“Like Laman No More,” New Era, Apr. 2005, 48
Like Laman No More
Until recently, I had taken the Book of Mormon for granted. While I never questioned its validity or importance, I never appreciated it fully. I didn’t understand how significant and true it really is. I feel like I was born knowing the story of Laman and Lemuel. I used to think, “How could Laman and Lemuel have been so stupid? They saw angels and knew that God lives and that Nephi was always right, yet they still went against him and disobeyed their parents.”
I despised these two until I realized that I am a lot like them, and I need to hear their story and learn its valuable lessons.
My 10-year-old brother has often said, “C’mon, Laura, get off the phone. It’s time for family prayer and scripture reading.” And I didn’t always say, “You’re right, Dallas, I’m coming.”
I usually had a Laman or Lemuel attitude towards the situation and my Nephi-like brother. I would say, “I’m too busy right now. Tell them that I can’t come tonight.”
The Book of Mormon can influence anyone who reads it and ponders its teachings. It has taught me to not be so proud to think I am so righteous. I know without a doubt that the Church and the Book of Mormon are true.
Illustrated by Sam Lawlor