It took all I had to control the tender feelings that were stirring in my heart as he told the story of motherhood and death and the blessings that come as we rely upon the Atonement.
Which brought myself to ponder: What makes some of us turn bitter in the face of adversity? And what makes others of us humble and teachable and soft?
Mormon illustrates his observations by saying,
“Because of the exceedingly great length of [adversity] . . . MANY had become hardened . . . ; [however, on the other hand], MANY were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility” (Alma 62:41).None of us are exempt from life.
All of us have trials and hard times.
But those that I know who use their trials as a stepping stone to get closer to the Savior, teach me and influence my in ways and words I cannot rightfully express!
Click here to read about a woman who has been joyful because of her trial. Her attitude has such a positive influence on my life. Click here for another sweet story about their family as they consider their trial - their MIRACLE!
After I read these posts I had to ask myself, what is really to gain when bitterness, anger, or contention is added to an already hard tribulation?
Elder Hallstrom offers this direct invitation:
"If you feel you have been wronged—by anyone (a family member, a friend, another member of the Church, a Church leader, a business associate) or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reversal, abuse, addictions)—deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. “Hold on thy way” (D&C 122:9); giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load. We are promised that we will “suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ” (Alma 31:38). Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually."
I was bitter for a couple of years a couple of years ago after trials. It was a process for me. I knew what I needed to do but it had to happen only by me wanting to forgive, see the good, believe again. I am glad I am where I am and almost grateful I have been there to know what it's like now that I'm where I should be.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about stepping stones and trials and that leading us to our Father in Heaven. My patriarchal blessing actually almost says that exact thing.
Darla, I'm loving these blogs more & more every time you post a new one! It's almost like being on a mission and receiving a letter on a flipchart card that states "No cometeras adulterio"...
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