Olympians sometimes swim in sweats to increase the drag and work their muscles harder. This mortal body may often feel like that too. Some of the challenges that I process as temptations are more helpfully viewed as mortal processes that provide my spirit an intensive training exercise in patience, self-discipline, and charity. –Shalissa Lindsay
(Just a brief disclaimer for anyone reading this review: this particular book is very much targeted to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as LDS or Mormons. There are several references only they will understand. That being said, the book’s message is for everyone.)
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March, my Sundays have looked very different. Instead of spending a minimum of two hours at our church building listening to talks and lessons, singing hymns, and partaking of the sacrament, my hubby and I have been holding our version of “home-centered church.” It is spiritual and reverent, but we dress more casually and it doesn’t last two hours. We pray, follow the weekly Sunday School lessons, read the scriptures, and try to maintain a Sabbath atmosphere in our home that day.
It has actually been wonderful. It’s made me realize the power we each have to access the Spirit and have him abide in our homes, whether we attend church in a building or not. I do miss my church family and the insights they give during lessons–I learn so much from their example–but this will do for now.
Not being around others of my faith on a weekly basis has created another desire in me. If I cannot share ideas in person, I would, at least, like to read the ideas of others. Part of attending church in person is the comfort of knowing others share your struggles. Not exactly in a “misery loves company” type of way, but more like “we’re all in this together, so let’s figure it out together.”
That’s a lengthy introduction! Suffice to say, all this spiritual pondering without a congregation has been a bit lonely. When I have questions or concerns, there is no class full of like-minded people with whom to discuss them.
I’m very aware that the Lord’s timeline for answers is not my own. (“Answers” could be answers to questions or answers to prayer.) So it is comforting to read a book such as this that lets me know that my (some time) impatience and frustration is not unique. In Answers Will Come, Shalissa Lindsay tells my heart and my head things I already know, but need to hear again…and again…and….again.
The bottom line, Life is not easy, and that’s OK. Answers are not immediate, and that’s OK too.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has a well-known quote: “Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.”
You could reread this quote substituting the word blessings for answers, making it no less true.
I found myself agreeing with a lot of the logic the author uses to reconcile her faith, her patience, and current gaps in her doctrinal knowledge that she wants to fill. Many of her gaps and questions are fairly common. And, while not the most revelatory read, Answers Will Come certainly makes you think and self-examine, as we all should do once in a while.
8.5/10 Stars
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