A Mother's Influence

The influence of your mother will bless you throughout life, especially when you serve as a missionary.
Long years ago, Elder Frank Croft was serving in the state of Alabama.
While preaching to the people, he was forcefully abducted by a vicious gang, to be whipped and lashed across his bare back.
Elder Croft was ordered to remove his coat and shirt before he was tied to a tree.
As he did so, a letter he had recently received from his mother fell to the ground.
The vile leader of the gang picked up the letter.
Elder Croft closed his eyes and uttered a silent prayer.
The attacker read the letter from Elder Croft's mother.
From a copy of that letter, I quote:

"My beloved son, ... remember the words of the Savior when He said, ... 'Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name's sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for you will have your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.'
Also remember the Savior upon the cross suffering from the sins of the world when He had uttered these immortal words, 'Father forgive them, for they know what they do.'
Surely, my boy, they who are mistreating you ... know not what they do or they would not do it.
Sometime, somewhere, they will understand and then they will regret their action and they will honor you for the glorious work you are doing.
So be patient, my son, love those who mistreat you and say all manner of evil against you and the Lord will bless you and magnify you.
... Remember also, my son, that day and night, your mother is praying for you."

Elder Croft watched the hateful man as he studied the letter.
He would read a line or two, then sit and ponder.
He arose to approach his captive.
The man said: "Feller, you must have a wonderful mother.
You see, I once had one, too."
Then, addressing the mob, he said: "Men, after reading this Mormon's mother's letter, I just can't go ahead with the job.
Maybe we had better let him go."
Elder Croft was released without harm.

Russell M. Nelson -Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women -April 1999 General Conference

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Editor's Note: As a Heads Up, I will probably not be posting for the next couple of days. VACA!!!! Red Rocks Here I Come! :D