Do, or Do Not

I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a Star Wars fan. I can, however, be counted on to sit dutifully in the theater with my husband for any new Star Wars flick.

Once.

I don’t need to “fully understand” the history of Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader – son of Shmi and Bendek Starkiller, father to Luke and Leia Skywalker, husband to Queen Amidala and serious asthmatic). I don’t need to visit websites that will provide my Sith name in just a few, simple keystrokes (Darth Trepid). I don’t need to know that Yoda’s home galaxy is Dagobah.

Ah…but Yoda, the verbally dyslexic purveyor of precious pearls of profundity. I must admit I am a Yoda fan. Of one particular jewel he bestows upon a young Luke Skywalker I am especially fond: “Do, or do not. There is no try.” Young Skywalker did not believe in his ability to utilize the full power of the Force to lift his X-wing fighter from the depths of a swamp. He did not believe in himself. Yoda was scolding him after he said, “I’ll try.”

Throughout my life, I have found that many years have been wasted “trying” to be a better mother, or wife, “trying” to be a successful dieter, or “trying” to be a published writer. I have spent countless hours convincing myself that I am trying. However, the truth is right there, staring me in the face. Yoda said it. There is no “try”. I have lost faith in myself.

Is it really as simple as believing? Can the answer to our challenges in life lie in that simple truth? If a problem arises, is the solution to simply do what needs to be done to conquer it. It just seems too easy, and yet, incontrovertible.

The difference between trying, and doing, is action. Trying is passive. Doing is an active effort. If a pen falls on the floor, I don’t try to pick it up, I just…pick it up. This is such a powerful lesson for me that I printed the quote in 124pt font and taped it up all along my workspace. Now I am reminded, every time I fall back on my “I’m trying” crutch, that there is no such thing. I must do, or not.

To Jedi-Master Yoda, grateful, I am. I have a renewed sense of belief in myself. I am enthusiastically finding ways to do the things I have hoped for in my life. I am working to make my successes actual, rather than wished for. I feel invigorated for the challenges that I’ll inevitably face.

All of this self-discovery has resulted from seeing a Star Wars movie. Don’t tell my husband.

The Land of the Free Comes at a Price

It happens to me every time.

The fireworks reach their frenzied finale and the final strains of “The Star Spangled Banner” peal triumphantly between the resonant booming. I take an intimate moment, despite the sights and sounds, to hum the words “o’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave” – and I cry.

It happens…every time. It happens because I’m proud to be an American. It happens because I’m proud to be descended from pioneers who braved the unknown, through more desperate poverty than any of us can imagine, with nothing but their faith and courage, to build a brand new country, and then again, to establish Zion.

The Lord’s plan for His church is so beautiful to consider as we reminisce about the history and establishment of our country. President David O. McKay said, “there are some fundamental principles of this republic which, like eternal truths, [are] never…out of date, and which are applicable at all times to liberty-loving peoples. Such are the underlying principles of the Constitution, a document framed by patriotic, freedom-loving men, who Latter-day Saints declare were inspired by the Lord"

Indeed, the Prophet Joseph Smith received divine council from the Lord pertaining to the establishment of this blessed country in D&C 101:80, “…for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.”

To redeem means to buy. This Land was purchased for the ultimate purpose of re-establishing the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the Earth. The price? The shedding of the blood of thousands upon thousands of men, women, and children who fought for and then defended the right to live freely with their lives. Our freedom to learn about, and worship the Lord and Savior is not one that was simply given away. How much would you be willing to pay for that privilege?

Thankfully, we do not have to offer our lives to enjoy these freedoms now, but we cannot forget those who have chosen to. At this time, and always, it is so important to remember the men and women in our Armed Forces who have chosen to defend our rights with their lives. Even today, so many lives are lost in defense of our freedoms and in search of freedom for all of God’s children. Let us not forget these brave young men and women who serve God and country on our behalf. Let us pray constantly to the Lord for their safety and protection. Let us remember that they are someone’s son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, and our brothers and sisters. Let us be mindful of their sacrifices. Let us remember to thank them, whenever we are given the opportunity.

And so, I cry. Tears of gratitude. Tears of empathy. Tears of joy for the miracles of the Lord.

Oh! thus be it ever, when free men shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!