SiZ (Test): Black

Elijah Abel: Black Mormon Pioneer

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDTRX-wP3Sjv6cx9GQNc8fRsFfSSEZ3WS7Bb2RwIMKXZygBY2869PtVOvNh4_tVQHoR3mNClTg07nFRCvGxlWJzexFjBk0uxox3NcVlaNRgDAk029drXV5b-rd3ZL5h3O0W2C2LbpRoY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDTRX-wP3Sjv6cx9GQNc8fRsFfSSEZ3WS7Bb2RwIMKXZygBY2869PtVOvNh4_tVQHoR3mNClTg07nFRCvGxlWJzexFjBk0uxox3NcVlaNRgDAk029drXV5b-rd3ZL5h3O0W2C2LbpRoY/s320/1.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elijah Abel, Black Mormon Pioneer</td></tr></tbody></table>Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the restoration of the priesthood to members of <a href="http://www.lds.org/">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>, of African decent. On June 8, 1978 LDS church leaders announced that the priesthood would be extended to <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">Mormon</a> men of every race. Those who were there for that remarkable day have said that they can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. While many of us have heard the stories of how the world and members of the church felt on this day, few may know the story of Elijah Abel. Elder Abel was was the first black <a href="http://lds.org/manual/priesthood-and-auxiliary-leaders-guidebook/priesthood?lang=eng&query=elders">Elder</a> and <a href="http://lds.org/church/leaders/quorums-of-the-seventy?lang=eng">Seventy</a> in the LDS church and one of the few black members in the early history of  the church to receive the priesthood. He was born a slave on July 25, 1808, in Maryland, and it is believed that he escaped slavery into Canada by using the underground railroad. Elijah Abel was baptized in September of 1832 by Ezekiel Roberts. He was ordained an Elder on March 3, 1836 in Kirtland, Ohio by <a href="http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=041579179acbff00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD">Joseph Smith</a>, and in 1839 he was made a member of the Nauvoo Seventies Quorum. In 1847 Elijah Abel married Mary Ann Adams, another African-American. Their first son Moroni Abel was born in 1849, and their son Enoch and grandson Elijah, held the priesthood. Enoch Abel, was ordained an Elder on November 27, 1900 and Enoch's son, Elijah, was ordained a Priest on July 5, 1934, and an Elder on September 29, 1935. Elijah Abel served <a href="http://mormon.org/missionary-work/">LDS church missions</a> in New York, Ohio and Canada. He worked as a carpenter for the building of three <a href="http://lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng">LDS Temples</a>, Kirtland, Nauvoo and Salt Lake. In 1853 Elijah Abel and his family journeyed to Utah with other Latter-day Saints. He and Mary Ann managed the Farnham Hotel in Utah. Elijah Abel served his last <a href="http://mormon.org/missionaries/">mission</a> for the LDS church in 1884, returned home and died on Christmas day, December 25, 1884. In 2002 a monument was erected in Salt Lake City at Elijah Abel's grave site to memorialize him and his family. The monument was dedicated by LDS church leader <a href="http://lds.org/church/leader/m-russell-ballard?lang=eng&noLang=true&path=/church/leader/m-russell-ballard">Elder M. Russell Ballard</a>. His obituary in the Deseret News, said Elijah Abel "died in full faith of the Gospel." It has strengthened our testimonies to learn the the history of the pioneers of our faith, especially those of African decent. On this day there are many stories to be shared, and this is the one that has touched us today. What do you remember about that day, or why is that day significant to you? Oh Happy Day, Sista Beehive & Sista Laurel

Elijah Abel: Black Mormon Pioneer

Elijah Abel, Black Mormon Pioneer Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the restoration of the priesthood to members of The Church of Jesus Ch...

