Feb 19-25: 2 Nephi 6-10
O How Great the Plan of Our God
Anne Gregerson (American, born 1951)
Matriarch (2019)
clay, 15 x 11 x 7 inches
Private collection
2 Nephi 8:11 reads, “Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their heads; and they shall obtain gladness and joy; sorrow and mourning shall flee away.”
The sculpture, Matriarch, by Anne Gregerson contains a similar idea of the crown of life on their heads, in the artist’s case, as represented by her children and grandchildren. She writes, “At this stage of my life, a big part of my purpose is to keep going, to keep trying to live a good life. I look to the examples of my foremothers and hope to face whatever challenges life brings with faith and courage as they did. Each day, I get up and try again to better follow the example of Jesus, to see the needs around me and respond with kindness and genuine love. As my children and now several grandchildren have grown to adulthood, my role in my family has changed. My main role and purpose with them now is just to love them so wholeheartedly that they can feel secure in knowing that my love is constant and forever, no matter what paths they choose. I honor their agency and love them exactly as they are. They are the treasure of my heart, the crown of my life.”
Discussion Questions:
What do you feel is included in the crown of your life? What do you hope to add or embellish as additional "jewels" into your crown?
In 2 Nephi 6:10, Jacob describes a wicked people who have "hardened their hearts and stiffened their necks." How do the words "hard" and "stiff" describe wickedness? How can you associate the words "soft" and "agile" with righteousness?
Jacob quotes Isaiah who speaks Messianically when he writes: "…I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people" (2 Nephi 8:4). How can the Lord's judgment be a light for His people? Have you felt this light in your life?
Questions for Children and Youth:
In much of the reading for this week, the words of prophet Isaiah are quoted (2 Nephi 6-8). Isaiah's words can be hard to understand. What do you do to help yourself understand something that is tough? How can you apply those tools to Isaiah's writings (or to other scriptures)?
Jacob explains that "to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God" (2 Nephi 9:29). How do you think this applies to your education?
Jacob teaches that righteous people are not afraid of truth but "they love the truth" (2 Nephi 9:40). Why do you think that people who follow Jesus love truth? When has the truth helped you?