Braving the Storm

Do you ever feel like you are tossed upon the sea of uncertainty, with waves of turmoil crashing all around?

Yeah, that was me a couple weeks ago. Some might call it the refiner's fire. Those periods of life that are so intense and difficult that they can purify your character and forge your very nature.

Lately, a few of the people I love and serve have been experiencing a bit of their own refiner's fire. Some have dealt with bitterness and heartbreak. There has been homelessness, tragedy and turmoil. Watching them try to cope, my hear was filled with compassion and love. Sometimes, I am even brought back to the challenges that I have faced in my life.

Last week, my mind was called to reflect upon the hardest time of my life so far. The period of time when all seemed to hang in the balance. I questioned everything. Was I going to return and follow the beliefs I had treasured all my life? Would I listen to the light within me or stay in a pit of despair? Did I really believe that God loved me? Was I even worth it?

In my reflection, I have tried not to be discouraged. (That doesn't really do much good. I've tried it.) Instead, I want to figure out how I can use those trials and that heartache to help lift and inspire others. I have tried to brainstorm ways to help those we teach feel their Savior's love and know that they never walk alone.

The thing I have found to be most healing in my life is the power of forgiveness. Truly, to forgive is to allow yourself to be released form the binding and destructive power of anger and hurt. The miracle of forgiveness is that when we are not capable on our own, the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes all things possible. When atoning for our mistakes and sins, He saw our weakness. He felt our pain. And He tasted our sorrow. No one can more perfectly understand our needs and cares that the One who took our place. 

There is relief. There can be peace. Just reach out and take His hand.

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  ~Matthew 11:28-30

What is Dignity?

Dignity: n. 1) impressive self-control of behavior in difficult situations. 2) self respect, a proper form of pride

So, last week, we had an interesting experience. We went over to visit a family we have been teaching. One of the father's friends was over. He suggested we speak outside.

He then proceeded to try to tear us down in every way. We just stood there and listened. He was far too heated to try to reason with him.

This got me thinking about what the Savior experienced. How did He handle situations like that? How about Joseph Smith and the early members of our Church?

As I stood there being called a liar, I was able to stand tall knowing that what I believe is true. I could think back on the poise and dignity of Joseph Smith and his beloved wife Emma. I knew that all I could do was represent the Savior and His love for all mankind.

Dignity comes from knowing who you truly are.

We all face adversity in life. We are all called to stand for what we know is right at some point or another. We all must choose to keep our dignity, to remember who we are.

Lost and Found

Still searching for my path,
I fall upon the ground.
I'm sitting in the dirt
With thistles all around.

I stay there and I cry,
"Well, this must be my place;
The path, it may be grand,
But I'm a different case."

Just as I'm giving up,
Oh, I begin to see,
Brushing past the weeds,
A man has come for me!

I show to him my broken leg,
And he vows to carry me
We travel to the end of day,
With sweat across his brow.

Finally, we reach the gate
And my family's waiting there
O, I fall before my guide.
And wash his feet with my tears;

Unworthy of His love.
He lifts me up from in the dust,
And whispers in my ear,
"You were worth it, every step."

The Family

"THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."-The Family: A Proclaimation to the World

In My Life

Some people may not deem me qualified to speak on this subject because I do not yet have children of my own. I know that I cannot speak as a parent; however, I can speak as a child.

These are things I remember from my early childhood.

Founded Upon the Teachings of Christ

1. I know that the happiest times of my childhood occurred when the gospel of Christ was taught in my home. 
2. I remember gathering as a family every Monday night to spend time together, to laugh together, and to learn together. 
3. On Sundays, we would come home from church to the smell of Mother's roast filling the house. Everyone helped to prepare for dinner. Even the little ones.

Faith, Prayer, Repentance

1. From my amazing mother, I learned the principles of faith, prayer, and repentance. 
2. As a 9 year old, getting up at 5 AM to have family prayer and scripture study before the older kids went off to early morning seminary was not my favorite thing in the world. (Some people may know how long it takes me to get out of bed in the morning.) 
3. However, I look back on that time with fondness. 
4. That time spent together helped me grow closer to my family and feel more secure.
5. It was something I could count on, just like Sunday dinner.

Forgiveness

1. We were also regularly taught to love and care for each other. 
2. When one person was hurt during a game, as often happens in a family of twelve, even if it was an accident, we had to apologize to and forgive each other. 
3. We had to mean it when we apologized.
4. If we said sorry in a mean way, we had to come back later to apologize again.

One time, I had been sent to my room for hitting my sister. I sat on my bed angrily justifying my actions. "She did it first. It's not fair!" I repeated over and over. Then, my eye caught the set of scriptures lying by my pillow. They had been a gift from my grandmother to celebrate my baptism. I did not want to let go of anger, but was getting bored in my room. I picked them up and began to read. I turned to Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10. It read,

"Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." 

This scripture was exactly what I needed to hear. To this day, I still keep a bookmark at that page of scripture. It has given me strength in times of trouble and helped me find greater peace as I let go of anger towards others.