Isn’t it interesting that the rod of iron, our personal escort in our voyage back to our Heavenly Father’s presence is “extended along the bank of the river?” (1 Nephi 8:19) And not any old river, the rod of iron is extended along a river representing the filthiness, depravity, and malignity of the entire world! Why would the Lord put all those things so close to His strait and narrow path leading to what is termed the fruit of life? Could He not put it as far away from the filthiness of the world as possible? Okay, now is the time to throw out all preconceptions and assumptions, even when seemingly infallible. Where do we usually picture ourselves in this dream. I usually picture myself up on the path striving to hold on to the rod feeling sorrowful for the people who have fallen down in the filthy water. But has it ever occurred to you that even those who are constantly striving to hold fast to the rod aren’t perfect and sometimes find themselves in the depths of filthiness? Meaning you and I will eventually find ourselves in this dirty water. Wouldn’t it be hard if we had to pull ourselves out of this great ditch and then journey miles through a mist of darkness to find the right path? It is not like this! The second we find ourselves in despair, amidst heartache and in anguish of soul, the path is right there! We don’t have to go looking for it! Jesus Christ is waiting, and watching for those who have fallen in the river of filthiness to get out, and not to cling but to hold fast to Him! He has placed the path right in our way, not miles from us!  We can’t miss it! So go forth boldly in faith. As Jeffrey R. Holland said “His divine love and unfailing help will be with us even when we struggle—no, will be with us especially when we struggle.” He is there to cheer us on!