Overcoming Adversity

Adversity is the refiner’s fire that bends iron but tempers steel. (President James E. Faust, Ensign February 1988, "The Blessings of Adversity")

These past several weeks have been very challenging ones for our family. For awhile, it felt as if we came through one trial, only to be thrown into the midst of another. The latest and the most devastating to date was the sudden and unexpected death of a dear brother-in-law just two weeks ago.

My brother-in-law was only in his late thirties when he died, still so young and so full of life. My sister and brother-in-law have only been married for four short years. They used to joke that it took them a long to find each other. Like many of us, they were very much in love and looking forward to spending their lives together.

It is understandable that my sister is devastated and is struggling to be strong. She's been dealt a blow that only those who've felt the sting of such a great loss can understand. She is grieving so deeply it is painful for us to witness it because we all feel so helpless.

There are two things that give my sister the strength to get up every day.

First, she has immense faith in our Lord and Savior. She understands His plan of Salvation. She knows that one day she will be reunited with her "eternal flame" (as they referred to each other) for they are bound together for time and eternity.

Second, she has an incredible army of friends and loved ones that have rallied around her. She's felt the comforting arms of friends and family reaching out to her from around the world. It's quite an incredible and uplifting experience to see just how caring and wonderful her friends are towards her. Some of the most touching expressions of love and support came from people she taught and baptized when she served a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over 16 years ago.

Reflecting on this experience, I'm reminded of the prophet Alma's words to his people when he taught them what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ.

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— (Mosiah 18:8-9).

Death and dying is part of the cycle of life. We all know and understand this. However, knowing and understanding doesn't make the passing of a loved one any easier or any less painful. For most of us, the separation that comes with death, will be one of the greatest adversities we'll have to face in this life.

How fortunate we are that when such times come, we have true disciples of Christ all around us who will run to our side to help bear our burdens so that we don't have to carry them alone. How lucky we are that when those times come, we have friends and loved ones who will mourn with us, who will comfort us in our time of need.

As her older sister, I'm so grateful to know that my sister is surrounded by loving friends. I'm grateful that my sister is the strong daughter of God that she is. I know that this experience, as devastating as it is, may bend her for a time, but it will not break her.

I'm thankful that we have the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Knowing that families are forever, that her marriage is eternal, is a great blessing and comfort to my sister today and in the many days ahead.

Into every life there come the painful, despairing days of adversity and buffeting. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful.

The thorns that prick, that stick in the flesh, that hurt, often change lives which seem robbed of significance and hope. This change comes about through a refining process which often seems cruel and hard. In this way the soul can become like soft clay in the hands of the Master in building lives of faith, usefulness, beauty, and strength. For some, the refiner’s fire causes a loss of belief and faith in God, but those with eternal perspective understand that such refining is part of the perfection process. (President James E. Faust)

Adversity is a given in life. We will all experience it. It is for this very reason that we are here in this mortal journey - to prove ourselves through our trials and tribulations. During times of adversity, some choose to abandon faith in the Lord. Others choose to remain steadfast and true. They choose to hold fast to their faith and continue to serve the Lord and their fellowmen.

Service is a big part of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We may be asked to teach Sunday school, conduct music, teach small children, lead the congregation, teach early morning Seminary, help with the Sunday bulletin, or be a visiting teacher. It really doesn't matter where in the Church we're asked to serve. What matters is that we serve to the best of our abilities. What matters is that we use the talents the Lord has blessed us with to serve Him and our fellowmen in whatever capacity we're asked to serve.

I've seen and felt the hand of adversity this year. I've also witnessed an outpouring of blessings through the selfless service of others.

Yesterday, I was released as the Relief Society (women's organization of the Church) president in our ward (local Church unit). This basically means that as of yesterday, I'm no longer the Relief Society president for our ward. A release from a calling in the Church usually comes about when one is being called to serve somewhere else, is moving out of the ward, when personal or family circumstances change, or it might simply be time to give someone else an opportunity to serve in that position. We're moving back to the West Coast in a week!

