And he caused that all the people in that quarter of the land should gather themselves together to battle against the Lamanites, to defend their lands and their country, their rights and their liberties; therefore they were prepared against the time of the coming of the Lamanites. . .

And now, as Moroni knew the intention of the Lamanites, that it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them and bring them into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves over all the land; . . .

And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanities, to defend themselves, and their families and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.

— Alma 43: 26, 29 and 47.

September 11, 2001, was a day that changed the lives of all Americans. I watched in horror as the twin towers, an icon of New York City, went down. I believe this was particularly devastating for me, because I'm from New York, and at the time I found myself thousands of miles from home and family, serving my mission in Peru.

As the weeks progressed, I found myself often thinking about the men who did this awful thing. The men who threatened to take away our liberty and our rights. I felt so alone, so far away from the country I love, and so useless.

These men had not only struck two buildings of steel and concrete, but they had struck the heart and soul of our country. They threatened to take away the very rights which we hold dear as Americans, the rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." I didn't know what we could do to prevent them from accomplishing this terrible goal.

I found my answer one morning while reading in the book of Alma, Chapter 43.

These scriptures gave me consolation, as they helped me realize that as members of Christ's church, as sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, we should all defend the blessings which God has given us.

My prayers and condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. [We must] combat this terrorism in whatever way we can. I'm proud to be an American, part of "one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all."

— Elder Sean Whaler, Peru Lima Central Mission.

"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: churchnews@desnews.com