Taproots and the Book of Mormon

Hello Humans! Today I was doing the reading for my Doctrine of the Book of Mormon class. I got to read some really awesome conference talks from President Benson about how important the Book of Mormon is. And normally, when we talk about how important the Book of Mormon is, we talk about "feasting upon the words," because we all know how delicious a giant feast of food can be, and what feasting upon food is. Hunger and eating are one of our animal instincts to survive in the world. But, President Benson used a really interesting and cool analogy, and I wouldn't have caught it if I wasn't a scientist. So I am here to help you all interpret this amazing analogy and quote.

"Social, ethical, cultural, or educational converts will not survive the heat of days unless their TAPROOTS go down to the fulness of the gospel which the Book of Mormon contains." In case you didn't know, I added the emphasis on "taproots." Sadly, President Benson did't scream that from the podium at General Conference. That would have been a sight.

The first question that probably comes to your mind is, "What the heck is a taproot?" Well, let me tell you, and show you in this convenient picture that I have placed below for you. A taproot is the largest and main root of a plant. It is the root form which all other smaller roots, also known as "lateral roots," converge upon. The smaller roots gather the water, and bring it to the taproot, which brings that water, plus the water it has collected up into the plant, and the plant has water. So, taproots are very important for plants to live and survive. So, what President Benson is saying, is that we need the Book of Mormon and it's principles in every aspect of our life. Once that happens, we can listen to the promptings of the Spirit better, serve others better, live the gospel better, become better Mormons, and finally, one day, we'll look back and realize that with the help of the Book of Mormon, we have grown in to a beautiful flower.

I also really like how he continues the plant analogy by saying, "will not survive the heat of day." There are plants that are adapted to survive extreme temperatures in the desert, such as cactus, but they still need water to survive the heat of day. No plant can survive in the heat without water. The same applies to us. Our testimonies and level of spiritualness will not survive the heat and temptations of this world without the Book of Mormon in it.

So, just read the Book of Mormon daily. Let it nourish you and your spirit and help you grow into the beautiful flower you were always meant to be. And once you get there, keep feeding your body and spirit with that essential nutrients. Stay wild, flower child.