the stone...and sat upon it."
This must have been startling, because the women were shortly after reassured:
"Fear not ye: for [we] know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
Then they were admonished:
"…Go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him."
We read that they:
"…departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word."
I love the use of these two adjectives: fear and great joy. It demonstrates, to me, the dichotomy of the fear we sometimes feel as mortal individuals, and the joys found in divine intervention.
Then, something key happens that shapes their experience and leads to divine light. It also shapes the message I would like to share with you today.
"And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
“Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid…" [2]
Notice that this, the holiest of experiences: seeing the Risen Lord—Whose resurrection is earth’s greatest miracle in all its existence—did not happen “as they waited” or “once they finally reached their destination.” Rather, like so many of His glorious miracles, it took place as they went.
We would do well to remember this important principle. In fact, if you did a quick search of the phrase “as they went”—not to say anything of synonymous descriptions about journeying, traveling, and so forth—you would find several instances of miracles accompanying Jesus and His disciples as they went. This idea of experiencing the Savior and His miracles as we go is as critical now as it was when He walked the dusty streets of Galilee.
The world often entices us to look to the future without taking time to enjoy the stunning wonders of the present. We are in a go, go, go society. The truth is, every moment that has ever been, that is, and that ever will be, is the present.
I remember being a student in undergraduate and later professional school and residency and often telling myself things would brighten and my load would lessen in the future, saying things like:
If I can just get through this next exam… or to the next weekend.
If I can just get through these midterms.
If I can just make it to the end of the semester… or graduation… or residency… or to practice… and on and on. You get the idea.
You may similarly be looking forward to your next job, next roommate, a mission, or for a difficult season in your life to pass. Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with slowing down and trying to see the big picture and breaking these bigger picture goals into smaller ones. There is value in not allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed by our scholastic, personal, professional, and spiritual journeys.
Still, if we measure our happiness by accomplishments and deadlines which have yet to take place, we are missing a special kind of joy God has prepared for His children. In our ever-busy lives, you and I must not forget to find heavenly reminders, moments of laughter, treasured relationships, learning experiences, and, yes, miracles from a loving Heavenly Father and His Son as we go. Let us not be looking forward to Christmas while a Thanksgiving meal with loved ones grows cold. Through our highs and our lows, the Savior wants us to find Him. Indeed, “This is the day which the LORD hath made…” Let us “rejoice and be glad in it.” [3]
I’m certain there are many methods to finding Jesus as we go. Might I suggest just a few which have helped me?
The scriptures often teach the importance of “remembering.” Let’s use this concept to discuss four ways we can remember to find Jesus as we go:
1. Remember that you are uniquely prepared for this moment in time.
2. Remember to give thanks all along your way.
3. Remember to invite light into your life, and remove darkness, each day.
4. Remember that Christ must be the center of your worship experience.
First, remember that you are uniquely prepared for this moment in time.
I don’t say these words lightly, sisters and brothers. You really are prepared for this moment in time.
The first Sunday after the fires arrived was a day of sacred memories on Maui. Unable to access two of our church buildings (which were miraculously and thankfully spared), we combined several of our congregations together for sacrament meetings in the same church building serving as the primary shelter for evacuees. Many of these evacuees joined together with the very members who had been serving them food, preparing their bedding, handing out baby supplies, and providing a myriad of other resources. We united, visitors and members alike, in reverence as the emblems of our Savior’s Atonement were passed along the same pews on which many of them had just spent the previous nights sleeping.
I feel to share a scripture with you that comes to my mind about this:
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
“Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”
And I think it would be okay if I add: “I was caught in a devastating fire and ye took me in.”
“Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
“When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
“Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [4]
There was such a tender closeness in this church building, and the other church buildings, serving as shelters on the island of Maui because we were trying to serve others the way we thought that the Savior would serve if He was there. And, many of us felt that as people slept on those pews, there couldn’t be anything more beautiful. And, that the Savior was truly pleased with what we were doing.
During one of the meetings, a remarkable bishop whose family lost their home and all their belongings, and whose ward lost a beautiful family in the fire, bore a powerful testimony in both English and Tongan. As he humbly spoke to all in attendance, he said something I was certain many in the congregation had also felt about this uncertain time,: “I was not prepared for this.” After he said these words, an impression immediately and clearly came into my mind: He was uniquely prepared for this.
This uniquely prepared bishop spoke of his love for those in attendance, and bore testimony of the Savior’s love and atoning power. Amidst his own sorrow, he—like so many on Maui at this time—offered words of light and encouragement.
