As I read about how the FLDS in Texas knelt outside their temple and prayed and wept as it was desecrated, I realized that is exactly how my own family would react if this were their own temple being desecrated. I found online a link to a song Warren Jeffs wrote, and after which his Texas compound is named. The somewhat rough vocalist brings to mind the long-braided hair and home-sewn prairie dresses of the FLDS from the news media pictures. However I could easily imagine the exact same words in the hymnbook of the modern LDS church. However much the modern LDS church may wish to distance themselves from their polygamist past, the FLDS people are living relics of the Mormon tradition and legacy they have inherited. The words and sentiments are our own. These people are being treated exactly as we were 150 years ago….
Yearning for Zion
by Warren Jeffs
Heavenly beings have come to direct the work of the fullness of times:
To bring to pass Zion, the Lord’s pure in heart, a people perfected in Christ.
Who will be Zion, filled with his love, laboring now with the hope
Of a glorious day, when Zion shall rise, and the words of the prophets unfold.
When Zion shall flourish upon the hills, the wilderness blossoming fair as the rose,
When Zion comes singing with songs of great joy
With praise and thanksgiving assembles to worship our LordOh, Zion!
Put on thy beautiful garments,
Which are the powers and gifts of his Spirit in you,
Draw from the heavens the almighty power to build and redeem again Zion!
Oh, hearken all Israel!
Live for the promise of God.
Our Savior shall dwell in our midst
For the household of faith he will stretch forth his arm
And bring forth the redemption of Zion.Imagine the people of Enoch of old, trained in the order of heaven
A beautiful city the Lord called his own and forever made his abode
Coming to join with the Zion on earth when finally the earth finds its rest
A kingdom established in celestial laws, a people the Lord can accept
A New Jerusalem it will be, a land of refuge, a city of peace
Upon every dwelling the Lord shall create
A cloud for a covering, a flaming…
Somewhat fittingly, the song is cut off at that point.