When I was asked if I wanted to read and review John Bytheway’s new book “Moroni’s Guide to surviving turbulent times.” The first thought that came to my mind was “no way, I am way too busy.” I am taking 15 credits at college, I work 40 hours a week, let alone callings and my writing. I just felt like I was treading water and another thing could break me. But then I had the feeling you should do it. So I agreed to read and review it.
During just the first few chapters I realized reviewing this book was the Lord’s way of helping me through my own turbulent times. Each chapter takes one (or more) chapters of Moroni’s writings from Mormon 8-Moroni 10. And at the end of each chapter, it has a “Likening Moroni” Where Brother Bytheway summarizes and points out some key takeaways. The ‘Likening Moroni’ for Mormon chapter 8 talks about seeking the will of the Lord, cleansing the inner vessel, finding one’s mission.
These are messages that I needed, these are messages that everyone needs! Further chapters talk about finding faith in Christ, relying on Christ to overcome our weakness and weaknesses, and learning to live after the manner of happiness. So many amazing quotes, lines, and spiritual epiphanies.
One of my favorite parts was on choosing to live after the manner of happiness. He quotes Karen Lynn Davidson when she said “I have yet to see a marriage, by itself, turn an unhappy into a happy person. A really happy married person is almost always is one who was or could have been happy as a single person.” I loved it, everything is based off how we act! When we react rather than act we will always be unhappy. Then John drops my favorite line when he states “Happiness is an inside job.” Happiness truly is a choice.
Moroni’s Guide to surviving [and thriving] in turbulent times is a paradigm-shifting read! It helps you understand that God does not just want us to survive. Moroni saw our day and wrote directly to us. He did not merely want us to endure to the end, he wanted us to find joy in the journey! I think through applying the writings of Moroni we will learn how not just to survive, but to thrive during the turbulent times that are upon us, and that is coming.
Find Moroni’s Guide to surviving turbulent times at Deseret Book.