As a child, Elder Edward Dube would sit under the shade of the mango trees near his home in rural Zimbabwe and learn from his mother. One lesson his mother taught him was to keep moving forward. We can't grow if we stay in the comfort of what we currently know - in the comfort of the tree's shade.
Beyond the Shade of the Mango Tree shows us how our Heavenly Father speaks to and magnifies His children who turn to Him. Elder Dube's story is in some ways the same as many of God's children's - at first a story of doubt and struggle, later one of enlightenment and hope, and finally a realization that he can become all that God wants him to be.
Yet, in many ways his experiences are vastly different. From growing up in war-torn Zimbabwe, where he discovered the gospel at age twenty-two, to his church leadership experiences in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States, Elder Dube's stories and insights offer fresh perspectives on core gospel teachings.
Through Elder Dube's own experiences, along with teachings of latter-day prophets and the scriptures, Beyond the Shade of the Mango Tree teaches us that we can come to see ourselves as the Lord see us - His beloved children, with potential to become like him.
My Thoughts : After hearing Elder Dube speak in general conference (Pressing Toward the Mark,) I was excited to see that he had a book available to purchase through Deseret Books. I expected this to be a sweet book by a sweet and humble man, and it was.
My favorite chapter from Elder Dube's book was nineteen, Higher Thoughts, Higher Ways. I marked, folded and took notes on those wonderful insights. Elder Dube said, "We are what we think." Our thoughts are so powerful, yet, we allow ourselves to think some pretty horrible things about ourselves. I recently started a fitness program, it became evident that the thoughts I tell myself would effect my progress for good or bad. If I tell myself that I am tired then I am tired and don't press forward. If I tell myself that I am energetic and ready to workout then I am much more likely to workout. While running, I constantly have to tell myself that I am strong, capable and able to keep going even when my body wants to quit. Elder Dube went on to say that we need to, "control what we feed our minds." Deciding to turn off the news was the best decision I ever made. Am I as informed? Probably not, but the negativity surrounding me while watching just wasn't worth it. Remember : Negative circumstances do not have to lead to negative thoughts! Heavenly Father knew I needed this chapter at this moment in my life and I am so grateful for Elder Dube's words.
There are so many other wonderful lessons to be learned while reading this book. Unfortunately, I can't go through all of them, but encourage you to read Elder Dube's book for yourself. A couple things I will mention that I learned from this book are 1. stop complaining! It takes me three minutes to drive to church in my air conditioned car. There are people who walk miles and miles, in the heat, to get to church. It is humbling and inspiring. 2. God sees our potential. Thank goodness He sends people into our lives who can also see glimpses of our potential. It is a beautiful experience to be the one who can see another's potential. 3. Come Unto Christ. Through him we can fulfil our mission (potential) here on earth.
