Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayer.
— Doctrine and Covenants 112:10
Many years ago, when I was in my second year in college, I was faced with the choice of selecting a major for which I needed to build a career. I had many interests, it seemed, and I did not know what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I decided to fast and pray for a definitive answer.
I felt led to this verse in the Doctrine and Covenants. After having read it over and over, I thought that if the Lord was leading me by the hand, then I should be able to see it. I went to talk to my college adviser about my dilemma. He pulled up my college record and together we went over all the courses I had taken. He said it seemed clear to him that I had all the prerequisites necessary to major at the local state college in penology (prison management). That, combined with my prior military service, aimed me toward a career in the military, working in the field of penology. As I thought about it, these things were all part of what I really wanted to do, and felt excited about, and had been talking about for years. The answer was right in front of me, but I hadn't seen it.
That initial experience was over 35 years ago. Since then, all things have worked together for my good, but of course, it was not without errors and "toe stubbing." Getting humble, or learning to be teachable, takes work.
Now, I am established in my field with a strong background. I have an advanced degree in social work, a military retirement behind me, and a continuing career in the field of youth corrections. I have worked in prisons, military stockades, and youth correctional facilities supervising a military school style training program, and I love my work.
I know that this is because the Lord truly does "lead me by the hand," as He said He would.
— Carmen J. Bria, Chesterfield, Va.
"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you. Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax No. (801) 237-2524. Internet E-mail: