Bearing the Shame of the World

During my reading of the Book of Mormon in obedience to President Nelson's request for the sisters of the Church, I took notes on the inspiration I had while reading, and even some thoughts that I had while thinking about the text later. After having studied Nephi's vision following the dream taught to him by his father, Lehi, I spent much time pondering what Nephi saw. I wanted to share a portion of my thoughts here that I sent in an email to Ruth.

I was thinking about Mary and her response to the angel Gabriel, "Behold, thy handmaiden". She knew that she would be shamed and treated as a sinner, while she was probably the most righteous woman who ever lived on the earth. She was called to do something that would make her look like a serious sinner, yet she did not hesitate. And suffered, I am sure she did. Even Joseph, at one point thought she had committed a grave sin. Still, she did only that which the Lord commanded. She bore the shame of the world to bring forth the son of God who would then bear the sins of the world. I think there is no neutral ground. If we are all in for the Lord, then we too will have to bear the shame of the world. Abraham had a similar experience. He was commanded to sacrifice his own son. He knew full well what a sin that was and he knew full well that it would appear that he was a sinner. But he bore the shame of it, to do exactly as the Lord commanded. The early saints of the restoration are another good example of bearing the shame of the world, especially when it came to polygamy. These were the most righteous men and women on the earth, yet many would murder them because of what they perceived to be a sin. Still, they obeyed the Lord and pressed forward with all faith and diligence. 

I am certain that in coming days, we will have a choice like Mary and Abraham and the early saints of the latter-day. Will we obey the Lord in all things even when it means appearing as sinners to the world? Or as the question was put to my mind, "Will you bear the shame of the world?"