– Wm. Calvin
Hughes, March 15, 2013, Lake Elsinore, California –
In
the early morning hours of Friday, March 15, 2013, I had a dream. A few days
earlier on Sunday, March 10, 2013, after serving five years and eight months I
was released as the bishop of the loving Lake Elsinore Ward. On that same day
our Ward was split into two Wards – the new Temescal Canyon Ward and the new
and improved Lake Elsinore Ward. Bishop "P" and Bishop "A" were called to serve respectively in the two Wards. The congregation
enthusiastically sustained dividing into two Wards and the two new bishoprics. The
Spirit bore witness that the events of the day were inspired by the Lord. It
was a sweet day filled with a sweet spirit.
In
the dream I was in a room much like a bishop’s office and conducting some
training for Bishop A and Bishop P. It was evening, just getting
dark outside. They were intently listening to the things being shared. The Spirit
was strong and there were additional confirmations and witnesses of their new
callings (in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be
established). I don’t remember any of our training or discussion during that
meeting. However, the part I do remember is this: at the end of the training, I
stood up and went to the window and opened the drapes to share with them one concluding
point. In the window a neon light was hanging. It was turned off but it could
clearly be read – it was just one word, all in capital letters – “BISHOP”.
There
was a pull-string dangling out of the bottom of the light. I reached up to it
and pulled it downward. The word flickered and then glowed. It had a bright
reddish, orange glow – very bright. It filled the window with its light. There
was a glow inside the room that was noticeable even under the office lighting.
There was a similar glow that went outside the window as well, but much more obvious
and see-able out in the darkness.
As
the “BISHOP” light warmed up, it burned brighter. I said, “As you serve
faithfully as a Bishop, you have a wonderful opportunity to bless the lives of
many, and those blessings will continue for generations to follow. You will
carry a light with you that originates from, and is part of the light that continuously
emanates from the Light of the World, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is
attractive to all that want to know Him, all that want to be like Him; to all
that recognize their need for more of His love in their hearts; to all that
will partake of His Atonement; and to all that seek for His grace and miracles
in their lives.” I told them, “You will need to leave this light on 24-hours a
day, 365 days a year while you bear the mantle and the responsibility of being
a Bishop.” They both understood and agreed with determined resoluteness.
I
turned back to look at the glowing word “BISHOP”. I felt a sense of relief.
Others had told me of the feelings when the mantle of responsibility is lifted
after being released from serving as a Bishop. I was thinking that was what I
was experiencing. There were certain specific spiritual and physical feelings
of peace and gratitude. It was sweet and it was good. It reminded me of how
Lehi described the fruit of the tree of life in his dream, “…very desirable,
the most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted…” I was feeling such joy
that the Lord loved me and had approved of my efforts. It was so peaceful and comforting
that I didn’t want it to end, ever.
While
enjoying those wonderful feelings, I realized something bulky in my pocket. I
reached in and pulled out one of those propane lighters used for lighting barbecues or fires
I
clicked the switch that ignited the lighter and reached toward the neon sign.
Immediately a flame lit up around and behind the word “BISHOP”. The previous
glow now was exponentially brighter. There was warmth that simultaneously
filled the room. “This,” I said referring to the flames, “is the kind of Bishop
each of you will be. You will have that fire-in-the-belly desire to serve God’s
children; the warmth of the Holy Ghost with you as you teach, counsel, and
love; and the power and authority to attract people in from the cold and warm
their hands, their bellies, their hearts and their spirits. As you do, you will
have the Spirit of God with you, for ‘the Spirit of God, like a fire is burning’.
That
was the end of the dream. I woke up and sat up on the side of my bed. I
pondered the dream and smiled. I was reminded of Isaiah 55:8-9 where the Lord tells
us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,
saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways
higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Later I found this
great verse relating to being one of the Lord’s ministers (a Bishop) and a
flaming fire: “Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great;
thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who maketh his angels spirits; [and] his ministers a flaming fire” (Psalms
104: 1, 4 italics added).
You
will both be great Bishops and do many wonderful things. You are called of the
Lord and this dream is my witness of that certainty. If there is ever anything
I or my family can do for you or your family, don’t hesitate to reach out to
me.
Love, bishop
Wm. Calvin Hughes
