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Climbing up to Mount Zion: A Light To Generations As Elder Richard G. Scott observed: "Changing a profoundly embedded pattern of life can be very difficult. . . . Persistent faith in the Savior and obedience will see you through such hardships to greater blessings. The scriptures illustrate how conviction and faith can overcome traditions in conflict with God's plan, bringing blessings to individuals, and even generations of people." (Richard G. Scott (1998, May), Removing barriers to happiness, Ensign, 28(5), 86). Once these people climb out of their dark places onto Mount Zion, and become beings of light, they can lift and 'save' others by bringing them into recovery and healing. Carlfred Broderick shares more light on this topic: God actively intervenes in some destructive lineages, assigning a valiant spirit to break the chain of destructiveness in such families. Although these children may suffer innocently as victims of violence, neglect, and exploitation, through the grace of God some find the strength to metabolize the poison within themselves, refusing to pass it on to future generations. Before them were generations of destructive pain; after them the line flows clear and pure. Their children and children's children will call them blessed. In suffering innocently that others might not suffer, such persons, in some degree, become as 'saviors on Mount Zion' by helping to bring salvation to a lineage. (Carlfred Broderick, Ensign, August, 1986, 'I Have a Question'). The Alcoholic I Never Became I am the product of family members who generations ago decided to give up habits and join the Church. One day I had a profound experience where I 'saw' the person I WOULD have been without the benefit of the 'chain-free' Gospel that my progenitors had fought so hard to achieve. It became known to me, that if I hadn't been a member of the Church, I would have chosen a very different path. I would have been an alcoholic, and my life would have been in a shambles, BUT because I adhered to the Word of Wisdom and had NEVER TAKEN A DROP of alcohol to drink, the 'chains' had NO hold. My forbearers were my 'saviors' and I was blessed to continue in their culture. We Can All be 'saviors' How can we be a 'savior'? We all know that temple work allows us to help people on the 'other side' to change. It's a magnificent and profound work, but it isn't the only one. When we live the gospel, and support others in living it, we're breaking the potential chain of addiction, abuse and darkness of soul before it forms, and can become 'saviors' on THIS side of the veil. If you encounter someone who is struggling with addiction, self-esteem or any other darkness - look into their eyes, and their soul. Know that they may be one of God's finest spirits. Ask the Lord how you can help them. It could be that your support and help could help them break free from chains that bind, allowing them to then be Savior-like to others. I love this quote by Yahuda Berg: "Hurt people hurt people. That's how pain patterns get passed on, generation after generation after generation. Break the chain today. Meet anger with sympathy, contempt with compassion, cruelty with kindness. Greet grimaces with smiles. Forgive and forget about finding fault. Love is the weapon of the future." (Yehuda Berg, international speaker and author. PassItOn.com) Ask yourself these important questions. Who would I be without the gospel? Who has 'saved' me? Who can I 'save'? Are you the one in your family line that is breaking the chains of heartache and suffering? Or are you the one like me, which has benefited from the chains your ancestors have broken? Either way, there are many who need our help. Let's first climb onto Mount Zion with the aid of Christ's atonement, and then lift up as many up as we can. We have the power through Him to 'save' and 'be saved.'

⁠— Anne Hinton Pratt