As the Relief Society president, I came to love each of the women in the ward. However, there is a special place in my heart for those sisters who experienced great adversity over the past year. Some sisters have serious health related challenges. Others are struggling financially. There are problems in marriages and other family relationships. The list goes on. Each is dealing with trials and adversity in her own way. With faith in the Lord and with help from her sisters in the Relief Society, each sister continues to move forward, one step at a time.

Sometimes, serving and helping someone else does require a lot from us, but I've found that these times are very rare. Most times, it's the small and sincere acts of love that go a long way in easing someone else's load. Often times, it doesn't cost us anything except an hour or two of our time. At times, a smile, a kind word, a true friend, is all that is needed. Someone who will listen and not judge. Someone who understands, who cares, who looks past the shortcomings to the person inside. Someone who is willing to share another's burden, even if it is just for a few minutes.

Alma, a prophet of the Book of Mormon taught us that to become true disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be willing to bear one another's burden.

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life. (Mosiah 18:8-9)

A wonderful thing happens when we strive to serve and help others during their trials - we forget to dwell on our challenges. Our problems may not disappear completely but somehow our perspective changes. What once seemed insurmountable is not quite so overwhelming. We stop feeling sorry for ourselves.

I'm filled with gratitude for the examples of these sisters. Despite personal trials, these sisters chose to serve and help someone else. They remind me on a constant basis that each of us is our sister's keeper. We are indeed our brothers' keepers!

Selfless service is a wonderful antidote to the ills that flow from the worldwide epidemic of self-indulgence. Some grow bitter or anxious when it seems that not enough attention is being paid to them, when their lives would be so enriched if only they paid more attention to the needs of others.

The answer lies in helping to solve the problems of those around us rather than worrying about our own, living to lift burdens even when we ourselves feel weighed down, putting our shoulder to the wheel instead of complaining that the wagons of life seem to be passing us by.

Stretching our souls in service helps us to rise above our cares, concerns, and challenges. As we focus our energies on lifting the burdens of others, something miraculous happens. Our own burdens diminish. We become happier. There is more substance to our lives.
(Elder David S. Baxter of the Seventy).

I was visiting with two wonderful friends a couple of nights ago. Eventually, our conversation turned to our children and our families. We discussed our dreams and hopes for them. One friend fretted over a teenager who has chosen to drop out of high school to follow some friends. She feels that nothing she says to him is going to make a difference. She's worried that he's made even worse choices. My other friend doesn't have children of her own yet but she is deeply saddened by the path her younger siblings have chosen thus far. We shared regrets over missed opportunities with our children and loved ones - things that we did that we shouldn't have done as well as things that we didn't do that we should have done.

We all have someone in our lives that we worry and pray about from time to time, if not all the time. We despair over a wayward child who disregards all the values and beliefs that we hold dear. We hurt when a sibling appears to go out of their way to ruin their lives. Our hearts cry out for family members or dear friends that have succumbed to addiction of any form.

What can we do? Is there anything more that we can do? If you're like just about everyone I know, you've already tried everything. You've talked to them, counseled with them, reasoned with them, and prayed and fasted for them. You've cried, you've begged, you've threatened, and cried some more. You've sought help from within the family and from without. Perhaps, you've even tried bribery. You've tried it all, everything and anything!

Is it time to give up? No! Never, ever give up!

We still have love. We still have hope. No matter how dark and desperate things may seem, we always have hope, always. A portion of the 13th Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reads, "We follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things." When all else has failed, hang on to hope. Hold on to hope because we really don't know how things will turn out. They may have a change of heart tomorrow, or next month, or next year. Perhaps, a change of heart may never come. But we just don't know that. So, we keep that hope burning bright even if no one else does.

Elder John K. Carmack of the Quorum of the Seventy offered this counsel to parents but it can apply to anyone with a loved one in this situation:

Despite our best efforts to raise children who love the Lord, follow His commandments, and live happy, productive, and healthy lives, our sons and daughters sometimes go astray. Straying can mean involvement in drug abuse, criminal activity, immorality, and even abuse of parents and others. Other forms of drifting, perhaps less serious but nevertheless troubling, include underachieving, dropping out of school, and finding little purpose or happiness in life...