Diary of a Mad Black Mormon

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyXrg5xIxPaVTfYKhZfWYqZ-nhXbtHvSeQYV2v0zi1n3r7RnEnPapr659XRf5rwzehDHW71qfPavXd0W7rXqZnlczlZix1S-wnU5ezRgiKTJojLOz1bmZ4mq_vFqBbq9QEb-Wwx-5MVY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyXrg5xIxPaVTfYKhZfWYqZ-nhXbtHvSeQYV2v0zi1n3r7RnEnPapr659XRf5rwzehDHW71qfPavXd0W7rXqZnlczlZix1S-wnU5ezRgiKTJojLOz1bmZ4mq_vFqBbq9QEb-Wwx-5MVY/s400/1.jpg" width="283px" /></a>Dear Diary, today I was chased in an <a href="http://lds.org/temples/">LDS Temple</a>. It startled me because the temple is a very reverent place where people aren't usually speed walking. I didn't recognize the woman at all, so I picked up my pace and I tried to get to where I was going as fast as I could. When the out of breath woman finally caught up to me she said, "How do you say welcome in Ghana?" You know that song, I Stand All Amazed...well I was standing there...in the temple... looking at her... all kinds of amazed! "I don't know," I finally said. She started telling me a story about somebody in her family, who is or was going on a <a href="http://mormon.org/missionaries?gclid=CLmytsXAsKgCFQU6gwodrAGHHA">mission</a> to Africa, I'm not really sure because I was too stunned to process correctly. What made this probably nice and usually sane lady ask me that? Dear Diary, today I attended an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_(LDS_Church)#Singles_wards">LDS singles</a> ward dance. I was doing my thang and having a great time when this overly confident young man approached me and asked me to dance. While we were dancing he said, "You know why I asked you to dance?" "Because I'm one of the few girls here with rhythm," I said. "No," he said "I want to touch your hair." Now, I know that Mormon guys can be awkward, but this dude was way past that. "Excuse me," I said. "Oh no, it's cool," he said "One of my mission companions was black and he had the coolest hair, I use to rub his head all the time, but I've never touched a black girls hair, and I..." That’s all I heard, as I was walking away. Dear Diary, today I was at the swimming pool and this man kept staring at me. Finally he came over to me and said "Where are you from?" I named a city and state, but then he said, "No, I mean where are your people from?" "Oh," I said and then told him the state my people were from. "No, I mean before that," he said. Now I was getting frustrated so I said, "Before that they were probably on somebody’s plantation, and before that they were on a boat, before that they were probably somewhere in Africa, before that the <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/plan-of-salvation?lang=eng">pre-existence</a>, look what's it to you.” You’re from Nigeria,” he said, “I served my mission there, and you look just like the people there." He was grinning from ear to ear, and I was picturing myself pushing him into the pool. Dear Diary, today I attended <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng">General Conference</a> at the <a href="http://lds.org/placestovisit/eng/visitors-centers/conference-center">Conference Center</a> with my family. An older couple walked up to us and the wife said, "Can I please give you a hug?" Before I could answer she wrapped her arms around me and started crying. She then began hugging each of my family members in turn. We were very scared and hoped some of the men walking around in black suits were secret service agents. Her husband said that they had just returned home from serving as <a href="http://lds.org/service/missionary-service/senior-missionaries?lang=eng">senior missionaries</a> in St. Louis. They had served in the poor areas and seeing our family had caused them to be overcome with great joy because we reminded them of the people in St. Louis who they had come to know and love. Brothas and Sistas, we aren’t really mad, and we know that people from all cultures have experiences like these with missionaries who have served in their neck of the woods. Usually after the initial shock and embarrassment wear off, we get a really good kick out of it. We were just wondering is there a class they could teach in the <a href="http://www.mtc.byu.edu/">MTC</a> (Missionary Training Center) that would cover what not to do, say or ask people who look like they could be from where you served your mission…lol! Have a blessed day, Sista Beehive & Sista Laurel

Diary of a Mad Black Mormon

Dear Diary, today I was chased in an LDS Temple . It startled me because the temple is a very reverent place where people aren't usually...

