Be Bold

"Write on your doors the saying wise and old, 

'Be bold! Be bold,' and everywhere, 'Be bold;

Be not too bold!' Yet better the excess 

Than the defect; better more than less;

Better like Hector in the field to die,

Than like the perfumed Paris turn and fly."

Longfellow, Moritori Salutamus

I memorized that poem after my Dad sent it to me on my mission. It assisted me in knocking doors, bearing testimony, and crying repentance over the course of those unmatchable years. It came to mind last week after an experience I had at work.

Last week I hosted a group of 30 up-and-coming leaders from across the federal government in Salt Lake City as a part of government leadership training program that the Partnership carries out. The fact that I ended up with them in Salt Lake is a miracle in and of itself, but that's another story. We had a great time. We enjoyed optimal weather, a terrific venue, and the best speakers and site visits the city has to offer (including a VIP tour of the Humanitarian Center, lectures from the one and only Craig Galli, Mayor Ralph Becker, Envision Utah founder Robert Grow, and a lecture and tour of Daybreak from President Don Whyte). The federal Fellows loved the city and couldn't imagine why I'd move away (some mentioned wanting to move out there). Over the course of the week I had many gospel conversations with individuals. But the end of the session provided the opportunity to share more broadly my beliefs, as described below.

The Fellows

After the Daybreak tour I called my Dad to see if he wanted to go to lunch with me, but he was unable. I didn't have anyone else to go with so I went out to find some place on my own. Through no coincidence I ran into a few of the Fellows, who graciously invited me to come with them to lunch. Over our sushi and salad an hour-long conversation on the gospel ensued. They asked me about polygamy, the Bible, the role of women, only the 144,000 being saved (JW belief), and the role of the Savior. I was very grateful for their inquiries and that I was able to answer their questions. I bore my witness to them of the imperative and honored role of women in the Church, the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and the role of Christ as Savior and Redeemer (they were under the impression that we thought of Him as a prophet but no more). I stewed over these misconceptions a bit on the way back over to the session. How could people who have been to Temple Square, the Humanitarian Center, and know Mormons personally still have these distorted views of core beliefs?

I felt the strong urge to clarify and testify before the entire group. I felt calm about the decision, which I recognized as the Spirit assuring me it was the right thing to do. We returned to the hotel and I asked Walt (the leadership coach) if I could have a few moments to talk about the Church and clear up some misconceptions I had heard. He graciously granted my request, I'm sure with some hesitancy. I stood up and first thanked them for the gift card they had given me, and told them how much I've enjoyed working with them and how much I admire them and their service. I then told them that I wanted to clarify a few things about the Church, since we were in Salt Lake City and I'm a Mormon. I told them that I wasn't going to preach to them which elicited nervous laughter. I told them that we do not condone polygamy, but rather condemn it and that people that practice it are excommunicated, and that I didn't practice it, never have, and never will (this brought on a more genuine laugh). I told them that we honor and revere women and that they are absolutely not "second-class citizens," as one Fellow had thought. I told them that we believe the Bible to be the word of God. And finally, and most important, I told them that we, and I personally believe deeply that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world, much more than a great prophet or teacher. I thanked them again, and told them that I would go home happy if we were all on the same page in those areas. I braced myself for the awkward silence and blank stares. But to my surprise, they broke into applause--an interesting and not all together unpleasant reaction to a testimony. As I sat down Walt stood up and thanked me in front of the group for taking a leadership moment, being bold, having a crucial conversation and said he admired me for standing for my beliefs, bringing on an encore applause. This reaction was not what I expected.

I felt happy, and immediately prayed and thanked Heavenly Father for navigating me through those challenging waters. He guided me every step of the way: From getting the trip set up, to landing the VIP Humanitarian Center tour, to the culmination of my testimony at the end. He was behind all of this, and if I know anything about Him and His work, this short week trip will have eternal ramifications for the Fellows. A few of them thanked me after we closed, specifically for clarifying and sharing my feelings about the Church. I know that Heavenly Father will take care of us as we follow promptings.

The entire session focused on change. I thought it was appropriate, and perhaps a little ironic, that the session ended with a testimony of the Savior. We only change through Him. Individuals, families, congregations, communities, and the world at large only change in and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know this. And I am grateful to be a part of this miraculous time, "when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people" (Mosiah 3:20--immediately following one of the best verses on change in all of scripture). People desperately need to know that He lives and that salvation comes through Him and His restored gospel. 

I started this post by talking about boldness. But as I wrote it, and as I think about this, it's not bold to follow a prompting. What would be bold would be to deny what the Spirit directs.  I know I fail to follow promptings all too frequently, but I'm grateful for peaceful, faith-promoting experiences like this one, where Heavenly Father made His will manifest and I had the sense to carry it out.

