Fast Sunday Messages with the Bat

Yesterday, you heard about the bat in the house. Wasn't that amazing?? I reposted the one video of the bat as I didn't get it all the first time.

Yesterday was also Fast Sunday. For those who aren't members, that is where we fast from food and water for a day and give the money that we would have used for food to our church for the poor and needy. We also fast with a specific purpose or petition to the Lord. I can certainly testify of the power of fasting for answered prayers. Yesterday, my fast was a fast of thanksgiving for the many blessings that my family has received.

On fast Sunday, for those who feel inspired, can share their testimony in front of the congregation during the Sacrament portion of our Sunday meetings. When Shane went up, he shared the story of our bat. He also said that sometimes, we are like that bat and lose our way. We flutter around blindly looking for a way out. There may be those trying to help us. Sometimes, the helpers may run around trying to force the bat out or may be even scared of the bat thinking the bat will get stuck on them because of false reports.

In order for the bat to be free, both the bat and the helpers need to understand how to apply their role. Our attempts at just leaving the door open or trying to throw sheets over it or holding up a towel - hoping it will land on it did not work. What we needed to do was to gently guide it back to the bathroom. Once it was in the bathroom, we shut the door. This way the bat flew around until it tired itself out.

Once the bat was tired out, it laid quietly - though still very frightened on the bottom of the bathtub. This way, the helper could gently come in to cover it with a towel (even though it was still struggling a little and squeaking) so it could be brought it outside and gently released.

When we are helping others - being gentle, calm, understanding and compassionate are essential. When we are in need of help, we need to calm ourselves, be willing to be helped, find that quiet place - even if we are afraid, if we are to receive help and hear what we need to help free ourselves in the process. Great insight Shane!