Then something happened which I will never forget. The Tongan saints sang “Ko Hoku Tauhi ‘a Sihova (The Lord is My Keeper).” [5] If you have heard the Tongan people sing together, you know what a special experience it can be. Hearing them sing, and at times attempting to sing along with them, is one of the great blessings of my calling at this time. But this particular hymn and these particular saints seemed to gather the grief of an entire island into their hearts. It felt as though the building shook as their powerful voices lifted heavenward. Many eyes were wet with tears, including those whose eyes were tightly closed while singing to the heavens in faith with all their souls.
It felt as though we were surrounded by light and that heaven’s angels joined in their beautiful harmonies. Now imagine with me this beautiful truth: every one of these people singing, and all the others throughout this church building—both when it was a shelter and when it was the place of our Sunday worship—each was uniquely prepared for what they were facing. They were lifting each other up, “mourn[ing] with those that mourn[ed]… and comfort[ing] those that [stood] in need of comfort.” [6]
Brothers and Sisters, whether it be amidst the devastation of disaster, or in the quiet day-to-day lifting of others within your sphere of influence, I testify to each of you that you are uniquely prepared for a time such as this! The world is experiencing incessant amounts of chaos, but our Heavenly Father has prepared you for this specific time and place to become “peaceable followers of Christ,” and the blessings we are promised, if we will do this, are profound. [7]
Second, remember to give thanks all along your way.
You may remember the story, as Jesus passed through Samaria and Galilee and entered into a certain village, of ten individuals plagued with leprosy who, "…stood afar off…[pleading with Him] ... Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."
Considering the history and traditions of individuals afflicted with leprosy, their experiences must have been heartbreaking. They surely felt burdened down with some of the same feelings that you may have felt from time to time: worry, stress, embarrassment, loneliness, hopelessness, and fear. Still, as Jesus came their way, they sought His mercy. Notice they did not say, “please, heal us of this sick disease,” or “help these people to stop being so unkind to us.” They just said, “have mercy on us.” And that’s exactly what He did.
When he saw them, he spoke to them directly, "…Go shew yourselves unto the priests."
Then listen to these words in verse 14,"…as they went, they were cleansed."
At this point, we have a beautiful miracle, once again found on the way. And, if this were all the information we had about these now-healed individuals, it would still be a powerful story. But, remember that:
"…one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
“and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks.
“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
“There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
“And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." [8]
Each of us may, if we wish to see it, observe heaven’s blessings happening all around us. Our very existence is a miracle and a wonder in itself! And that, like the healing experienced by these ten individuals, is miraculous. But we find in this specific story a deeper healing and wholeness that can come into our life through gratitude.
Begin your day in thanks. Before classes and exams, before work and before worship, before anything you do, give thanks. Consider offering one prayer each day, or even one prayer each week to start, where you only give thanks to your Heavenly Father.
I have a dear friend and mentor who I call my brother. The gratitude that he, his wife, and children demonstrate has always been a light for me. I would like to share with you an experience that he and I shared.
'Unaloto and Fitu Taukei'aho and their three daughters made it out of Lahaina just in time, like so many of the people there, losing their home and everything they owned. Two of their sons are currently serving missions and learned of the fires while serving. Very soon after the fires hit Lahaina we went together to take fuel, food, and water to the west side for those in need and, in his words, “to check on our home if there is time.” He knew it was gone, but he needed to see it.
On this particular trip, his gratitude was as evident as ever. He spoke humbly of how thankful he was that his family was in a position to lift others. He was gracious to everyone we visited with.
We walked through the neighborhood where his children had played. It took my breath away and I had no words. I trailed closely behind him. The burnt rubble made the homes indistinguishable to me, but he knew where we were headed. Much of that experience was both heavy and sacred for us, but with his permission, I will tell you that as we approached his home and he took in the damage, his light and gratitude never wavered.
We looked where his kitchen once stood and he spoke of funny stories and family experiences there. We found the remnants of his daughter’s piggy bank. It felt too much for me. I told him how sorry I was as tears filled my eyes. He smiled as we looked through the coins, opening his pocket as I poured some in. We found a burnt metal cup and added more. “I can’t wait to show them,” he said.
He was grateful amidst destruction. It was incredible, and it was humbling.
I testify that expressing thanks to God daily (and to others in your life)—no matter your circumstances—will brighten your experiences, enrich your relationships, provide a healthier perspective, and increase your faith. You, like that man who returned to give thanks for his healing, will be made whole through gratitude.
Third, remember to invite light into your life, and remove darkness, each day.