Marshall Family Vision, Mission, Values

 I spent last week in Nemacolin, PA as part of the Excellence in Government Fellows program.  It's a government leader training program that the Partnership organizes and oversees.  Last week's session focused on visions, missions, and values.  I really like this topic.  I loved studying it in the MPA program (and we actually started these statements a year ago around that time) and am glad that we formalized them this week for FHE.  So, for the sake of transparency and accountability, we share them here.  And a special, sincere thank you to Whitney Hardie for taking these wonderful pictures. 

Marshall Family Vision

We, the Marshall family, envision ourselves in the presence of Heavenly Father and the Savior with clean hands and pure hearts, able to enter His presence worthily along with our extended family and others we love.

Marshall Family Mission

We will reach our lofty vision by embracing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, loving Him and our neighbor, preaching the Restoration, linking generations through temple work, helping the poor, and making and honoring temple covenants. 

We will act as good stewards over our children, those who we are called to serve, our time, our resources, and the earth. 

We will seek to recognize the power of the Atonement and remember Him in all of our thoughts, words, and actions.         

Marshall Family Values

The Marshall Family Values will serve as the inner drive for the execution of the activities delineated in the mission statement.

Charity

Integrity

Gratitude
Creativity

Fun
Optimism

Enthusiasm

Order

Health

Further Light and Knowledge

Endurance

Above all we know that only through the grace of Christ can we achieve our vision. 

Conference Resolutions (and some pictures)

It seems like I've had a lot of postable thoughts bouncing around in my brain lately.  We'll see if this turns into anything coherent.

Conference. We enjoyed every session.  We were really in amazement with how the talks spoke directly to our needs.  We have been thinking a lot about the use of our time (Ariel), the quality of humility (Andrew), and how to bring light in dark places (both of us).  The words of living apostles and prophets, transmitted by the power of the Holy Ghost, inspired and motivated us.  We have decided that rather than make New Year's Resolutions--most of which wither like winter--we will begin making Conference Resolutions as a family.  That way we can check ourselves every six months, and our goals can be based on the words of inspired leaders of the Church.  Some of our resolutions from this conference include:

• Have Abe repeat a verse out of the Book of Mormon every day (Sister Rosemary Wixom)
• Have a monthly Daddy-Son interview with Abe (Elder Larry Lawrence)
• Share the gospel in some way at least once a week.  It's fun for everyone from work to know I'm a Mormon and ask questions, as Elder Nelson promised they would. And make a Mormon.org profile.  (Elder Russell Nelson)
• Care for our bodies "as best we can" through daily exercise (what started out as a monetary incentive has helped me keep my body strong: biking to work!) and healthy eating (as you've seen through a smattering of recipe posts, Ariel is simply uncanny in her ability to cook beautiful, healthy, filling food) (Elder D. Todd Christofferson)
• Fill our home with light and "black out" any darkness that could enter by way of the Internet, music, movies, or books. Vigilantly preserve the sanctity of our home (Elder Quentin Cook)
• Use our agency daily to lift, serve, and bring out the best in others.  Consider how the Holy Ghost's companionship will take part in daily decisions.  Remember that Satan does not have any power over us, only inasmuch as we allow him. Choose Christ in every thought, word, and action.  Everything from what we read, to how quickly we take care of our children in need, to how we take care of our bodies, to how we serve in our callings, to how we interact with neighbors, to virtually every other decision we can make in the course of a day.  Never have there been more choices to make in mortality, never have we had greater amounts of free time--never has the responsibility to serve and the opportunity to do so been so great. (Elder Robert Hales, President Dieter Uchtdorf, Elder Boyd Packer, Elder David Bednar, President Thomas Monson)
• Work on breaking my addiction to screens.  I tend to gravitate to the iPad or laptop after work, after dinner, or before bed.  I need to remember that it's okay to have screenless nights, and that the inbox, news web sites, blogs, etc. will all be okay without me.  I don't want to succumb to the "hurtful diversions or heartless chambers of isolation" that President Uchtdorf described.  This goal includes deleting time-wasting and mind-numbing games from the iPad. Use it as a tool, not a toy. (President Dieter Uchtdorf, Elder M. Russell Ballard)
• Oh and phoof . . . President Uchtdorf's pride talk . . . enough said.
• Be careful in the use of our resources so that we can be prepared to return to Portugal for the temple dedication! (President Thomas S. Monson)

And on that last note, I must share how overjoyed I was at the announcement.  It will change forever the face of the land that I love so dearly.  The temple will bring eternal blessings to so many of my dear friends there, and change the future of that country.  It will bring light to the country, link generations and families through priesthood power, and bring to those good people an absolute knowledge of God, His Son's Atonement, and the great Plan of Salvation.  I am so grateful for the miracles of missionary work and temple work, and how one can bring about the other.  To see a fitting tribute to this great country, please see Jamie Greene's post here.