I Am Unashamed

<div style="text-align: center;">November 15, 2009 4:09 PM - Anonymous said: "How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist until 1978? And still teaches to this day that the Curse of Cain is manifest in black people? Shame on you." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTiOi8-zhvz_ld2lpuGg7khchDUbrIGSt6XfTzhjc06pnbcXfo8QWXTODVimls9ImIs3QQ-fjefgdhvb9qLbKalo4N4V5zvk3bsm5dp2nDBe_RHMF8I-SxOZSe4YjXFY1jGLgAV6PfsKI/s1600/2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTiOi8-zhvz_ld2lpuGg7khchDUbrIGSt6XfTzhjc06pnbcXfo8QWXTODVimls9ImIs3QQ-fjefgdhvb9qLbKalo4N4V5zvk3bsm5dp2nDBe_RHMF8I-SxOZSe4YjXFY1jGLgAV6PfsKI/s320/2.bmp" yr="true" /></a> </div> Sista Laurel's response: We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. Above is the 11th <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=fc2539b439c98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Article of Faith</a> of <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=e419fb40e21cef00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</a> The line in that sentence that stood out to me the most as I pondered and prayed on this question was: “according to the dictates of our own conscience.” <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dictate">Dic-tate</a> [v. dik-teyt, dik-teyt; n. dik-teyt] verb, -tat-ed, -tat-ing, noun 6. a guiding or governing principle, requirement, etc.: to follow the dictates of one's conscience. <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conscience">Con-science</a> [kon-shuh ns] –noun 1. the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action: to follow the dictates of conscience. 2. the complex of ethical and moral principles that controls or inhibits the actions or thoughts of an individual. "How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist until 1978? And still teaches to this day that the Curse of Cain is manifest in black people? Shame on you." I know that I am a child of God. A loving Heavenly Father provided a Savior for me, Jesus Christ. I have gained this testimony through experiences both spiritual and temporal. I strive to live a Christ-like life, but I am imperfect. I have fallen short, I do fall short, I will fall short. I am thankful for the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for my sins, so that I have the opportunity to stand again each time I fall. My testimony, this knowledge, and this goal have all contributed in my decision to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have always thought of spirituality and faith as being personal. This thought process has helped me to develop a personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Also, I find that my faith is not sedentary. With each passing day it can grow and it can waiver and in both instances I rely heavily on these personal relationships. If at any time I have questions regarding religion, my faith, spirituality, membership in the church to which I belong, etc., I have always consulted with the Lord through prayer and have always received answers to my prayers. Through my testimony in prayer and according to the dictates of my own conscience I am an unashamed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sista Laurel Sista Beehive's response: Pastor Rick Warren, was asked the question, " Do all religions lead to God"? His response was, "Think about the logic of this. Can I go into a phone booth and dial any phone number and get home? No, there’s only one number that’ll get me home. I could be sincere, but I could be sincerely wrong. The truth is, all roads don’t lead to Rome and all roads and all religions don’t lead to God". In following that same thought pattern the scriptures teach in John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. While it is not my responsibility to try to explain away the painful, yet historic teachings of past church practices (not only in the LDS Church). Nor is it my intention to defend the crippeling history of our "free" country, a place that we all call home. Jesus is the way, Jesus, my elder brother, the only one who could, atoned and sacrificed for me, he alone is the truth and the light. I am grateful for parents who taught me to recognize and yield to the teachings of the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful that I was blessed with a strong Pentacostal family that encouraged me to develop a personal relationship with the Lord, so that when the time came in my life where I would need to testify of the truthfullness of the Holy Ghost I would be able to do so in my own words. So that when the day came for me to become a soilder in God's army, I would be armed with a truth that I was willing to stand on and if needs be die for. I have found that truth in the church that I've choosen to embrace. I have a personal relationship with my Father in heaven who loves me and has been merciful to me. It is ultimately because of this love that I feel "No Shame"!! for my choice in worshiping the Lord my God, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I make no apologies to my anonymous Brotha/Sista for being a member of the LDS church. Just as I make no apologies to any of the Brothas/Sistas of the LDS faith for the race, or lineage that I was born into. Jesus atoned for me! He suffered and died! It is because of his love for me that eternal life and not death is possible. In closing, I feel that it's approiate for us all to be reminded: "Love thy neighbor" is not a cliché; it is a commandment from God. In Matthew 22:37–39, Jesus emphasized the importance of loving the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind and loving your neighbor as yourself. He said, all the other commandments, all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments (v. 40). Sista Beehive <a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

I Am Unashamed

November 15, 2009 4:09 PM - Anonymous said: "How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officiall...

