Doctrine and Covenants

Well, I did it. 

I'm all done. And it's awesome.

My Doctrine and Covenants class was really really good. I always felt the spirit.

And always loved going to class. I learned a TON in this one. 

I could list all of the wonderfully uplifting things Brother Alford taught.

Or I could tell you the story he told on the last day of class.

I'll take the later.

Brother Alford is a military man and came to BYU from West Point.

At West Point they have a tradition of the higher up men wearing a red sash 

and the cadets reporting to the man in the red sash. 

This red sash goes way back in the history of the military.

The generals would wear a red sash during a battle. If a solider was injured during the battle, it was to be reported to the man in the red sash.

The sash was a large piece of cloth that could be used to transport a wounded solider to get help.

It was red to hide the blood so the other soldiers wouldn't be disturbed. 

The red sash kept the general aware of all that was going on and gave more structure to the operation. 

Today the red sash is not used to transport wounded soldiers.

But it still used as a symbol of a leader who can help.

The man in the red sash cares about the well-being of the ones he is in charge of.
He knows how to do the things the cadets are learning to do. He can help them to do the best.

He wants what is best for the cadet, and will do all he can to help the cadet succeed.

Years ago, Brother Alford took a group of cadets from West Point to the temple 

to do work for past military soldiers.

At the door of the celestial room, the cadet ahead of Brother Alford stopped abruptly 

and came to attention.

Brother Alford ran into him and was confused as to what was going on. He asked the cadet.

And the cadet replied, "Look sir. It's the man in the red sash."

This picture was hanging in the temple.

Christ truly is the man in the red sash for all of us.

He is our caring leader who knows everything we are trying to learn. 

He wants what is best for us and will do all He can to help.

And in the end we will report to Him and tell Him of our life. 

I know He is my Savior and my man in the red sash.

And I am grateful to have heard this story 

and to be able to look forward to reporting to Him someday.

Goodbye D&C. You've been inspiring.

And goodbye sophomore year. I might miss you a little bit.