From Father Lehi to My Own Mother's Dreams

      

         Once again I opened my scriptures to 1st Nephi chapter 1, wondering what new could possibly be found. As I began reading it this bright Sunday morning I was newly impressed by the form of revelation Lehi was often guided by. On seven different occasions in the few chapters I read, it makes mention that Lehi was led by his dreams. (1 Ne.1-9) One example is found in 1Nephi 2:1-3,

 1 For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. 2 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness. 3 And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.

       My heart was touched as I thought about how humble one must be to have God's confidence that understanding will occur even in unconsciousness. It's a medium of revelation that occurs that I don't often receive but wish to with frequency. As I pondered and prayed about my new desire to have my dreams given to God I recalled a memory from my childhood.

    My Mom was sitting with us at breakfast with an almost troubled expression. She, in almost a daze, said, "I had a dream last night, I can't shake it from my mind..."
        She continued explaining that in her dream a dearly loved one of ours was in a horrific car accident right outside of our home. She was the first to the scene. She knew instantly that this was an incredibly dire situation. Not only did she feel panic for the casualties but she could hear us, her children, coming out of the house to see what the ruckus was about. She was panicked. How would her children ever recover from this unspeakable site? How could she protect her children from profound despair upon seeing one of the most important men in their lives lying on the ground, slowly dying?
       Tear streamed down her face, limbs numb, heart aching. One by one each of us came from the house and looked upon the accident. Although there was sadness in our eyes it was overshadowed by the presences of angels standing behind each of us. Hands on our shoulders, embraced in holy care.

And then she awoke.

The dream she recited deeply pressed upon my heart.

       It was months later that we learned of the devastating decisions being made by the particular relative she had dreamed of. She felt paralleled emotions to that of her dream as well. How would her children respond to such heart breaking news? How would her children ever find God's hand among such chaos and confusion.
       As she sat us down to inform us, there was an undeniable spirit of holiness in our presence. Our hearts broke yet none of us wavered in faith.Quite literally, hands were felt upon my shoulders. It was then that my Mother's prophetic dream was fulfilled. A mother's humility and all consuming concern for the well-being for her children, met with a need, gave way to a sacred experience for each of us.

        I pray that each of us will open our hearts to receiving God's comfort and guidance. As Lehi was willing to change his entire life, and as my Mom was able to find settling comfort, from a simple dream, God's most glorious blessing were given.I know the voice of the Lord. My goal is to acknowledge it whenever I hear it. To strive to tune out the voices of doubt, fear, and pride. To make His voice so clear that even through dreams I know it is Him.

      I testify that He speaks to us. I testify that The Book of Mormon was written to give us insights and guidance in our own lives.