Be Brave, Be Strong, Be True

Hi Little Sisters, hope you are doing well.  I sure am looking forward to the time when we are together again.  My thoughts for today’s lesson may seem a little jumbled up but bear with me and I promise it will all come together…

Do you ever say to yourself, “Am I doing enough?” or “I have no idea what I’m doing”.  Don’t worry.  You’re not alone.  I remember when I was your age — and yes, that’s been a very long time ago —  I felt like I was constantly being flung into a tangled mess of, decisions, mistakes, success, growth, anxiety, joy, opportunities.  Honestly, just plain confusion.  And, yes, right now we are in the midst of a lot of confusion and chaos.

When trying to figure out your place in this world your questions seems to triple in number.  And when it seems the answers to those questions are not coming fast enough it can feel like everything will collapse at any moment.  President Nelson said (and I quote),

“At this moment some of you are struggling to know what you should be doing with your life.  Others may wonder if they have been forgiven of their sins.  Some may question why the Church does some of the things it does.  Our Heavenly Father and His Son stand ready to respond to your questions through the ministering of the Holy Ghost.  But it is up to you to learn how qualify and receive those answers”

(end quote). 

PRAY:  Prayer is as easy as sending a text…and more fulfilling.  Praying to Heavenly Father is something we should be doing just as often as texting.  We can pray for help, for strength, for direction, for comfort, and to know what changes to make in our lives.

ASK FOR THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT:  This is a gift we all need and should strive to be worthy of receiving.  Discernment will help you know clearly the difference between good and not so good choices.

SERVE OTHERS:  When in chaos or feeling down, serve others. You do not even have to leave your home to do this.  This will bring us closer to the Savior.

SEEK TO HAVE THE COMPANIONSHIP OF THE SPIRIT:  Always surround yourself with friends who have the Spirit with them.  My Mom used to always tell me

“Don’t hang around with people who steal your light.”

Through all of this, the one thing that is required is Patience.  When you are trying your best to follow Jesus Christ, know that you will find answers, but in Heavenly Fathers own, perfect timing.  And remember, sometimes our faith must be tested and after the trial we will receive our answers.

Elder Uchtdorf said,

“Sometimes our lives are like neo-impressionist art.  he dots of color that make up the moments and events of our days can  appear unconnected and chaotic.  We can’t see any order to them.  We cant imagine that they have a purpose at all.  However, when we step back and take an eternal perspective, when we look at our lives in the frame of the gospel, we can begin to see how the various dots in our lives interconnect.  We may not be able to see the entire picture just yet, but with patience we can see enough to trust that there is a beautiful, grand design.  And, as we strive to trust God and follow His Son, Jesus Christ, one day we will see the finished product, and we will know then the very hand of God was directing and guiding our steps”

(End Quote).

Regardless of where you are in life, trying to figure out where you fit in, going to school, deciding to go on a mission, or any other circumstance, just remember you don’t have to figure it all out right now.  Yes, there is going to be a lot of trial and error.  There will be times when you forget who you truly are.  There will be moments when we have to rethink that particular plan or change your perspectives.  We will not always know what we’re doing but you can be rest assured that Heavenly Father does — He can see the masterpiece you are currently creating!  With Him you can accomplish all you’re meant to do and everything will come together in a grand design in the end.

Pres. Nelson reminded us recently, and I quote,

“Faith is the antidote for Fear.”   

As I have seen the storms and chaos that affect people’s lives, I have come to know that no matter what kind of storm is battering us, regardless of whether there is a solution to it or whether there is an end in sight, there is only one refuge, and it is the same for all types of storms. The singe refuge provided by our Heavenly Father is our Lord Jesus Christ and His atonement.  The Savior Himself said,

“Let your hearts be comforted for all flesh is in mine hands, be still and KNOW that I am God.  Wherefore, fear not, even unto death, for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.”

Elder Ricardo Gimenez said,

“As we face the storms of life, I know that if we make our best effort and rely upon Jesus Christ and His atonement as our refuge, we will be blessed with the relief, comfort, strength, temperance, and peace that we are seeking, with certainty in our hearts that at the end of our time here on earth, we will hear the words of the Master, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into joy of thy Lord.’ ”

Little Sisters, the atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ is our only refuge.  Rely on Him for comfort and strength and He will continue to watch over you.

I bear testimony that this is true.  Remember, Be Brave, Be Strong, Be True.  I love you and pray for you always!

Sis. Taylor