True to the Faith

This last Sunday, something unusual happened during sacrament meeting. The program simply stated "Special Music Program" where the names of the people giving talks usually is, and when the branch president announced what it meant, I was pleasantly surprised.

Instead of the normal talks, whoever felt prompeted, would go up, tell us about a special hymn, explain why that certain hymn was special, and then we would sing that hymn.

To my eternal shame, I didn't go up to share what I felt. One of the first things that came to my mind after we sang the song the branch president had picked was hymn #254, True to the Faith, and here is why:

In 1997 (or maybe 1996), I was 12 (or 13) year old, and there was a special youth conference at my then ward, Parque Pinheiros. The only thing I remember from that all day event was that I watched the video Youth and Chastity, the young men's president expounded upon it, and then we sang True to the Faith as the closing hymn. I don't remember how many people where in the chapel that day, but I do remember that I felt as if there were over 100 people singing that hymn, and the spirit branded those feelings in my heart. Afterwards we had ice-cream.

I probably can't express that day, so follow this link and maybe you'll understand: http://broadcast.lds.org/churchmusic/MP3/1/1/words/254.mp3. I hope you'll understand.

Here's the words to it as well:

1. Shall the youth of Zion falter In defending truth and right? While the enemy assaileth, Shall we shrink or shun the fight? No!

[Chorus]True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the truth for which martyrs have perished, To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.

2. While we know the pow’rs of darkness Seek to thwart the work of God, Shall the children of the promise Cease to grasp the iron rod? No!

[Chorus]True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the truth for which martyrs have perished, To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.

3. We will work out our salvation; We will cleave unto the truth; We will watch and pray and labor With the fervent zeal of youth. Yes!

[Chorus]True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the truth for which martyrs have perished, To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.

4. We will strive to be found worthy Of the kingdom of our Lord, With the faithful ones redeemed Who have loved and kept his word. Yes!

[Chorus]True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the truth for which martyrs have perished, To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand,Faithful and true we will ever stand.