Shame On You!!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIOU1szkAklpY7RVhHNHED6TFb7N4xIIqt85lVmXls69YnJSpoX57dUN3zacR_Fy1Aa438G8e8hts0Ua0uLpOtytI-P3vNxrmk1wo8hVSawo7py5vdH1bpbpKXvvhsULK8PdlWpY_-3I/s1600/shameful.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405145596189916642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIOU1szkAklpY7RVhHNHED6TFb7N4xIIqt85lVmXls69YnJSpoX57dUN3zacR_Fy1Aa438G8e8hts0Ua0uLpOtytI-P3vNxrmk1wo8hVSawo7py5vdH1bpbpKXvvhsULK8PdlWpY_-3I/s320/shameful.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 209px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a> <div>Anonymous - November 15, 2009 4:09 PM </div><div> </div><div>How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist until 1978? And still teaches to this day that the Curse of Cain is manifest in black people? Shame on you. </div> We know that this isn't typically done, and if this post makes any of our readers feel uncomfortable we apologize. Many of our Brothas and Sistas get this question regularly, this is our post for today, we wanted you - our readers, Sistas and Brothas to share with us your response. It was originally posted in the comments section of "It's Not My Turn To Pray". We responded, but felt that we needed to address this issue in a direct, yet sensitive manner. We'd like to hear your response, to our "Anonymous Brotha/Sista". As we will prayerfully try to articulate our individual feelings and why we feel the way we do about our membership in the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. We will post our individual feelings/testimonies tomorrow. Thank You Be Blessed! Sistas Beehive & Laurel

Shame On You!!

Anonymous - November 15, 2009 4:09 PM How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist unt...

Testimony By Invitation Only

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCywzLyJpi84oyk5Ls1icPYl6513syMk4d7Ikxn0gnslTtFMk_WsDe_jBGM8BGJG1Fvy3UpOINYKjqnu2VTpPSCOw_rxe03zCwtVAJAVyA6Vew4x-qC1znGBG2dwX830v1-AqdABw_K6g/s1600-h/4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397359570753896210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCywzLyJpi84oyk5Ls1icPYl6513syMk4d7Ikxn0gnslTtFMk_WsDe_jBGM8BGJG1Fvy3UpOINYKjqnu2VTpPSCOw_rxe03zCwtVAJAVyA6Vew4x-qC1znGBG2dwX830v1-AqdABw_K6g/s200/4.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I was once at a testimony meeting where a General Authority was visiting. A man stood up and said. "What do I need to do to be a G.A.? What do I need to do to be the first "Black Prophet"? Yes, he did! Yes, I laughed (not out loud). Yes, I wish I had a "Pink Panic Button" I would have pushed it as soon as he turned to look at the G.A. cause I knew it wasn't going to be good. It was wrong on so many different levels. If I had the Priesthood, testimony meetings would be run a little different. Yes, they would still be highly emotional. However, members would be able to bare testimonies by invitation only. There would be instructions on what a testimony is and how one should bare it. There would be a mandatory time limit on how long a testimony should take. Stories are acceptable, however, they would have to pertain to the testimony and must be a testimony that will strengthen members of the congregation. There would be consequences for those brothas and sistas that are always breaking the rules. I would call it the "Pink Panic Button". Although women are more emotional then men, we are less confrontational. I would never embarrass another brotha or sista by standing next to them and whispering in their ear that what they were saying was inappropriate, even if it was. Nor would I tug on a skirt or pant leg to let a person know that they've gone over the allotted time. I would simply push the "Pink Panic Button". When the pink button is pushed the floor underneath the speaker opens up and the speaker takes a wild slide ride that leads to a room where they would have to read the article where President Monson talks about building a strong testimony, until church was over. On second thought, I don’t want the priesthood, I just want to get the "Pink Panic Button" implemented fast! Sista Beehive <a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

Testimony By Invitation Only

I was once at a testimony meeting where a General Authority was visiting. A man stood up and said. "What do I need to do to be a G.A.?...

Elijah Abel: Black Mormon Pioneer

Diary of a Mad Black Mormon

I Am Unashamed

Shame On You!!

Testimony By Invitation Only

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