Never Give Up. If you cannot seem to reach your daughter or son now, you can at least keep trying and keep loving him or her, for the very will to reach out, nurture, and extend help to another is an act of love that does not always go unnoticed.

The adversary is cunning. He is everywhere. He is known by many names; Satan, Beelzebub, Lucifer, the Destroyer, the Deceiver, and the Evil One to name a few. He exists to bring about misery but he cloaks and disguises it so well that he sometimes manages to fool and attract our loved ones. He revels in destroying anything that is good and honorable. He degrades and demoralizes.

Don't give him any more power than he has already taken. If he has triumphed over a loved one, fight back. Don't give him the satisfaction of winning everything, even if the only thing you have left is Hope. Don't quit on your loved ones. Don't let the adversary have that pleasure. Never, ever give up. When it comes to our loved ones, there is no "right" time to give up!

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."

Remember this nursery rhyme? Does anyone out there really believe that words can't hurt us? Words do hurt! Words can leave wounds and scars that linger long after broken bones are healed. Words can maim for life!

I'd never heard about American Idol, let alone watch it, until March of this year. Well, the big American Idol finale was last night. Two very talented singers went head to head. From all appearances, the two were both worthy of the title. Both are extremely gifted singers. Both appear to be humble young men from families that love them very much. Last night, one very deserving young man was crowned the victor. The other, just as deserving and just as talented, is rightly proud of the fact that he gave it his all and did his best.

It's been interesting to watch the frenzy that surrounded this show, especially on the Internet. Actually, I don't think "interesting" is quite the word I want. I believe the one I want is "disheartening." That's the one that comes the closest to describing how I feel. I found it absolutely disheartening to read some of the unkind things that were written about the contestants, especially the young "Mormon kid" from Utah. It was especially disheartening to realize that some of the meanest things written about him were written not by teenagers but by adults.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we know that each of us will experience adversity in our lives.

Adversity comes from different sources...Adversity may sometimes come because of others’ poor choices and hurtful words and actions. (True to the Faith pg 8-11)

Negativity in the media is nothing new. We've dealt with it on a large scale ever since television became a common household item. However, the anonymity afforded by the Internet seems to have given rise to a whole new level of mean-spiritedness in our society.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

...Negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak—or at least think—critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long we and everybody around us are miserable.

This post is really not about American Idol. It's about how we view and treat each other. It's about what we say about each other and how we say it. It's about showing a little more kindness and compassion with the words that we speak and write. It's about doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Mathew 7:12)

As a parent, I know how crucial my words are to my children. The right words can lift and motivate while the wrong words can destroy. I have no doubt that my words affect my children whether they're 8 years old or 19 years old. Because I know this, I'm very careful with my words especially when I'm angry or upset.

Should I be any less careful with what I say to or about other people's children? Of course not! Should I be any less considerate of what I say about anyone else? Absolutely not!

Does this mean that we can't criticize or correct? Of course not. Does this mean that we will like everyone that we'll come across? Of course not. Does this mean that we'll all be in agreement on every issue and matter that arises? Of course not. BUT we can disagree without being mean. We can correct with love. We can even vote, praise, and cheer for our favorite American Idol without belittling the talent and character of the other.

Elder Holland continued:

Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today. With such words, spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail.

There is a hymn that we sing in Church that I hum to myself when I find myself being less than charitable in my words. The first line reads, "Let us oft speak kind words to each other, At home or wherever we may be." Friends, there is enough meanness and hate in the world. Let us try to be a little more considerate of each other. Let us try and speak kind words, not only within our homes but in our neighborhoods and communities and yes, even on the Internet.

It's been raining here all day. Rain, rain, rain! So much for our plans for the day. Now, we have to postpone them for tomorrow which means tomorrow's agenda has to be pushed off for another day. Ordinarily, postponing tasks for another day isn't such a big deal but we are moving in a couple of weeks. We need to get our stuff packed, shampoo the carpets, clean the windows, paint a couple of walls, and so on. In short, we've got a ton of stuff to do and could have used a nice sunny day. Instead, we got rain, lots and lots of rain!

