by Dawn Landrum
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The day of baptism had arrived. We were warned that satan may make it rough on our family to get baptized. We were encouraged to stay strong. Everyone knew about satan's attempts to scare us away from our house so we wouldn't find the gospel. We expected difficulty on this day.
I remember things vaguely about the house on baptizm day. Something happened that involved my parents that morning, but they wouldn't tell us. All I know is that when I went in their room the mirrors were broken. Eric had a nose bleed. (noone told me how that happened either) I remember that clothes and shoes seemed to be missing. For a moment things got a little heated and aggrivation set in. But then dad reminded us of whom was to blame. We decided to put on faces of spirituality and love no matter what was dished out at us. On the way out the door we saw that our tires were flat. It almost made us laugh. "Nice try." dad said as if to see an invisible foe.
Our baptizms were marvelous. Stef's dad baptized us and the day felt magical. There was no fear and all was well. We did it.
We went home to our house and had it blessed. That night we all had the best sleep of our lives. Our home finally felt at peace. It was free....we were free.
The following days were that of transformation. We hadn't even noticed before, but large ivy vines had almost covered the sunny yellow exterior. Bushes overgrew so quickly that we couldn't keep up with them. Now, they seemed to cut themselves back. The beautiful house was sunny and bright and beautiful once again. The trees seemed fuller and the fruit seemed sweeter.
Everyone does not have to endure such a subtle resistance from satan. Leaders told us that someone in my family or families to come must be great in the plan of the Lord for satan to have taken such a bold stand to keep us from the gospel. But in this opposition I have learned some valuable things; for one, I learned that even a second grade girl can help convert an entire family to the gospel, second, I learned that a small, shy, frail child can beat the forces of evil with constant faith, prayer and song. And finally, I learned that even the strongest of men on this earth cannot compare to the spiritual strength of the world to come. Heavenly Father will protect us when we choose the right no matter how strong or weak were are physically.
We are children of God. Jesus is our Heavenly brother and our Savior. It is important to know that, although most of the people on this earth won't encounter evil in the sense that my family and I have, it is there. Evil is in the things of this world. It is sometimes not that obvious and may come masked, but it IS something that we all have to be prepared to deal with and to fight. The best way to do this is to be faithful and active in the gospel of Jesus Christ, to read the scriptures, and to pray.
I have not had to experience anything like my childhood home since I've grown, but I now have a heightened sense of spirituality. I am grateful for that experience and I am greatful for the gospel. No matter what, we will win the fight against satan, even when he jumps into the light and yells, "Keep Out!".
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