| He Marked the Path - Excerpt and Discussion Guide |
| Introduction
Copyright 2004 by Janine Simons Creager
All Rights Reserved
Someone once told me I could find the answer to any question in the scriptures. How can this be true? I thought. I can�t find anything in my standard works on how to potty train a four-year-old or deal with an overbearing boss. Through diligent study and prayer, however, I have come to understand the wisdom in this comment. I do find the answers, sometimes by precept, more often through principle.
I am Comforted by the Compassionate Christ (3 Nephi 17) when I feel alone and misunderstood. I witness the Dispelling of Darkness (Helaman 5) when the lights in my own soul have grown dim. I learn to Sing the Song of Redeeming Love (Alma 5) to the cacophony of teenagers, and find tranquility amid chaos along The Pathway to Peace (2 Nephi 4:15-35). This latter passage of scripture, sometimes referred to as The Psalm of Nephi, speaks reverently, yet clearly, to the quiet chambers of my heart.
What images come to mind when you think of Nephi, son of Lehi and Sariah? My first impressions come from my ninth-grade seminary class, which was desperately lacking in young men �large in stature� (1 Ne. 2:16). I remember the courageous Nephi standing up to Laman and Lemuel (1 Ne. 4:1) and later beheading Laban (1 Ne 4:18). I was inspired by a faithful young man determined to �go and do� all the Lord would require of him (1 Ne. 3:7), who defied those same sniffling siblings as his binding ropes fell to the ground (1 Ne. 7:17-18). I remember what he wrote of faith, hope, and testimony as he recorded �the things which are pleasing unto God� (1 Ne. 6:5). Who wouldn�t want to follow in Nephi�s footsteps?
Seen in this light, few of us would dare compare ourselves to him. But when we take a more focused look at this great prophet-leader, we find that his life and record are quite similar to our own. Through these verses in 2 Nephi Chapter 4, we meet Nephi, a son of God, in the throes of mortality. We meet the human Nephi, the discouraged Nephi, the frightened Nephi with a countenance so similar to what we see in the mirror each morning. Like stepping stones on a pathway, these verses reveal the silent inner chambers of his tortured heart as he struggled to find the peace he so desperately desired. Was he in total despair, lost from all hope? No. These verses, similar to our own all-too-frequent, two-steps-forward-one-step-back progression, record his joy and his grief, his faith and his fear. He was weak, yet strong. He had doubts, yet was faithful. He despaired, yet he rejoiced.
I am comforted to know that even the prophet Nephi struggled and doubted, yet, more important, that he overcame. And if Nephi can triumph along his own pothole-strewn pathway to peace, then surely so can you and I.
In the chapters of this book, and through a study of the scriptures combined with quotes and stories from many individuals, we find stepping-stones to peace in the scriptures and in the stillness of our hearts. But just when we think we are moving ahead quite nicely, we encounter stumbling blocks of despair, temptation, and sin. Around the next corner of the pathway, we find peace in the temple, then feel its influence through compassion, courage, and prayer. Yet, we see how easily this peace can slip from our grasp because of impatience and contention. In the end of this chiasmic continuum, we are back on the right path through the blessings of priorities, worship, principles, and covenants.
As Nephi clearly understood, however, the stepping-stones on this pathway will lead to peace only if we choose the Savior as our guide. Jesus Christ has shown us the way, His own life a road strewn with more fallen rocks and broken pavement than we will ever face. He, the Prince of Peace, is the straight and narrow painted line, the direction-giving road sign, and the safety-enfolding guard rail.
For Jesus is the Way;
He is the Truth;
He is the Life (John 14:6); And He is
the Pathway � to Peace.
|
| Book Discussion Guide
To help you in using this book for your group, consider the following thoughts:
He Marked the Path is filled with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter. And while these "Chapter Checkpoints" are a great resource for examining where we are individually, they can also be used as a springboard for a group discussion. Below are a few questions you might want to consider for your book group.
-
How does Nephi's life and circumstances compare to ours today?
-
Why is life filled with the three-steps forward, two-steps back kind of experiences? What purpose do they serve?
-
Is the peace which the Savior offers really obtainable under any trial or circumstance? What are for victims of horrific challenges or abuse?
-
How can we make the scriptures a more integral part of our lives?
-
What are the benefits of regular self-introspection? How can we better incorporate daily or weekly character checkpoints to make sure we are still on the Savior's path?
-
What can we do as individuals, communities and congregations do to bring about peace in the lives of others?
Janine would love to come to your book club or discussion group within the greater Salt Lake area to discuss her book. Contact her, or share any thoughts or ideas you may have, at info@ironrodpress.com. Discounts for group purchases of He Marked the Path are available. For book club members in the Davis County (Utah) area, the local Library system has five copies of the book available to check out; also the Orem, Utah library has one copy available and the Salt Lake (Utah) County Library has four. If you would like your library or local bookstore to carry this title, please let us know. |
|