Have you ever had days like that? Sometimes, does it feel as if things, events, and even people are conspiring to make your life miserable, or at the very least, harder than it should be? Well, I sure felt that way today. Fortunately, that didn't last very long. Today was supposed to be 'cleaning the windows' day. It was one of the rare days when the older boys were both available to help with the tall windows so it was a perfect plan. Or so I thought! Apparently, we were meant to do something else today. Something more important. Something that we will all treasure for a very long time.

We didn't clean windows. We made memories instead. One of the boys came up with the idea. He thought it would be neat if they made a recording of their favorite times with their dad. They wanted to present this to their dad when he deploys in a few weeks. We all agreed that it was a wonderful gift and one that my husband will undoubtedly cherish and love. My husband is out of town for work so it was a perfect day to do it.

At first, the boys were a little awkward but then they got into the spirit of the project. It was amazing how much they remembered. The two oldest at 19 and 16 talked about experiences they shared with their dad when they were as young as 7 and 8. There were many intimate and special moments shared today. It was quite an emotional day for all of us. Tears were shed, and words of love and appreciation were expressed. In the end, we were all blessed just as surely as my husband will be blessed when he listens to these messages in the days to come. Reliving those memories helped us all to remember how important our family is. It brought us closer and strengthened our bond as a family that much more.

What started out as a bleak and rainy day turned into the brightest and most beautiful day for my family. Sure, we still have to wash windows. We lost a day so that probably means extra work but I'd gladly trade a day of washing windows for a day like today if given that opportunity again. What's an extra hour or two of washing windows if we can have that kind of time with our kids? It reminds me of that commercial on TV. I don't remember all of it exactly but if our experience today was part of that commercial it would conclude with something like this: "Quality time with the kids - priceless!"

After today, I will try hard to always look for the silver lining in all of my days. Likewise, I will strive to remember that even in the midst of my trials, there is always a silver lining. I know that this knowledge and my faith in the Lord will sustain me in the days to come. Things may not always go as we plan or want but if we trust in the Lord and listen to the promptings of the Spirit, it will all work out. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek. He does love you, and He knows your fears. He hears your prayers. He is your Heavenly Father, and surely He matches with His own the tears His children shed.

Mistakes! We've all made them. Some mistakes are easily corrected, others can take quite a lot of time and effort to fix. I've made my share of mistakes. I will probably make a few more before my time on this earth is through. Big or small, I can honestly say that I've learned from my mistakes. They've made me a better person, a better mother and wife. My mistakes and my journey to overcome those mistakes are as much a part of me as any other attribute that makes me - me.

But what happens when our children make mistakes? Are we as patient or as understanding? Do we forgive? Do we look at it as an opportunity for them to grow, or do we only see the looks that we imagine our neighbors and friends are giving us? Do we view it as a reflection of our abilities (or lack thereof) as parents? Are we somehow threatened by our children's mistakes because of the way it might make us look?

One of the hardest things a parent has to do is watch their children make mistakes. It is hard to stand by and watch your child make bad choices. It's even harder to watch them suffer the consequences of those poor choices.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are taught that each of us is given the gift of agency. Agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and to act for ourselves. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that he allowed us to choose.

And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.
He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you. (Helaman 14:30-31)

He will not force us to obey Him and follow His will. Instead, He gave us the freedom to choose for ourselves. Knowing the pain I feel when I watch my children make mistakes, I can imagine how much more our Heavenly Father hurts when we make mistakes. Yet, as a loving Heavenly Father, His way is not to force, but to guide, to forgive, and to give us chances over and over again.

Can we do any less for our own children? Yes, we'd rather they didn't make some of the mistakes they made. Yes, we wish they had made smarter, better, worthier choices than they made. Yes, we hurt, we're disappointed, sometimes we're even angry. But now is not the time for "I told you so" speeches. Now is the time for love, an outpouring of unconditional love.

As a mother, I need to trust that I've raised my sons the best way I know how. I need to remember that I've taught them the word of God. I need to remember that I've tried in every way I know how, to instill in them a love for everything that is good, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Then, I need to stand back and allow them to exercise their agencies. I will always guide, counsel, and advise, but in the end, it is up to them. I need to acknowledge that they too will make their share of mistakes. When (not if) they fall, I will be there to help them pick up the pieces. When they fall, I will be there to help them find their way back. When they fall, I will forgive them.

