Do you ever feel as though you are in the middle of the ocean, in the thick of a heavy storm, trying all you can to figure out how to keep your head above water, at least enough to get in some deep breaths? Do you wonder how you will ever find your way back to shore? Do you feel totally alone?
I had a wonderful person remind me today that achieving the things that matter most always has stumbling blocks, rough ground to try to discourage and distract you from your goals. Those distractions are meant to trip you up, to see what you’re really made of. Do you really want this enough to work for it? Yes. Yes I do.
Jeffrey R. Holland has counseled:
“Only one who has fought against those ominous waves is justified in telling us--as well as the sea--to "be still. Only one who has taken the full brunt of such adversity could ever be justified in telling us in such times to "be of good cheer." Such counsel is not a jaunty pep talk about the power of positive thinking, though positive thinking is much needed in the world. No, Christ knows better than all others that the trials of life can be very deep and we are not shallow people if we struggle with them. But even as the Lord avoids sugary rhetoric, He rebukes faithlessness and He deplores pessimism. He expects us to believe!” (An High Priest of good things to come)
Whenever I get distracted by discouraging messages, feelings of anxiety, or question my strength as a woman, and as a daughter of my Heavenly Father, I remember what I’m really made of. I was created with hope, faith, goodness, purity and strength. Not only in mind, but innately within me. I was created to achieve, not fail. I was made to be refined, taught, and then to teach. I was made to conquer through patience, service, faith, knowledge, strength and love.
None of us were created to be guilted into submission because those who feel less than worthy are uncomfortable with the way we live our lives. Remember that you are worth being good to yourself; you and I were created to do great things, however hard they may be to accomplish, or whoever is there to dispute your strength and decisions. The struggle is a big part of what makes those things 'great.' I promise it’s worth it.
I had a wonderful person remind me today that achieving the things that matter most always has stumbling blocks, rough ground to try to discourage and distract you from your goals. Those distractions are meant to trip you up, to see what you’re really made of. Do you really want this enough to work for it? Yes. Yes I do.
Jeffrey R. Holland has counseled:
“Only one who has fought against those ominous waves is justified in telling us--as well as the sea--to "be still. Only one who has taken the full brunt of such adversity could ever be justified in telling us in such times to "be of good cheer." Such counsel is not a jaunty pep talk about the power of positive thinking, though positive thinking is much needed in the world. No, Christ knows better than all others that the trials of life can be very deep and we are not shallow people if we struggle with them. But even as the Lord avoids sugary rhetoric, He rebukes faithlessness and He deplores pessimism. He expects us to believe!” (An High Priest of good things to come)
Whenever I get distracted by discouraging messages, feelings of anxiety, or question my strength as a woman, and as a daughter of my Heavenly Father, I remember what I’m really made of. I was created with hope, faith, goodness, purity and strength. Not only in mind, but innately within me. I was created to achieve, not fail. I was made to be refined, taught, and then to teach. I was made to conquer through patience, service, faith, knowledge, strength and love.
None of us were created to be guilted into submission because those who feel less than worthy are uncomfortable with the way we live our lives. Remember that you are worth being good to yourself; you and I were created to do great things, however hard they may be to accomplish, or whoever is there to dispute your strength and decisions. The struggle is a big part of what makes those things 'great.' I promise it’s worth it.
Always-always.
P.S: I have the best Uncle Jeff in the whole world. His counsel and support are priceless to me.
I really really really appreciate this post!! You worded it soo perfectly. I think I may use it in my Relief Society lesson next week on The Lord's Covenant People. This is the main message I want to express to the women.
ReplyDeleteThis is how I feel, but am not always good at expressing it as powerfully as you just did.
I am sorry if our conversation and my most recent e-mail seemed really down. I don't really mean it to be that way. I have learned a lot about the love and mercy of God.
I love how Pres. Uchtdorf said, "the future is as bright as your faith." I completely agree with this, and am grateful for his words about the matter. It would be good for me to read that talk again.
I have been in a "good place" since I talked to you... until today. So I don't think it is a coincidence that I looked at your blog today. I am mostly down because of my imperfection. I thought of calling you today, but didn't get to it. I may call you in the next few days.
Thanks for all you do - love ya,
Teresa