Everything about the Church illustrates how living it is--prophets, missionaries, temples, the Holy Ghost, the priesthood power, and the humanitarian service of the Church all come immediately to mind.  What a marvelous time to be alive.  It's all true.  This I know. 

Finally, here's what you all want.  A few pictures of the fam from recently.

Childbirth and the Atonement

This is the third and final post about childbirth. We began this study before Abraham's birth and continued and finished it before Benjamin's. If you have thoughts on the matter, we'd love to hear them.

Childbirth and the Atonement
By Andrew and Ariel Marshall

Childbirth serves as a powerful type of the Lord and His Atonement (2 Nephi 11:4). Both the suffering and the joy inherent in giving birth bring to mind His sacrifice. This paper seeks to identify some parallels, symbolism, and connections between childbirth and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Sanctifying Blood
In order to be free from the stain of the “blood of this generation,” priesthood holders have the obligation to teach and preach the gospel (D&C 88:85; see also Jacob 1:19, 2 Nephi 9:44, Acts 18:6, D&C 88:138). Through this service they are sanctified and prepared to return “spotless” to the presence of God (Jacob 1:19). Women, however, are pronounced clean from the blood of this generation, seemingly without further obligation. We believe that this sanctifying process begins with pregnancy, continues with childbirth, and culminates in motherhood.
A mother sustains her unborn child’s life while in utero. The two are one through the nourishing blood, water, and spirit of the mother. Similarly, we are born again through the blood of the Savior (3 Nephi 27:14). The blood and sweat and spirit that He gave in Gethsemane and on the cross seal us to Him and give us new life (Moses 6:59-60). Through His Atonement we are purified and we glorify Him (3 Nephi 19:28-29). Similarly, an infant is purified through the blood of the mother and in turn glorifies her, giving her the blessing of filling the measure of her creation.

The Nephite missionary Aaron explains that “there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of His blood.” (Alma 21:9). The blood of Christ gives life. He spilt it freely that we might gain eternal life. A mother likewise spills her blood freely that her child might have life.

Suffering
In Gethsemane, the Son suffered “pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be His anguish” (Mosiah 3:7).

A mother in labor experiences pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Some women feel they will die while in transition. Many women have died in childbirth, giving up their lives while giving life. While nothing compares to the physical suffering of Christ, the sacrifice of a mother for her child may be proportionally similar to the sacrifice of the Savior for humanity.

Both the Savior and the mother endure necessary suffering, a purifying, cleansing suffering. A purposeful pain that brings life. The suffering experienced in childbirth is the only physical suffering that results in something good. It is productive suffering. The Atonement, too, is physical suffering resulting in all things good (Moroni 7:24).

Sanctifying Love
Christ’s love serves as the motive for the giving of His blood (1 Nephi 19:9; D&C 133:53). The essence of the Plan of Salvation is His love. We, who can barely comprehend how to love in this “carnal, sensual, and devilish” world can still be “filled with His love unto the consuming of (our) flesh” (Mosiah 16:3; 2 Nephi 4:21). His love carries us through this world and we are ultimately born again through His love. The only love that could compare to the love of the Savior is that of a mother for her child. The Lord made the comparison himself: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15). The love of a mother for her child is the strongest love we can understand, yet the Lord’s love is even greater. Nowhere is a mother’s love illustrated more vividly than through her sacrifice in bringing life to her child. The love that grows while carrying the child and later expressed through giving birth is almost tangible. There is an immediate bond between a mother and child as they are sealed in love through blood. The child cannot comprehend the love the mother has for him or her, but can still be swallowed up in it, and can even reciprocate in his or her own small way.

The love of the Son brings us through darkness and into His light (3 Nephi 19:25). The love of the mother brings a child through the darkness and into the light.

Our Helpless State
Paul taught the Ephesians that “we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). His sacrifice is grace for us. Were it not for his “infinite atonement” we would become “angels to a devil” (2 Ne. 9:7-9). Just as we can do nothing without His suffering, neither can a baby enter the world without the suffering of a mother. The Atonement and childbirth save those that cannot save themselves, those who are otherwise helpless.

One Way
Just as “there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent,” there is no other way whereby mortality can come unto the children of men, only through the womb of a mother (Mosiah 3:17).

The Will of the Father
Through the pain and agony of Gethsemane, “the will of the Son (was) swallowed up in the will of the Father” (Mosiah 15:7). It is the Father’s will that we receive mortality and then immortality. Immortality is an eternal gift, and therefore the suffering was so sore, exquisite, and hard to bear, we cannot begin to comprehend it (D&C 19:15). Mortality is also a great gift, but not so eternal and all-encompassing. However, in both the suffering for God’s children to enter into mortality and the suffering for God’s children to enter immortality and eternal life, the will of a mother and the will of the Son are swallowed up in the will of the Father.