President Howard W. Hunter, 14th President of the Church, taught:

To fully understand this gift of agency and its inestimable worth, it is imperative that we understand that God’s chief way of acting is by persuasion and patience and long-suffering, not by coercion and stark confrontation. He acts by gentle solicitation and by sweet enticement. He always acts with unfailing respect for the freedom and independence that we possess. He wants to help us and pleads for the chance to assist us, but he will not do so in violation of our agency. He loves us too much to do that, and doing so would run counter to his divine character.

Given the freedom to choose, we may, in fact, make wrong choices, bad choices, hurtful choices. And sometimes we do just that, but that is where the mission and mercy of Jesus Christ comes into full force and glory. He has taken upon himself the burden of all the world’s risk. He has provided a mediating atonement for the wrong choices we make. He is our advocate with the Father and has paid, in advance, for the faults and foolishness we often see in the exercise of our freedom. We must accept his gift, repent of those mistakes, and follow his commandments in order to take full advantage of this redemption. The offer is always there; the way is always open. We can always, even in our darkest hour and most disastrous errors, look to the Son of God and live.

Don't you just love that? There aren't enough words to express how grateful I am for the gift of the Atonement.

I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and for His gift of Agency. The knowledge that He trusts me so much that He allows me to choose gives me the courage to pick myself up when I've made mistakes. I'm so grateful for a Church that teaches us about the wonderful principle of Agency. I'm thankful because I know that this gift is available to my children as well. It is available to all of us.

This, and other teachings of the Church, gives me eternal hope. I have hope that, whatever mistakes my sons may make, they will make it right. I have hope that when they do mistakes, they will remember that their Heavenly Father will forgive them if they sincerely repent of those mistakes. I have hope that when they fall, they will pick themselves up and try again. I have hope that when they fall, they will learn and grow and become better men because they corrected and overcame their mistakes.

One of the most remarkable things about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) is how organized and equipped the Welfare Services and humanitarian program is to be able to provide systems of relief for those in need not only locally, but on a global scale during times of adversity. From gigantic events such as the 2004 Tsunami in Indonesia to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Mormon church is often the first to arrive with aid, and often the last to leave. The assistance they provide benefits everyone, Mormons and non-Mormons alike.

Before I joined the Church, I had absolutely no idea how extensive the Welfare Services program of the Church was. This welfare program is not to be confused with sharing any similarities to the current U.S. government program. People who benefit from the welfare program of the Church do not continually live off of the assistance they receive. The principle of self reliance is taught often in the Mormon church. When we learn to become more self reliant, we are better prepared to endure adversities, and are in a better position to help others when they are in need. When members of the Church do all they can to provide for themselves but still are not able to meet their basic needs due to reasons often beyond their control, they can turn to their bishop who can then provide the temporary assistance needed until they are able to provide for themselves.

My own family experienced how wonderful this assistance can be during our own trials a few years ago. My husband injured his back so severely that he was unable to go to work for an extensive period of time. As the main breadwinner for our family this took a toll on us financially and emotionally. My part-time job was not able to cover a majority of our expenses outside of our mortgage and we were struggling. During the monthly visit by our Home Teacher, he noticed that we were under duress because of our financial situation. He spoke to the Bishop in our ward on our behalf and we were immediately called into the Bishop's office only a few short days later. He graciously explained to us that we were not alone in our adversity and that the Church provides for all that are in need. We were able to receive the financial assistance we needed, for exactly what we needed. This helped us through a rough patch, and gave us the opportunity to recover more easily from our losses when my husband finally was able to return to work. Our prayers were answered first, from the concern and action that our Home Teacher expressed for us and secondly, from the assistance that our bishop was able to give us through the resources the Church has to offer to everyone.