One evening after a long week at the shelter, I was preparing dinner for my family. I began the process as the sun began to set and no lights were on in our kitchen. As I heated skillets and chopped vegetables, I could see everything I needed to. As I cooked and evening set in, I went to find spices in the cupboard next to the stove. I leaned in and strained to look for what I wanted. (My kids would tell you that—because of our many years in San Antonio, Texas—it was likely cayenne pepper, by the way). I shuffled through several small spice containers before it hit me that I had been straining to cook in the dark. I quickly turned on the kitchen light, and immediately I could see everything I needed to see with ease. Flipping that switch was a simple act I knew would help. I hadn’t even realized I had forgotten it. I finished cooking that evening without trouble.
It occurs to me that, too often in our lives, we have this same experience with light and darkness, spiritually. If we are not careful, and without even realizing it, we may unintentionally omit simple but critical daily actions that invite light into our life, thereby allowing darkness to creep in almost imperceptibly. These can be what are often referred to as “Sunday School answers” or “the little things,” like prayer, scripture study, serving others, partaking of the sacrament, and visiting the House of the Lord.
My friends, listen to me when I say that in this case, the little things are not little things! Rather, they are powerful instruments that connect us with Heaven and help us find Jesus on our way. If you make these simple habits a priority in your life, I testify to you that you will discover that you are the Lord’s priority. He will compound these simple efforts to bring about much light in your life. [9] If you feel that something is missing in your life at this time, take a second to self-evaluate and ask yourself, which of these small, little things am I missing? Apply it and watch the hand of the Lord work miracles in your life.
If your scripture study feels stagnant, or non-existent, I invite you to start with Jesus. As you study the miracles of the Savior Jesus Christ—from His birth to His ministry and acts of compassion, to His death and resurrection—I invite you to imagine, as you read, that you were present at that time. Imagine what it must have felt like to walk where He walked, to be witness of Him and His works. Imagine as you read about the different individuals in these stories what you would have felt like if you were them. Make it personal and real, because the scriptures are personal and real!
Shortly after the fires, I felt impressed to share with gathered members of my stake this fundamental scriptural teaching:
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."
We have seen and witnessed this light, even the light of Jesus Christ, in our efforts in the aftermath of the fires. In and out of The Church of Jesus Christ, this has produced a sweet unity across the island. It is still lingering. As I sat down that day after sharing the verse, I had an impression to personally read the scripture again, and my eyes moved to the verse preceding it:
"That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.” [10]
As I considered these words, I distinctly remember knowing that I was to share that verse the next opportunity I had, and to warn against contention.
Amidst the unity that has been felt on Maui and throughout Hawaii, there has been a growing sense of frustration, anger, disappointment, and contention gaining traction. Some have felt to blame civic and political leaders, companies, and laws for what took place, or what they think should have taken place, before, during, and after the fires. Such a catastrophic experience surely leads to an array of emotions in many of us. And we can surely be impactful and positive influences as active participants in our communities. I have felt, however, the need to remind myself and those I serve that ours is not the responsibility to sow contention or perpetuate discord during this unique time, or at any other time. Our responsibility is, as President Russell M. Nelson has taught, to be peacemakers. He said: , “Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions…My dear brothers and sisters, this should not be. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be examples of how to interact with others—especially when we have differences of opinion. One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people.” [11]
Light leads to an increase of unity, and an increase of unity leads to more light. Contention and anger lead to darkness, which destroys unity. I invite you to join those of us on Maui who are focusing on light and unity, on becoming peacemakers, during this challenging time and always.
Finally, remember that Christ must be the center of your worship experience.
For instructive purposes, let’s separate “worship experience” into two components:
- Personal worship outside of dedicated churches and temples.
- Personal worship inside dedicated churches and temples.
Making Christ the center of both experiences is paramount. It is also worth stating that both are essential, and experiencing one of them does not replace the critical need for the other.
First, personal worship outside of dedicated church buildings.
Personally finding ways to worship the Savior and our Heavenly Father is essential to our spiritual development. We have already discussed the “not-so-little-little-things,” but I feel to share one more thought on the scriptures.
Studying the life of the Savior as described in the New Testament and during His resurrected ministry in the Book of Mormon will bless your life more than I can adequately express. As I said earlier, if you feel that your scripture study is non-existent, or stagnant, start with Jesus. This worship experience will lead to you thinking of Him more often. Thinking of Him more often will lead to behaving more like Him. And behaving more like Him will lead to becoming more like Him. I also think it’s appropriate to interject on behalf of maybe President and Sister Kauwe, and your parents, and your bishops, becoming more like Him and thinking more like Him will lead to meeting other people who are doing the same thing. And marriages that are built upon Jesus Christ are marriages that are lasting. So, you can remember that as you go about your day.
