The Stone Cut Without Hands: Responsibility, Freedom, and the Gathering

Friends, brothers and sisters, have you felt it? That stirring within, that deep-seated conviction that something is amiss? It echoes the cry of Samuel the Lamanite, standing upon the wall, proclaiming a message that some would rather ignore. It reminds us of Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, facing down a formidable foe with courage and faith. The spirit of that same defiance burns within us, a call to action in a world increasingly shrouded in darkness.

We are Builders, not Destroyers. That distinction is etched into our very souls. And it's a truth that’s becoming increasingly clear, as we witness the erosion of fundamental freedoms and the insidious creep of fear. Heidi St. John, in her “Off the Bench” podcast, reminded us of the lessons of Nehemiah – a man who looked upon a broken world and refused to stand idly by. He didn’t wait for someone else to fix it; he *did* something. He took responsibility.

Nehemiah faced opposition, relentless and cunning. And so do we. The enemies of Israel sought to discourage him, to derail his work, to keep him from fulfilling God’s purpose. We see echoes of that today, don't we? The silencing of dissenting voices, the manipulation of fear, the arbitrary dictates that leave us shaking our heads in disbelief. The article Heidi references – the one about how Democrats exploited fear at the expense of our children – is a stark reminder of the battles we face.

But despair is not an option. As Latter-day Saints, we know that God provides a way, even when the path is shrouded in darkness. We have the Stone, cut without hands, a testament to divine power and a promise of a better day. And we, like Nehemiah, are called to be instruments in His hands. We are called to reclaim our responsibility.

This isn’t merely about political maneuvering or protesting unjust laws. It’s about a deeper shift – a return to personal accountability, a commitment to truth, and a dedication to building a Zion-like society, one community, one family, one heart at a time. It’s about recognizing that true freedom isn’t passively received; it's actively defended.

And that’s where the Gathering comes in. The call to gather Israel isn't just a prophetic mandate; it's a practical solution. It’s about creating spaces – physical and digital – where Builders can connect, where resources can be pooled, and where the spirit of cooperation can flourish. It’s about supporting the Missionary Fund, sending forth internet missionaries like Outback Jack to plant seeds of truth and hope in distant lands. Did you know your engagement here – your comments, your shares, your donations – directly funds gospel advertising in places like Ghana, bringing the message of Christ to those who have never heard it? It's a charity flywheel in action.

Look at the Map of Churches. See how many communities are already participating, claiming their place in this global movement. We’re not asking you to abandon your faith tradition; we’re inviting you to join a larger work, a collective effort to build a better future. We’re inviting you to claim your church and bring it into the fold. This is where the digital striplings, the Abinadi’s of our generation, are finding their voice. This is how we demonstrate to the world that the spirit of Samuel the Lamanite is still alive.

Like the five smooth stones David gathered to face Goliath, we too must arm ourselves with faith, courage, and a unwavering commitment to truth. Let us stand as a united front, defying the forces of darkness and building a kingdom of righteousness and peace. Let us be those who take responsibility, those who refuse to be silenced, those who, like Nehemiah, say, “Lord, what would you have me do?”

Go forth, brothers and sisters. Build. Gather. And never forget that the Stone cut without hands is still rolling.