The assistance the Welfare Services program of the Mormon church provides is made possible from the generous voluntary contributions of members of the Church who fast one day a month and donate the value of the missed meals. Having received assistance from this program allows me to attest to the value of its purpose, and significance in the lives of those who benefit from it. I am especially grateful to my fellow brothers and sisters within the Church whose sacrifices, prayers, and generosity helped my family through our hard times. Being Mormon, I feel so blessed to be able to contribute back to a program that once helped my family, knowing that others will also be able to benefit as we did.

In my humble opinion, how can something as wonderful as this program not have been inspired from a divine source? Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through his selfless service for all of mankind provides us with an example of true charity, and counsels us to follow His way. President Spencer W. Kimball, once said that welfare service,

...is not a program, but the essence of the gospel. It is the gospel in action. It is the crowning principle of a Christian life.

-and-

The measure of our love for our fellowmen and, in a large sense, the measure of our love for the Lord, is what we do for one another and for the poor and the distressed." (Ensign, Nov. 1977, p. 77.)

Speaking purely from a perspective of a person whose prayers were answered and whose life the Lord's way was impressed upon during times of adversity, I will truly be forever grateful that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prioritizes Welfare Services and humanitarian projects around the globe. The memory of the expression of compassion for our well-being both spiritually and temporally is what lingers on. It is something that I will never forget, and it has inspired me to do all I can to live in the Lord's way.

Adversity comes in many shapes and sizes. It happens to everybody, even members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). It happens to the best of us and the rest of us. We come from all walks of life, and experience all kinds of adversity. Recognizing adversity from an eternal perspective, a perspective often seen through the eyes of Mormons, can often provide hope even during the darkest hours. Adversity can come at you in the form of events, circumstances, through the actions of other people, or misguided intentions of those closest to you, even yourself. It comes because it is supposed to, and it comes daily.

For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. (2 Nephi 2:11)

When you fully accept that adversity is simply a part of the story of life, you immediately have the ability to overcome even the toughest of obstacles. Whether you choose to exercise that ability is up to you. Friedrich Nietzsche, a famous German philosopher once wrote, "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger." So, through living in and with adversity, we become stronger with time, and can grow leaps and bounds spiritually. Even when that adversity seems almost unbearable, and casts looming dark shadows in our lives, "...all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (D & C 122:7)

Being a convert to the Church has taught me to recognize that though adversity wears many faces, it is not without purpose. Since I became Mormon, I have learned to seek out the blessings to be found from adversity and to quit feeling sorry for myself. In my life before I joined the Church, it was very easy to do just that, and my life at the time did feel almost unbearable. I was periodically depressed and became self destructive. In retrospect, it was because of bad choices. It was only through learning about the Plan of Salvation from my husband and the missionaries in my area that I began to feel hope.

What gave me hope the most was learning that I had a purpose, and a choice, to fulfill that purpose. Although I couldn't always choose or control the circumstances surrounding the various adversities in my life, I could most definitely choose how I reacted to them and whether I wanted to see them for what they were...really difficult lessons.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to learn these lessons and never gives us more than what we have the ability to handle. Moreover, He wants us to know with calm assurance that we are not alone in our education.

Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days. (D & C 24:8)

Our Heavenly Father has given us a light to guide us through the hours of darkness through the teachings found in the scriptures. He has helped us to ease our suffering through the atoning sacrifice of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Though we might not always see clearly the purpose at that moment of every adversity we face, or are not able to recognize the reason why it had to happen the way that it did, there is a singular purpose for experiencing adversity. It is the desire of our Heavenly Father for us to return to Him after this life. He has challenged us to choose for ourselves which path to follow in our mortality. If we choose to overcome and endure adversity righteously throughout our lives, help others to do the same, and choose to learn the lessons He has provided for us, we will be rewarded with the blessings of immortality. It was promised to us,

And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God. (D&C 14:7)

It is with sweet admiration, that I find it remarkable that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as Mormons) has such a successful Missionary Program, especially in this day and age. Young men and women, ages nineteen through twenty-five (retired couples can also serve missions) who are actively involved in the Mormon church volunteer up to two years of their lives to serve missions in various locations throughout the world for the sole purpose of helping to bring the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have not learned of Him. They follow the teachings of the prophets of old, and the divine revelations given to the prophets in these latter-days to heed the commandment of Jesus Christ given shortly after His resurrection,

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost... (Matthew 28:19)

These faithful missionaries diligently press forward in preaching the gospel, and willingly serve countless numbers of people despite the adversities they face on a daily basis. I believe that through their experiences in adversity during their tenure, they are strengthened in their faith and testimonies of the doctrines of the Mormon church, and in their knowledge of the healing power of Jesus Christ. The myriad of lessons they learn during their mission time lasts for the rest of their lives and helps them to remember that they overcame the adversities they faced through their faith in Jesus Christ.

