Tuesday, October 21, 2008

"Endure It Well"

Last Sunday I gave my last lesson in Relief Society. It was titled, "Stand Fast Through the Storms of Life". The lesson begins with the story of Joseph Smith being tarred and feathered. What a horrible experience. I asked the sisters if they had ever experienced anything similar to Joseph Smith. They all laughed under their breath and shook their heads, "No!" To that I replied, "Yes you have. They are called the 'storms of life'"
We all experience trials. And even though they are not the same; the heartache, the frustration, the fear, the anger, the sadness, are all felt the same.
I love to read people's blogs. My sister laughs and says they are just a glimpse into our fake perfect lives. Our lives look much more glamorous online. But lately I have followed a few that are not so glamorous:

This poor couple is suffering from severe burns following a plane crash.

This young mother who after some major complications during childbirth was left blind and without 3 out of her 4 limbs.

This mother lost her young son to an unfortunate drowning accident.

That blog led me to another story of a drowning accident involving a young child.

My friend lost her husband unexpectedly last year.

This young mom is suffering from Melanoma; the same cancer that killed my mom. This woman will survive, but not without a valiant fight. And with 2 young children, it can't be easy.

I don't share these stories to be gloomy or pessimistic. Trials are a part of the whole experience we are sent here to endure. Without them we would not be worthy for heaven. I share them to inspire you to Endure It Well.

I loved Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's talk this last General Conference titled, "Come What May And Love It". In his talk he says, "You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, “Why me?” But the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt."

But we are promised that if we endure it well, wonderful blessings await us.
D&C 121:7-8
“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”1

Maybe my sister's comment has some truth to it because as I read these blogs and many more I see people all over the world enduring well that which they have been called to bear. Maybe just online. But they inspire me.

13 comments:

kami @ nobiggie.net said...

Such an inspiring post, Amanda. I think we all have our trials, it's just that most of us don't want to make them our main focus in our lives. There really is so much we can learn from enduring it well.

Dawn said...

I loved the post from Adrian that wanted to show her life as it really is.

Trials come and go. It has been like that from the beginning and will continue until then end. How grateful we are to have the tools and the foundation to be able to "endure them well".

I don't recall making the "perfect lives" comment. It wasn't me, was it??? Although I do think all the bloggers I stalk are pretty perfect ;) .

Debbie said...

So true Amanda. "Come what may and love it" is such good advice but being the self-pitying humans we are, it is a bit difficult. Talking the fall walk you talked about will be good for you. It works for me!

John, Karalee and family said...

I was teaching primary, so I did not get to be there for your lesson. I really wanted to be there. I am sure it was incredible, as always. Thank you so much for your post. You are an amazing person. I cannot tell you how much you will be missed here in our ward and neighborhood. We will always love you and your family.

Erica said...

I just love this post. That scripture you quoted at the end has always been one of my favorites. I am not sure why the Lord asks us to bear certain trials and burdens in life, but if we do it well we will have eternal life. Thanks for sharing!

Jenna said...

Such a good post...and one I needed to read today! I loved Elder Wirthlin's talk too. I will admit though that it isn't fun when the "dial" is pointing towards us and we have to experience trials, but I am trying to endure it gracefully. Thanks for your post and your example!

Becky, yep said...

Same...Just what I needed to hear!

Logan and Ashley said...

Amen! You said it all. We had that lesson a few weeks ago and I bawled my eyes out. It is a fantastic lesson! Thanks for your comments, I need those right now.

Kristine Watterson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shauna said...

Great post and so true. No matter what people look like on the outside, everyone has their own struggles in life and we should all remember this.

The Gatherum Family said...

well let me just say that you are indeed enduring it well. i so admire you. will you call me, i lost my cell in disneyland and that's where i have your number. hope you are wel. love, adrian

Kelli @ writing the waves said...

Awesome post. I am going to go back and read Elder Wirthlin's talk. What a wonderful message. I appreciate those blog stories that share personal trials and triumphs...like YOURS and the others that you mentioned. They are inspiring. YOU, my wonderful friend, are inspiring.

Amber Jensen said...

Hi, I found your post while searching for this relief society lesson. I am teaching relief society for the first time in a couple of weeks and will be teaching this same lesson. Do you have any tips or resources that worked well for you? If so, you can email me at saforeverinlove@yahoo.com, thanks!