Typically, my blog serves as a Brag Log (to brag about our wonderful, bright and almost perfect daughter), to update family and friends, and also as a record of our family happenings to keep. However, every so often, I am touched - no moved - and despite my best efforts to contain my emotions and feelings, I am so deeply touched, that the need to share it consumes me. This is one of those moments - one of those entries on my blog.
Stephanie and Christian
Nielson and their family
The Kofford Family
The Alders
It seems as of late I have been made aware of 3 families
(click on pics above to learn more about these families) who have endured great and overwhelming, tragic trials in their lives. Although I know none of the people personally, my heart has ached right along with theirs. I have said prayers in their behalf. I have found my thoughts being turned to them throughout my days. I have also found myself being uplifted, comforted, astounded and in awe at the peace, comfort, hope, and strong
testimonies they have that seems to have carried them through gracefully, such a devastating time. No doubt, they have been carried upon the wings of angels who likely are surrounding them and bearing them up.
It has also caused me to reflect on my own testimony and belief of families. I know that the
family is central to God's plan and that the relationships, bonds and love we share and build within our families are not for this Earth life only, but for eternity. I know, that because of
God's plan, we will be with our families after our life has ended here on earth. I know that God has a plan for each of our lives and even when we don't understand why certain things happen, it is part of a bigger plan by ONE who loves us, cares for us, and knows the reason why. I don't doubt that. And yet, I can't imagine myself having the peace, comfort, assurance and hope that these people exemplify, if I were faced with a similar tragedy....but I want to.
Coming to this realization caused me to reflect and ponder and I found that the common thread among all three of these families who have showed heroic endurance through such devastating circumstances is 1) their strong, loving relationship with their families, 2) their testimony of the plan of salvation, and 3) their commitment to living the gospel daily. I know that I am lacking some of that commitment. I fail to make the time daily to renew myself spiritually, excusing myself from some of those basic, simple, daily activites (scripture study, personal prayer, etc.) because "I am busy and doing the best I can." However, learning of these families' stories, and seeing their strength has been an inspiration to me and an awakening of my own weaknesses. I will do better!! I must do better! Because I want to be ready for when,- not if, but when - the trials come (as trials are a part of this life). I want to be someone who can learn and grow from my trials, such as these amazing, beautiful people. I am so ever grateful for these families and for their willingness to bravely share their personal stories of tragedy, hope and love with the world - strangers such as myself. It is because of their stories and examples that I have a renewed commitment to strengthen my weaknesses, better prepare myself, become a better person and to not take as many things for granted.
The Winds of Fate
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
One ship drives east and another drives west
With the selfsame winds that blow.
’Tis the set of the sails And not the gales
Which tells us the way to go.
Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
As we voyage along through life:
’Tis the set of a soul
That decides its goal,
And not the calm or the strife.
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