Lonely Suffering
No one can take the pain from the Savior or a mother, but they certainly can receive support. The Savior received support of an angel, and asked His apostles to watch with him (Luke 22:43; Matthew 26:38). Mothers have the support of midwives, doulas, parents, and especially spouses. All of that said, no one can carry the burden from the Savior or the mother. The Father could not relieve the Son of His mission (Matthew 27:46), and fathers cannot relieve mothers of their mission. They must finish their mission on their own.

Crowning
Just as Christ wore a “crown of thorns” (Matthew 27:29), when a baby’s head is emerging from the mother, it is called “crowning.”

Joy and Rejoicing
Paul, when writing to the Romans, makes an interesting comparison between God’s children and Christ. He states that we are “children of God” (Rom. 8:16) and in the following verse he calls us “joint-heirs with Christ” on the condition that “we suffer with him, that we might be glorified together” (Rom. 8:17). Just as Christ worked out our immortality through his suffering, death and resurrection, a mother does something similar when bearing her child. The glory Christ offered to the Father and to His children outweighed the suffering he passed through (see v. 18). The glory revealed through the life of a newborn makes the suffering to bring that life into the world nothing by comparison.

The process of labor is described in scripture as “travail” (see Genesis 38:27, Psalms 48:6, Isaiah 54:1). This same word is used to describe the Savior’s suffering (Isaiah 53:11). The Lord Himself makes a direct correlation between childbirth and His Atonement and Resurrection. When His disciples are anxious and afraid because of His foreboding words regarding his imminent departure, He comforts them with a unique comparison:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:20-22).

Just as a woman’s joy overcomes the memory of pain and suffering, so do the power and joy that accompany the Resurrection overcome the pain and suffering of the Savior. Life is given through the suffering, and all rejoice.

Immortal and Mortal Initiatory
In the initial step of our temple endowment (otherwise known as the initiatory), and on the path to a spiritual birth through His Atonement we are washed, anointed, clothed, and given a new name (See Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Volume 2, Endowment; see also Exodus 40:12-13). Likewise, a newborn child is washed, anointed, clothed, and given a new name upon entering the world. The mother then takes care of the new child as Christ cares for His flock.

Nursing
A mother responds to her baby’s every need—including the need for nourishment. Anytime the baby is hungry, without asking anything in return, a mother again yields up her body for a moment while the baby enjoys sweet milk. Likewise, Christ invites us to come unto Him and “buy milk and honey, without money and without price” (2 Nephi 26:25).

Conclusion
Christ’s atoning blood saves. A mother’s blood saves. Christ’s love carries us to Him. A mother’s love carries a child to her. The Savior helps those who cannot help themselves. A mother helps one who cannot help him or herself. There is only one way to immortality and only one way to mortality. The Savior did the will of the Father, even in the face of suffering. A mothers does the same. Childbirth is a beautiful, real symbol of the infinite sacrifice of the Son.

Joy in the Journey

I know pictures of Ben is really what you want, so I'll start with one of them.

Andrew has been encouraging me to write my side of the birth story for the blog, so I thought Benjamin's due date would be a good day to post. Feel free to skip to the pictures.

Two years ago as I prepared to give birth to Abraham, I didn't know what to expect. I had many reasons to want a natural childbirth, and one primary reason to think that I could: women throughout time had always given birth without medication, and I was a woman. I believed that if I had enough "tools in my toolbox," that I could reach my goal of a birth without medication. On June 24th 2008, I gave birth to Abraham Craig Marshall, 8 lbs and 15 oz, after 44 hours of labor. I had reached my goal, but I was so exhausted that when Abe was put in my arms, I couldn't adjust him or move him at all. I was glad that I had given birth naturally, but it was very trying--mentally, emotionally and physically.

When it was time to start preparing for childbirth again, the reasons to have a birth naturally hadn't gone away, but I did not want to repeat that first experience. I really believed it was possible to have a joyful unmedicated birth from beginning to end, and I made that my new goal.

My good friend, Amy Thompson, invited me to take a Hypnobabies class with her at her house. This course helped me realize that maybe the solution for me was not that I needed to work harder, but rather that I needed to learn how to relax better and meditate, accept and enjoy each "birthing wave" instead of simply endure it. For the months leading up to Benjamin's birth, I spent many hours pondering and meditating, changing my negative thought patterns and learning how to completely relax.

Throughout the pregnancy I prayed that we could find a safe place for Benjamin to come in peace, and I knew God would answer that prayer. We thought we had everything settled until our first appointment July 8th. Andrew and I both felt uncomfortable there, so we prayed to know what to do. Two people served as messengers that evening to point the way to Special Beginnings Birth Center. We called that day, and they worked hard to fit us in the next morning and transfer our records right away. We didn't know how close we were pushing it!

