Willing to Fight for Freedom

While reading Carnage and Culture, I came across a passage that reminded me of Moroni's epistle to Pahoran.

Here is the passage from the book: "The [Roman] legions had crumbled not because of organizational weaknesses, technological backwardness, or even problems of command and discipline, but because of the dearth of free citizens who were willing to fight for their own freedom and the values of their civilization." (emphasis added, Hanson, 157)

Moroni's epistle: "And except ye grant mine epistle, and come out and show unto me a true spirit of freedom, and strive to strengthen and fortify our armies, and grant unto them food for their support, behold I will leave a part of my freemen to maintain this part of our land, and I will leave the strength and the blessings of God upon them, that none other power can operate against them—

"And this because of their exceeding faith, and their patience in their tribulations—

"And I will come unto you, and if there be any among you that has a desire for freedom, yea, if there be even a spark of freedom remaining, behold I will stir up insurrections among you, even until those who have desires to usurp power and authority shall become extinct." (emphasis added, Alma 60:25-27)

Lehi: Minimalist

Continuing with the minimalist thread, while reading El Libro de Mormón today, I read this verse: "And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness." (2 Nephi 2:4).

Lehi only took what was truly important.

We were asked on more than one occasion in Seminary, what we would take with us if we had to leave our home. You find out quickly what is essential. The rest becomes a list of things you can start minimizing today.