The Gathering

"And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." (2 Nephi 21:12)

I've heard the phrase "Gathering of Israel" throughout my life, and I always thought of this as people being "gathered" into the fold of God.  Brought into His Church.  I've always thought of someone being gathered through testimony-building experiences, and through the efforts of those around them.  I've always tied that phrase to missionary work.

All this is true.

I think the thing that stuck out to me in this verse is the phrase "the outcasts of Israel".  I think that the idea of being an outcast is directly the opposite of being gathered.  And they will be gathered too.  But it made me think of all those people out there who need a friend.  Those who need someone to back them up, or to remind them to make better choices.  I've been thinking a lot about bullying, because it seems to be a current hot topic, and how it feels to be an "outcast".  And, on the flip side of that, what it's like to feel "gathered".  I have felt both, and as strong and independent as I try to be, it is a great comfort and strength when you don't stand alone.  When you are part of a group, even if it's a small group.  There really is strength in numbers, and maybe that's what the "Gathering of Israel" and "assembling the outcasts of Israel" really means.