Sunday we (accidentally) went on a very long walk, and Tuesday I hosted a dinner for eight people, and spent the whole day cleaning the house and cooking dinner. After everyone went home and we had cleaned up, I said, "I should probably take it a little easy until Benjamin comes." I felt pretty strong pressure waves fairly close together, but I decided that I just needed rest. So I went to sleep and had one of the best sleeps I had had in a while.

I woke up when Andrew got up for work Wednesday morning, and felt pretty strong pressure waves five minutes apart. I felt peaceful and very grateful that we would be heading to Special Beginnings. I stayed comfortable in a chair and rested while Andrew rushed around calling people, packing the bags and making me breakfast. I accepted each pressure wave happily because I knew that my new son would be coming so much sooner than anticipated.

As we drove the 1/2 hour to the center, my waves temporarily stopped allowing me to rest in the car. It was a really lovely time for me. I got to talk to my dad on the phone as he told me stories of my great-grandmothers. Thinking about them and the strong women they were gave me great comfort as I labored to bring another branch onto our family tree.

At the birth center Andrew gave me a beautiful, empowering blessing. We then relaxed for a bit before walking the stairs to help the labor pick back up. I found that listening to the relaxation CDs and focusing on relaxing was just as effective as walking around to pick my labor back up.

I labored peacefully from 10 am when we arrived until 5:30 when my mom arrived from the airport. I loved having Abraham close by, coming in and out with Melissa. I was so grateful for her short-notice help! She was a real angel to us.

We asked the midwife to fill the birth tub and break my water. I had a few minutes of peace while I climbed into the tub before transformation (transition) started. I had a couple of exhilaratingly strong waves, and then a very strong urge to push. I let it pass and told Andrew I was going to push on the next wave. In one push, I pushed the head out, and in the second push I pushed Ben's little body out. Andrew was the only one to catch him, and he calmly caught Ben while the midwife rushed in in time to help bring him to my chest.

This picture is of me right after Ben was born. I am looking to Abraham to see his response. My mom brought him in just in time to see him slip out. Benjamin came out quite purple and with lots of vernix, so I wanted to make sure Abe was doing okay, and I really wanted to share that moment with him. I was so thrilled that Ben was born and so glad I could share the moment with Abraham. (Note from Andrew: I love this picture! What a perfect expression of joy just seconds after Benjum's birth!)


Here I am in my nightgown leaving Special Beginnings around 10 pm the night Ben was born.
One of our angels, Sloane, Amy's cousin-in-law. She happened to work at SB, and happened to be on call for the duration of my labor. Her presence contributed greatly to the Spirit in the room.
Abraham really loves his brother. I only have to keep my eye on him because he wants to talk to and play with and kiss his brother all the time, even when he's sleeping. I can't wait for Ben to start being responsive so that he and Abe can really interact.
This is not the most flattering picture of me, but my mom took it because she loved how the only light in the room was shining on my face. That's how I felt; full of light. I am so thankful for how this experience has taught me that I have the choice to enjoy the process of life, not just focus on benchmarks. I have found that through Christ much in life we may fear has potential to be enjoyed.

Benjamin James Marshall!

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

That proved the theme scripture for our experience bringing Benjamin James Marshall into the world yesterday. Here is our story:

Birthing Time. Ariel woke up with me at 6:20 a.m. on Wednesday morning. I was just about to get ready for work when she said she thought this might be it. She timed the pressure waves while I took a shower. They were five minutes apart. Game time. We made some calls to the birthing center, the pediatrician, Aunt Melissa and Mom Galli. We packed our bags, picked up Melissa, and went on our way to Special Beginnings, the birth center. Mom packed her bags and hopped on the next flight to Maryland.

Ariel performed heroically throughout the day. The waves continued fairly consistently from 10:20 a.m. when we arrived until 5:55 p.m. We used the Hypnobabies relaxation techniques we had learned and practiced over the last months. Ariel was really able to relax through the pressure. Her goal was to really enjoy the birth, and she did. She received a priesthood blessing, with promises that all came to pass.

Delivery. When Mom arrived at 5:30, we decided to break the water. That really helped Abe's birth move forward, and we thought after twelve hours of labor, it was the next step to take. They broke the water at 5:55 and Ariel and I got in the birth pool. She leaned over the edge, passed through a couple of serious waves and the next thing I knew there was Ben's head coming out! I called to the midwife and nurse who were out of the room, saying, "He's coming, he's coming!" But I didn't feel tense or afraid. I think the Hypnobabies stuff had rubbed off on me. :) While trying to put on her gloves our wonderful midwife said, "Wait, wait!" But he was coming out. I helped his little head out, and then his little body slipped easily out into my hands at 6:08. By then the midwife was there to help maneuveur him into Ariel's arms. Ariel perfomed perfectly gracefully, perhaps because so much grace attended her.

