I've been thinking lately about the word "burden" as it is used to describe hard things in our lives. Before this summer I always assumed it was a figurative term. I now know that at times it can be quite literal. I had never before experienced the crushing weight of true grief. I didn't know it was actually possible to feel like you were carrying a heavy weight upon your shoulders or like something heavy was sitting on your chest. These days the physical burden is not so great. It's more an emotional burden, although occasionally in the hard moments the physical weight returns. I know that the burden of grief eases with time but most importantly through the Atonement of our Savior. I know it is only through His healing power that I function as well as I do. I know it is my relationship with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father that allows me (most of the time) to view this trial for what it is--a chance for growth and sanctification. It is only through the healing power of the Atonement that I feel any sort of peace about this situation.
I'd like to share with you a message from Elder Holland. My mom shared this talk with me which was given at a CES conference in 2000. We are greatly blessed to be led by men such as him.
"In spite of life's tribulations and as fearful as some of their prospects are, there is help for [us] on this journey. When Christ bids [us] to yield, to submit, to obey the Father, He knows how to help [us] do that. He has walked that way, asking [us] to do what He has done. He has made it safer. He has made it very much easier for [our] travels. . . To succor means 'to run to.' Christ will run to [us], and is running even now, if [we] will but receive the extended arm of his mercy.
To those who stagger or stumble, He is there to steady and strengthen us. In the end He is there to save us, and for all this He gave His life. However dim our days may seem, they have been a lot darker for the Savior of the world. As a reminder of those days, Jesus has chosen, even in a resurrected, otherwise perfected body, to retain for the benefit of His disciples the wounds in His hands and in His feet and in His side--signs, if you will, that painful things happen even to the pure and the perfect; signs, if you will, that pain in this world is not evidence that God doesn't love you; signs, if you will, that problems pass and happiness can be ours. It is the wounded Christ who is the Captain of our souls, He who yet bears the scars of our forgiveness, the lesions of His love and humility, the torn flesh of obedience and sacrifice."
Sunday, October 26, 2008
He Will Make Them Light
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I love that talk by Elder Holland and actually used it in on of my recent YW lessons. I think I got more out of the lesson than they did. :)
Jessica, I wanted to let you know that you are not alone in your sadness. I too have experienced three miscarriages and know how it can truly hurt. I had one before Cole and then one before Wyatt. I also had one while I was working at Walmart and trust me nobody cared. I am just really happy that you have such great friends around you to help and support you. I want you to know how much I respect and love you and your family. I pray for nothing but happiness for you and know that it will get better with time. Enjoy your girls and know that people are there for you. No matter how far away they are.
You sure are an optomistic person. I admire how well you are able to talk openly about your situation but at the same time, rejoice with others. You have never made me feel awkward around you - when I often do around others who are in your same situation. I'm glad you're recording your story and your insights. It's always nice to know how your friends are really doing - eventhough I see you often enough to think I know how you're doing. I'm still praying for you. I can't imagine the heart ache and confusion - especially over such a righteous desire. You are handling your trial beautifully though. That's what we're here to prove, right?
I love how tangible you have depicted the Savior. Thanks for this post.
Jessica, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. You are a very great example and an uplifting person. I am so grateful that you are our primary president. So often when you are "stuck" in primary as an adult, it feels as if you are missing that spiritual feeding that you get in RS and SS. Not so for all of us in your primary. We are truly spiritually fed by you as are the children. We are blessed to have your example and the kids have better teachers because we are following your cue. I was so devastated for you and your family when I learned of your miscarriage this summer. I prayed daily for you and could not/can not understand why you are not receiving the righteous desire of your heart. I do, however, know that you are a woman of faith and strength and that you will come out at the other end of this trial even stronger and more faithful. I wish I had great words of advice or comfort, but unfortunately that is not my talent. I am not good at seeing a need and know exactly how I can meet that need. So, if you need anything, please let me know if possible. You are always in my prayers and I constantly marvel at the wonderful woman you are.
Post a Comment