Standing Firm

Standing Firm

   The American Bison is one of  the United States' favorite symbol. The animal appears on many mascot teams and even the Wyoming state flag. The Bison can reach great size, almost 6 ft on the top of the hump and males can top over 2,000 pounds!
  

  So far, I have learned interesting facts about the buffalo. One in particular stands out to me the most. During harsh blizzards or snow storms, the buffalo in fact stands it's ground. And turns out, faces the wind and endures the heavy storm. Most of the fur is in the front of the animal, so it makes sense why the buffalo would face the storm. This behavior left me puzzled. Most animals attempt to seek shelter and hide. Others try to run away. But not the bison. They stand firm and face the turmoil that nature has sent towards their way.
 

As I think about my people overall, do we also stand and face storms? It may not be literal storms but maybe perhaps our trials. Our afflictions. Do we persevere or simply flee away? Do we have enough faith to stand firm and have a hope that it will someday pass?

One of the most iconic Native American leaders in all of history was Sitting Bull. His name reflects on the also the behavior of the bull bison. Standing strong in opposition. He took his name to heart, resisting the US Army and the idea of Reservations. Independent and bold, he believed strongly in the Sioux way of life. He rejected any American interference with the Native way. What a great example of standing firm in faith, tradition, and what he believed to be right.

  I often wonder how such men or beasts are able to do this on their own. But you always have to remember that you are never alone in the fight against trails, afflictions are temptations. Heavenly Father has given us the many tools to overcome the many everyday challanges of life. We can pray for strength and comfort. We can read and ponder the scriptures. We also can use the Savior, Jesus Christ, who has felt everything we have been through. And let him guide us through and pull out of the storm. He is the Shephard and we are the sheep.

As it states it Alma, may we stand firm in our faith..., "Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them." Alma 1:25

Alma the younger then testifies of our Father in Heaven who cares and loves us..," And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me." Alma 36:27

 Like the Buffalo and Sitting Bull, may we face our trials head on. The Lord reminds us why we have trials... 

"... know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee ^eexperience, and shall be for thy good." Doctrine and Covenants 122:7

I know that trials are a blessing and that they give us the experience we need for us to become better. For us to become stronger and more faithful. And during these trials, we learn of Heavenly Father and our Savior's love for us.