The Broken Bow

 As I've been studying the Book of Mormon this year, I was struck by the following statement in the Come, Follow Me  manual. It introduces some study ideas for the first five chapters of the Book of First Nephi by saying 

"The Book of Mormon begins with an account of a real family experiencing real struggles...Rarely in scripture is there such a detailed account of a family trying to live the gospel". 

It concludes by saying

 "Overall, there is power in this imperfect family's examples of faith".

The beauty and power of continually studying the Book of Mormon is, in today's vernacular, that it hits different each time you read it. The words don't change, the verses you memorized in seminary all those years ago haven't changed, but your life certainly does, and the unique experiences that come with each new season of life add new color and meaning to the stories and characters. As a child, you get caught up in figuring out which of your siblings are Laman and Lemuel, and which are Sam and Jacob. (You of course are always Nephi). As a parent, you struggle right along with Lehi as he travels through a wilderness, trying to guide his family. You rejoice with him when in dream he reaches the Tree of Life and you sorrow with him when part of his family chooses not to join him. It never ceases to amaze me that a book written over two thousand years ago can continue to teach new lessons and insights each time you read it.

And so, as I study the Book of Mormon this year, I've started to key in on the examples of imperfect families, especially as they relate to my role as a father. One story in particular stuck with me and, as I mentioned earlier, just hit different this time.

Shortly after receiving the Liahona, which "pointed out the way whither [they] should go into the wilderness", Nephi, while out hunting, broke his bow, and wasn't able to obtain food. His brother's bows had lost their springs, so they had all been relying on Nephi's bow to provide food during their journey through the wilderness. Most of us experience hunger and negative side effects after skipping a single meal, so you can imagine the added stress of having no food while traveling on foot carrying all of your belongings on your backs.

I've always read this story and admired Nephi's attitude and faith. He's a problem solver with near perfect faith that God will deliver from whatever circumstance. And that's what happened here as well. Nephi ignores the rest of his family's complaining and pity-party-throwing, makes his own bow and arrow and asks Lehi "Whither shall I go to obtain food"? 

Through his faith, the Liahona reveals the information they need, and Nephi is able to go and "slay wild beasts" and obtain food for his family. A classic, happy ending.

But, this time as I read it, the story sparked a new insight and caused me to ponder what Nephi must have felt upon breaking his bow. He knew his family was counting on him to provide, and he couldn't. How difficult that must have been for him. I was inspired by the fact that his first instinct was not to spiral like his brothers, who chose to focus on the problems, but to turn to the Lord in faith. As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety, that's not always my first instinct.

We all end up broken at some point in our lives. Nephi broke his bow, but for us it's often something far more profound and deep. Our confidence breaks. Relationships become broken, sometimes seemingly beyond repair. Our bodies and minds, although divinely created, are mortal and imperfect and fail. And, while there is never a good time to be broken, Nephi's example reminds me that sometimes things break as a reminder to turn towards Him who can heal all things. We can take our doubts, fears, and broken pieces to the One whose "grace is sufficient" to make our "weak things become strong". 

The Lord said to the prophet Moroni:

"Behold, I will show unto [them] their weakness, and I will show them that faith, hope, and charity bringeth unto me - the fountain of all righteousness"

I testify that Jesus Christ is that fountain of all righteousness. He has the power to strengthen our weaknesses, and heal our broken parts if we turn ourselves to Him in faith. We are never alone in our sorrow. There is no hurt He cannot heal, no break He cannot repair, no storm He cannot calm.

So, a lesson learned from Nephi and his family. When you are broken, don't get caught up mourning the broken pieces. Take them in faith to the Lord, and let him show you the path to healing.