From the Outside -- Latin Phrase of the Day

I think that today's phrase of the day deserves two complimentary phrases.  Have you ever felt that you needed outside help, but when it came, it was not actually what you needed?  Don't get me wrong, service and being served is a great thing.  But in some things, we need to find the peace from within, instead of with-out.  From Amo, Amas, Amat and More:

ab extra
ahb EHK-strah
from the outside

The author gives this explanation: 'This phrase, the opposite of AB INTRA, finds use in such thoughts as "We are mistaken in believing that peace will come to the Middle East through the efforts ab extra of the world powers."'

I recall from this a verse from the Book of Mormon, from Captain Moroni in the book of Alma, chapter 60, verse 23:"Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also."  This leads to the next phrase:

ab intra
ahb IHN-trah
from within

The explanation given is: 'The insider's role is played out ab intra.  "The only hope for reform of an institution is through effort expended ab intra."'

Whether we want to change an institution or ourselves, the best hope comes from within.  A person must make the choice, and be the change.  It isn't what is outside of the mind and heart, but within.  I find related teaching, from Jesus Christ, in the testimony of Mark, chapter 7, verse 20, "And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man."  The things which come from our heart are those things that either defile us, or build us!

Til next time, valete!
Jonny