Skip to main content

All Saints Day

Release - Middle English relesen, from Anglo-French relesser, from Latin relaxare to relax
First Known Use: 14th century

transitive verb
1
: to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude (release hostages) (release pent-up emotions) (release the brakes); also : to let go : dismiss (released from her job)
2
: to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses (released from her promise)
3
: to give up in favor of another : relinquish (release a claim to property)
(From M-W.com)

For those who are not familiar with the workings of the LDS Church there needs a bit of explanation.

Callings and/or assignments in our Church are made by leaders who are themselves called to the positions in which they serve. They extend callings to those who are worthy and whom the Lord inspires these leaders to call. It is difficult to understand what happens in these rooms where the Lord's Spirit is present and where these callings are made. But it is not something that is sought, it is something that is received with faith and humility. Leaders are held to standards they did not establish. And every leader serves with humility and diligence.

Inherent in every calling, though, is the knowledge and expectation of an eventual release from that calling. The release comes by inspiration as well. There are no set time schedules, minimum or maximum, for any calling. I was fortunate to serve as a teacher in the Primary for five wonderful years - by far my longest and favorite calling! - which some might view as extensive. Releases come for many reasons, but it is always through inspiration of the Spirit.

I serve at the pleasure of the Lord and His divinely inspired servants. And I serve His children here on earth. Thus, it matters not where I serve, but how and whom.

I am grateful for the chance I had to serve as the bishop of our Ward. I fully and completely - with all my heart and soul - sustain our new bishop - Bishop Kinder - in his new responsibilities and opportunities. I know he's the right man for the job, and I know he'll do well.

I also know that additional opportunities will be forthcoming for me. Our Church is not a museum of saints but a church of workers. I'm ready to go to work!

Comments

Deb said…
What a wonderful system we have. Things always seem to work out the way they are supposed to. I confess it's nice to think of you as just my friend Bill again, though I loved having you as Bishop. Let's hang out.
Bill Cobabe said…
Agreed.

It is wonderful. It is clearly inspired. The position is more important that the person, and the opportunity to serve is for all of us, not for the gratification of someone's pride. Personally, I have no pride. And I'm proud of that... :-)
LivingstonClan said…
Wow--how did I just now know you were released?? HELLO??!! I am truly happy for you brother Bill. The Lord really does know far more than we do. You should call me sometime...you know, just because!

Popular posts from this blog

Ephesus

Paul got around. Ephesus is right on the Aegean Sea, on the coast of present-day Turkey. Yesterday he was in Galatia, which was much more towards the middle of Turkey. And when he actually wrote these letters, he was in Rome... So the man could travel. He probably walked. Today's item of interest comes from chapter one in Ephesians. Verses 18 and 19 are particularly interesting: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power This is not the first time Paul talks about an inheritance. In Galatians he talks about the inheritance that comes of being part of the Abrahamic Covenant. He notes that we are joint-heirs through and with Christ. In Ephesians, he uses the word "adoption" - that we are adopted as the Children of Jesus Chris...

Engaged

Three Dog Night got it wrong.  One is not the loneliest number. They were more accurate when they said Two can be as bad as one.  I really wonder how people can survive Without being fully engaged. How they live through each day Without the intimacy I so very much crave... Maybe I am unusual in my desire  To have this intimacy, To want to feel that soul So close to my own Sharing light and warmth, Sharing love and passion, Sharing life. Alas! Alas! Alas! For when I do seek to share It is often only to be rebuffed Denied Or used up, Sucked dry, And left an empty husk.  I want SO MUCH to share And all I have is the cold, digital world Of typing out a blog.

Lucky!

So Tomorrow is Amie's birthday. The 12 th is Andy's. The 14 th is Alex's. And the 26 th is mom's. Happy birthday everyone. I recently found that a member of our ward has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a survivability rate of less than 5% and you never, ever kick it, even if you live. Once diagnosed, people are expected to live about six months. My wife and I were talking about this wonderful woman. There are very few (too few) people in this world who shine. Literally. This sister shines with a light that is perceptible and discernible . The world will literally be a darker place without her in it. Life is short, folks. Too short for hard feelings, too short for pain and misunderstanding. I love you all so much. Sorry this one is such a downer... I don't mean to be lugubrious on your birthdays... I consider myself lucky to be your brother. You have and continue to bless me and my family in many ways, for which I will be eternally gra...