Benjamin has some brownish-reddish fuzz on his head, full Galli lips, long fingers, and my nose. Perfect bundle.

Post-partum. Ariel held him close to her for the following hours. No pricks, no pokes, no weighing, no scrubbing. Just time close to Mommy. He learned to nurse before long and they had a wonderful time bonding together. Ariel looked refreshed and perfect. We stayed for a few hours, they then performed a physical on little Ben--making sure his ears and arms flapped the right way (he's 7 lbs. 8 oz. by the way, and 19 inches)--and then we went home.
Special Thanks. We want to thank everyone who prayed for us yesterday. And we want to especially thank Melissa, who stayed with Abraham all day. We also want to thank Abraham, who never cried or complained. Even watching the birth he remained attentive and interested. He already loves his little brother. We thank Mom, who paid extra money to get out here quick. Her assistance there and here at home are invaluable. And we thank Joe, Janel, and Lynn, who all came to celebrate and support. Finally, we thank all of the good people at Special Beginnings. If you happen to live in the D.C. area and want a wonderful experience, this is the place to go. Thanks to Sloane, who stuck with us all day. Thanks to Nikki who helped deliver. Thanks to David who performed the physical. Above all, thanks to God for making this miracle possible. He led us through this. He supported us. He gave us His Son whose sufficient grace blessed us yesterday. The Plan of Happiness is unfolding more and more in our family. We are happy.

You've Got a Friend in Me

Recently I’ve thought a lot about friends. I’ve thought about many of the true, amazing friends I have had, from Upland Terrace Elementary to Brigham Young University. In each stage and place of my life Heavenly Father has blessed me with many friends who “stand by (me) . . . with warm hearts and friendly hands” (D&C 121:9). During the packing and unpacking of our lives I have stumbled into many letters, journals, pictures, music, and other mementos that have stirred in me a feeling of melancholy for the loss of friends through change, gratitude for them, and hope for future relationships with them and others.

Toy Story 3 moved me far beyond my high expectations. It drove home this theme of friendship and change in a most poignant way. It showed that mortality is made up of change and loss, but that the immortal nature of our souls makes change endurable. It showed the power of loyalty and teamwork, trust and love. I would write more explicitly on the film, but there may be some deprived readers who have yet to see it. Do see it as soon as you can. I attached myself to the Toy Story series (and to Pixar) from the opening release of Toy Story in 1995. I believe I saw it 9 times in theaters. I absolutely loved Toy Story 2, adding dimensions to the characters and complexities to their need for love. Toy Story 3 served as the perfect close to a perfect series (and please disregard the previews if you’ve seen them, which completely fail to capture its greatness). The boundless friendship of the Toy Story team comforts and inspires me. The film also touched me because of my very strong relationship with inanimate creatures, primarily made up of stuffed animals. Nothing makes me happier than seeing Abe play with my old friends, Wrinkles the Dog (my version of Woody), Blizzard the Bear, or Leo the Lion.

I knew I would have trouble putting pen to page for this post. The feelings I’ve had lately are too deep. There is a slim chance any of my friends will read this, but if you do, know that I am your friend. Know that our experiences together have not been forgotten, but that they are part of my immortal soul. Know that I am a loyal friend to you, even if I haven’t contacted you or heard from you in months, or even years. Know that I would do anything for my friends, you included. Whether our interaction took place at Upland Terrace Elementary, the East Mill Creek 2nd Ward, Evergreen Junior High School, Olympus High School, Big River at Hale, the Porto Portugal Mission, The University of Utah, Big River at the Grand, the Mount Ensign 2nd Ward, the Garden Park Ward, Brigham Young University's MPA Program, the BYU 87th Ward, the Partnership for Public Service or even the College Park Ward where we're making new friends each day, know that you've got a friend in me. And the experiences we had transcend their all-to-short length--they make up the eternal me, and for that I'm grateful to you. And how grateful I am that my very best friends are permanently attached to me, to infinity and beyond.

If you want to read a much better tribute to the idea of friendship, read this month's First Presidency message in the Ensign. I hope that I can be counted a friend of His.

Salt Lake Oil Spill

I know we should be moving right now, but instead we had a different moving experience this morning. We had a first-hand experience with the Salt Lake oil spill that took place this morning. The Red Butte stream flows just behind our ward house (the Garden Park ward). As soon as we walked on the premise we smelled the toxic odor of oil. As we stood on the bridge above the stream we saw fish after fish jumping out of the water. Micah and I retrieved a net from home and got six fish from the stream to the pond, where the water was still clean (our bishop closed off the flow to keep the pond clean). Unfortunately, the last one, and biggest, that we pulled out had died too soon to save him.