It is unrealistic to expect yourselves to study the gospel for hours a day. However, finding ways to incorporate a study of Him each day, and creating time for, thinking of, meditating on, and giving thanks in prayer for what He has done for you will allow the virtue of the Savior to “garnish [your] thoughts unceasingly,” and you’ll soon discover yourself to be a better student, a better professional, a better friend and family member, and a better person. [12]
Making Christ the center of your personal worship experiences in the quiet moments you create will lead to a more meaningful experience in our second component: worshipping Him inside dedicated churches and temples; or in other words: through ordinances and covenants.
Every single ordinance in the gospel of Jesus Christ, from baptism to ordinances in the House of the Lord, plays a pivotal role in your personal development and is an essential part of our eternal journey. You have a beautiful temple just a few minutes from here. I drove by it this morning and I was touched to think of the sacrifice that went into erecting that building. If you haven’t been inside, I encourage you to complete the preparation necessary to do so. Once you have done this, and for those of you who have already been to the temple, I encourage you to return often. If it's been a long time since you’ve been to the temple, ask the Lord to help you enjoy the experience in returning. I promise you will feel a closer relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ, than you felt when you were last there.
You certainly will not understand everything after one visit, or two, or a hundred and two! But attending often will strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ and you will understand more fully the love your Heavenly Parents have for you. They love you so very much.
I would like to focus, for a moment, on ensuring the Savior is central in your sacrament experience each Sunday.
I recently traveled to the beautiful island of Moloka’i to attend sacrament meeting and visit with members of the church and others. These sweet people were among the first to send supplies by boat after the fires, including much-needed fuel for generators, to the shores of Lahaina—fuel, that I might add, that is far more expensive on Molokai than on Maui. They understand the meaning of “[loving] thy neighbor as thyself.” [13]
This was a special Sunday for me. I watched a group of friends and family gather together to literally lift Brother Arlan Angco, an amazing husband and faithful father to two teenage daughters, into a specially prepared recliner-chair they brought into the chapel. Though he was terminally suffering from the terrible effects of cancer, he insisted on worshipping in person and partaking of the sacrament with his loving ward ‘ohana. He understood that he would soon meet the same Savior Whose emblems he sought on this particular day.
I will forever treasure watching loved ones ensure he was comfortable as they helped him carefully partake of the bread and water.
I also visited with him and his family in their home that afternoon. It was holy ground. My counselors and I blessed him. Then, with one of my counselors carefully supporting Brother Angco’s hand on his wife’s head, we blessed her as well. He passed away just a little over one week later. I am eternally grateful for this experience. His faith changed me.
It brought to mind a similar story, long ago:
"And again [Jesus] entered into Capernaum… and it was noised that he was in the house.
“And… many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them.
But four individuals, in great faith, were determined to ensure one afflicted friend would experience the Savior’s healing that day, spiritual and physical in this case:
"And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins [are] forgiven thee…
(and after reproving religious leaders who questioned Him.)
“Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
“And immediately he arose, [took] up the bed, and [went] forth before them all… [14]
Whether a bed or a recliner, we should all strive to be the kind of disciples who bring ourselves and others unto the Son of God, the Master Healer. Are we not all sick and in need of the healing balm only He can offer? [15]
My dear friends, without Jesus Christ, the sacrament is merely bread and water, the temple is simply a beautiful building, and this mortal journey we are on would be meaningless. With Jesus Christ at the center of our worship experiences, and at the center of our lives, everything changes. Jesus Christ renews us, body and spirit, as we worthily partake of the sacrament each week. Jesus Christ promises that family relationships will never end, because of ordinances in His holy temples. Jesus Christ assures you and me of joy in this life and in the next, as we make Him the most important figure in our lives. [16] I know this is true. May you and I find Him all along our way, as we witness His miracles—great and small—I express my deep love for you, and my gratitude for you being here today. I also testify that the Savior loves you, and He knows you personally. I bear witness of this in the sacred and holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] John 14:18
[2] Matthew 28:9-10; emphasis added
[3] Psalm 118:24
[4] Matthew 25:34-40
[5] “Ko Hoku Tauhi ‘a Sihova,” Tongan Hymnbook, no. 52
[6] Mosiah 18:9
[7] Moroni 7:3
[8] Luke 17:11-19, emphasis added
[9] See Alma 37:6
[10] D&C 50:23-24
[11] Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2023
[12] D&C 121:45
[13] Matthew 19:19
[14] Mark 2:1-12
[15] See 3 Nephi 17:7
[16] See John 3:16