Two-Word Sermons

They're pretty handy.  Great for short attention spans, like mine.  Keeps me tuned in for the full message.  (Sounds lazy, but really isn't.)  Some of the most powerful things come in the smallest, most unassuming packages.  Had that lesson in & of itself re-taught to me a couple Sundays ago.

One of the sisters I serve with in YW, was asked to speak in the Sacrament Meeting (similar to Communion services in other churches).  She was the second speaker to follow Mini-Me, who was asked for speak for 2 1/2 minutes on Family (she did so beautifully with scripture, prophetic quotes, and even her own clever analogy how life is NOT like a box of chocolates but that the family is like a box of Cheez-its).  So this sister who followed, was asked to speak on the teachings found within President Uchtdorf's talk from April 2012's General Conference, titled "The Merciful Obtain Mercy."

In his talk, President Uchtdorf shared one-such two-word sermon: "Stop it!"

(Told ya it was powerful.)

Now this sweet sister has been through the ringer in her life; has suffered trials & heartache she's never done anything that would warrant such strife.  However she's weathered it all, including criticism for the style or methods by which she's overcame her trials.  Yet, rather than run from the challenge & whole a grudge against those who have wronged her, she instead learned a valuable lesson which led to her adding her own powerful two-word sermon: "Let go."

Sitting there in the congregation, listening to her teach about forgiveness & extending mercy, even when the World would say we don't NEED to grant mercy to those around us, my heart was touched - inspiration flowed - and I could literally SEE the handout materializing.  Funny part was, it would be hours before I would be home to my computer to design it, and I had nothing to sketch my idea out.

Instead I just texted the message "STOP IT. let go." from my husband's phone to my phone which I'd forgotten at home, and went on about church.

When I got home I fretted that whatever I created would pale in comparison to what I'd seen in my mind during Sacrament Meeting.  However, that was not the case.  It was as if my fingers remembered better the design than my brain had.  And when it was completed, I was speechless.

I'm not sure why it needed to materialize, besides the fact that I need a constant reminder, perhaps on my mirror or fridge, of the truth in those four words.  Beyond that however, perhaps someone out there desperately needs the reminder even more.  ::shrugs::

If it touches your heart, you feel you need it for you or perhaps for a friend or a class, please feel free to download the printable below.  (Perfect size to slip in a wallet, just saying.)

DUchtdorf_RMcCullough - STOP IT Let Go 10perPG BizCARDS