I know the music may be a little sappy, but it really was a sobering experience. Seeing the way it affected that one little part of the water really put into perspective how it will affect the valley, not to mention the catastrophic effect of the Gulf spill.



We must be better stewards of His creation. It was Adam's first command to " dress and take care" of the Garden, and I think it resides as one of our most important duties.

Elder Maxwell put it best: “The instructions to Adam and Eve about the garden earth … have not been rescinded. They were, and we are, to dress it-not destroy it. They were to take good care of it instead of abusing it. Our increasing interdependence on this planet makes some forms of individual selfishness the equivalent of a runaway personal bulldozer."

Neal A. Maxwell, That Ye May Believe (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992), 75.

“True disciples … would be consistent environmentalists – caring both about maintaining the spiritual health of a marriage and preserving a rain forest; caring about preserving the nutrient capacity of a family as well as providing a healthy supply of air and water…. Adam and Eve were to “dress the garden,” not exploit it. Like them, we are to keep the commandments, so that we can enjoy all the resources God has given us, resources described as “enough and to spare” (D&C 104:17), if we use and husband them wisely."

Neal A. Maxwell, A Wonderful Flood of Light (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990), 103.

Illegal Immigration

From Joseph Smith’s “Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States,” which summarized his political position when he was running for president:

“As to the contiguous territories to the United States, wisdom would direct no tangling alliance. . . and if Texas petitions Congress to be adopted among the sons of liberty, give her the right hand of fellowship, and refuse not the same friendly grip to Canada and Mexico . . . And when a neighboring realm petitioned to join the union of liberty's sons, my voice would be, Come--yea, come, Texas; come Mexico, come Canada; and come, all the world: let us be brethren, let us be one great family, and let there be a universal peace” (HC 6:206, 208-09, emphasis added).

A few years back, I was driving a friend of mine, an undocumented immigrant, home from a church activity. We were talking about immigration. He said, “Marshall, you’re lucky you’re white.” He’s right. I am lucky I’m white, and I’m lucky I’m American. But it shouldn’t be that way. I don’t know why I am entitled to so much more than someone born across the dotted line as determined by the prenatal lottery, or the “accident of one’s birth or race,” as Booker T. Washington called it. I don’t see why I’m entitled to more than those born into a country that is currently being ravaged by drug lords, gangs, kingpins and weapons dealers; who furthermore, may be unable to wade through the mountain of paperwork, have the finances or lack the education to pass an equivalency exam established by the American bureaucracy explicitly to make it extraordinarily difficult for one to gain "legal" entry into America.

I know quite a number of undocumented immigrants. I know them as hard-working, determined, grateful, loving, faithful people. I have heard them talk about their time walking through the steaming hot and icy cold Arizona desert with a prayer in their heart and guided by the Spirit. I have seen doctors and lawyers from Latin America working as house cleaners and painters in the United States in order to give their children a better education and a safer future.

These people bring us a rich culture. I have come to love their language, traditions, cuisine, and values. They value family, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

And I have seen these families torn apart by hateful laws. Laws like Utah’s SB81 and Arizona’s SB1070 (not to mention other policies Arizona is implementing). For the purposes of this post, I will focus on SB1070. And as a disclaimer, I do realize that illegal immigration is a real issue that needs real answers. I simply don't think that this kind of bill is the right kind of solution.

I think this law hurts the Church, has no gospel foundation, tears apart families, and I disagree with many specific elements in the bill, as illustrated below.

The Church. This law will impede missionary work. It will give the Church negative associations because of the LDS legislator (Russell Pearce, R-Mesa) who sponsored the bill, and attempted to support it with his faith. The Church, under direction of the First Presidency, has addressed this issue, and they clearly are against such radical legislation. Considering the thousands of members here without legal status—including missionaries, branch presidents, bishops, and stake presidents—it is no surprise the Church takes the stand it does. How can anyone (to say nothing of a Mormon) feel that tearing a father away from his family is anything but reprehensible? We have a great deal of that in our own Mormon history, another reason it shocks me that this issue is so divisive. Sadly, this Mormon Arizona senator doesn't want to stop there.

The Gospel. Pearce sought to support his bill with Church doctrine, but I argue that Church doctrine does much more to defy the bill than support it. First of all, I've often found the "law of the land" corollary particularly weak. There was a time not so long ago when a Western country's leadership made it illegal to shelter a Jew. Closer to home we have our friend, Jim Crow. And closer still, in the 1830s there was a law enacted in Missouri making it legal to kill a Mormon (only repealed in 1978). The law can be a terrible agent for injustice when wielded by the wrong hands. It all depends on which side of it you happen to fall.