For about two years, these young missionaries deal with rejection and adversity frequently, often on a daily basis. They wake up each early morning hoping to find an audience of at least one person who will allow them to share their testimonies of Jesus Christ, and to seek out those in need of assistance. Their mission is to simply share the message of the gospel, and to learn to live by the example of His life. The message that these missionaries share with those who may not be aware of it, or who have not been able to learn about it due to their individual life's circumstances is that Jesus Christ lives.

For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it-(D & C 123:12)

This simple daily goal of being able to meet with others and share the sweet message of the Lord, is often unfortunately, met with scorn, disapproval, and callousness. What a test of faith it must be! Not just of their faith in their purpose to serve, but faith in humanity. Thankfully, for those that are called to serve missions, they are not only given guidance and support throughout their missions, they are well-prepared beforehand and are made aware of some of the trials that they will potentially face. They go forth in their missions in pairs so as to fortify each other in the great purpose before them. They help each other to testify of their appreciation and blessings they receive in doing Heavenly Father's work. But also, they are there for each other to help one another stay strong against the temptations of the world and to help the other endure any adversities they may face.

What I find most amazing about these upstanding young men and women is the dedication to their study of the gospel and their eagerness to share what they have learned with any person they come across, wherever they may be. They seem to be able to view every moment as a possible inspired opportunity to teach the gospel. In my opinion, they emanate a sense of holiness because of the strict and moral discipline they live by, and the blessings brought forth from their faith and intent to do good works. I can always feel the power of the Holy Spirit when I am around them. It helps to inspire me to develop more Christlike attributes in my own life, and to want to increase my study of the scriptures.

What wonderful role models they are for the world! Instead of taking this time in their lives to be self absorbed, or experiment with what can be destructive behaviors, or indecisively face their futures, they commit themselves to serving others for an extended length of time, and do nothing else but that. They learn to build a habit of integrity that is only learned through practice and refined with time.

Imagine, if you will, the great lessons and blessings that are to be had by spending a couple years of your early twenties simply dedicated to serving others, and focusing on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

NOW behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen. (D & C:4)

It is no wonder then, that a majority of Mormons (at least those who I've met, which are many) who have served missions in their youth have an almost uncanny ability to see past and overcome their daily adversities with relative ease. They know who to turn to for comfort and hope in times of trial. They have seen and felt what it is like to be without the common worldly desires. They know and remember what is truly important ...the urgency to live by the gospel, towards the goal of eternal salvation, and to return to Heavenly Father through faith in Jesus Christ.

Now again imagine how our society in these times would be if a majority of our youth would do as the missionaries would do by helping others, and helping to spread the message of the gospel? What great leaders and citizens would we have? What a tremendous difference it would make, don't you think? How could living like a missionary change your life now, no matter what your age?

Do you have to serve the kind of mission that these young men and women do to receive the same blessings and learn some of the same skills? The good news is it is never too late for anyone. As Mormons, we are taught that, "Every member a missionary!" (President David O. McKay Conference Report, April 1959, p. 122) Does this mean we need to follow the same exact regimen as a Mormon Missionary? Of course not, but if we eagerly seek to rise above our own problems, increase our knowledge of the scriptures, and share our testimonies with those around us, we will be blessed as well. We are taught that it is our civic duty to help all others, inasmuch as we are able, to seek true happiness found in the gospel so that they can return to our Heavenly Father after our mortality. What we need to assist us to overcome (in righteousness) any adversity in our lives is to live by that good news. Literally, [from Old English, "good news" is] the gospel of Jesus Christ.