Nephi's Thesis Statement

    I have found many wonderful insights in the first few chapters of the Book of Mormon because of my tendency to reread it frequently. Among these is 1 Nephi 1:20. After Nephi recounts Lehi's vision and preachings, he tells readers of the Jews' reactions to his father's preachings. The Jews wanted to cast Lehi out and stone him. After describing these death threats, Nephi proclaims: "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance".
    I like to think of this phrase as Nephi's "thesis statement" for his books of scripture. I also find it interesting that it is the last sentence of his first section, or introduction, of scripture- exactly where a normal thesis statement would be placed.
    Well, what is the purpose of a thesis statement? It is to summarize the point you will make within your work. What is Nephi's purpose?  To show us that through faith, the Lord will bless us with His tender mercies. These mercies, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, will deliver us from our pains, weakness, trials, and tribulations.
    If any man has the right to discuss tribulations, surely it is Nephi. He fled into the wilderness with his family, only to be mocked and hunted by his brothers, to starve, and to do perform the seemingly impossible task of building a ship (to name a few). Yet, as discussed in class, we must leave our comfort zones so the Lord can throw us into the wilderness. In these wildernesses, we learn of the goodness of God and are blessed through His tender mercies. Once we have learned the lessons necessary and developed the qualities of more celestial-beings, we our guided to a promised land of wealth and happiness untold. We are delivered from our pain, and are blessed exceedingly because of the faith we placed in Christ and His atonement.
    We all go through our own personal wildernesses on a regular basis, and in different seasons of our lives. When you find yourself in these dark places, I challenge you to look for the tender mercies of the Lord. Have the faith necessary to bring these mercies. When  you recognize them, cherish them, write them down, and hold to these reminders of God's love for you. You can be lifted and strengthened through the atonement of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful blessing it is to have such knowledge. I testify of the reality of Christ's atonement. I testify that through Him, we can overcome any trial or weakness we have, if only we put our faith and trust in Him. I see His hand in my life every single day. He is merciful and generous beyond expression. Seek Him in your life, and you will realize the same is true for you.