It is against our theology to turn away anyone for any reason. We can begin by looking at the God’s most basic law, the Law of Moses, that commands the Israelites to provide for strangers (in a time when boundaries, land, and laws were just as important as they are now) (Deuteronomy 24:19-21). The Lord also commands the Israelites to “love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). And, incidentally, some translations, such as the NIV’s refer to these “strangers” as “foreigners.” The parallels between Americans and the Israels are clear. Christ’s higher teachings remind us that He is the stranger that needs peace and prosperity: “I was a stranger and ye took me in . . . inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:35, 40). He warns the Nephites that He will be a “swift witness . . . against those that . . . turn aside the stranger” (3 Nephi 24:5). Shortly after Alma established the Church, Mormon notes that “in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any . . . having no respect of persons as to those who stood in need” (Alma 1:30, emphasis added). And the Anti-Nephi-Lehites were commanded of the Lord to cross boundaries, enjoy the resources of their former enemies, and receive protection from them (Alma 27:12, 23). Nowhere in scripture does it talk about throwing them out of the country or tearing their families apart because of man made laws. Where much is given much is required (D&C 82:3). And we, as Americans, have been given much. We are only meant to have riches and abundance if we can bless others with them (Jacob 2:19).

While on that note, it is important to remember the role immigrants play in the last days. The Savior talked about this not once, but three times to the Nephites before leaving them (3 Nephi 16:13-15, 20:16-22, 21:12-24). I don’t know exactly how the remnant of the Jacob (the people of Latin America) will “tread down” and “tear to pieces” the Gentiles, but I know that I want to be on their side, because they are on the Lord’s side and they will build the New Jerusalem (3 Nephi 21:23-25). We will be blessed to be in their company and should learn to get along with them here and now.

The Bill. The following addresses specific parts of the bill with which I disagree.

Federal vs. State Authority. This is a federal issue. Lines 40-45 on page 1 of the bill give rights to police officers and federal agents to exchange information. This will keep the role of the police from fulfilling their duties. It will heighten fear and crime among immigrant populations and even those associated with immigrants. Ironically, the bill refers to law enforcement officers as “peace officers.” Breaking families apart, racial profiling, making people afraid to report crime and scaring people into hiding sounds like anything but peaceful to me, and certainly is not promoting the “universal peace” Joseph Smith sought. It’s no wonder some police officers are refusing to adhere to it, and others are speaking out against it.

Racial Profiling. One of the worst parts about this bill is the risk of the aforementioned racial profiling. Police officers have the authority to apprehend anyone “where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States” (Page 1, Lines 20-26). A friend passed onto me a message that he received from a friend who lives in Arizona. This SB1070 supporter has said to have had undocumented immigrant neighbors who have too many people living in their home and stay up all night partying. She also saw some purported undocumented immigrants in front of her in a grocery store, speaking Spanish and using food stamps. This person, while arguing on behalf of SB1070, gave evidence of the very concern the bill’s opposition continues to address: racial profiling. Like my friend astutely noted, I’m lucky I’m white. Even if I were here illegally, running an underground drugring, and made a habit of stealing identities and benefits from the American people, I would be safer than a brown man working his life out to provide for his family. There is certainly cause to believe the profiling that will accompany this law violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Undocumented Criminals. Now the bill does talk about deporting those who have broken state or local law (Page 1, Lines 27-31). This is reasonable, mostly. If they are dangerous to our society, it makes sense to deport them. I would argue that the SB1070 should stipulate what crimes are cause for deportation. It’s one thing to speed and another to commit murder.

Undocumented Employees. The bill cracks down on undocumented immigrants who even “apply for work” (Page 5, Lines 14-17). It goes on to talk about what happens to employers, a process that is much more lenient and much more complicated. It’s do-and-die for the immigrant, but the employer has second chances. If anyone should be penalized, it should be the employers.

Transporting Undocumented Immigrants. The bill (along with SB81) puts any at risk who “transport or move or attempt to move an alien . . . who has entered or remains in the United States in violation of the law” (Page 5, Lines 29-34). That would be me. Many times. When I served as the Young Men’s President of a Hispanic ward in Salt Lake, I drove undocumented immigrants to and from activities at least weekly. I would take them to service activities, campouts, counseling with LDS Family Services, etc. So beware, any serving or working with the Latino population, including nonprofit volunteers, church leaders, and employers. I would owe Arizona thousands of dollars for those youth activities.

Civil Rights. I found it amusing that the end of the bill states that it will be implemented “in a manner consistent with federal regulating immigration, protecting the civil rights of all persons” (Page 16, Lines 22-24). I suppose that means those excluded from the “persons” category include undocumented people, and Hispanic people in general (at least those not “lucky” enough to be white). Sad.

The majority of the American people seem to be in favor of this bill, thereby losing sight of the core ideological foundation on which America was built. Huddled masses, there is no room at the inn.

Richard Marshall contributed to this post.