I was listening to Pandora the other day when a song came on that I had never heard. The words struck me because they seemed to fit my life so well... in so many ways. The song is called "Blessings" by Laura Story.
I went online to see why she had written it, and found that it came from a period of turmoil in her life while her husband battled brain cancer. Laura isn't Mormon, and even though the song suggests that perhaps God can bless us through trials, she really isn't sure if that is true... only that there is a power in trusting in the Lord during difficult times.
I decided to make a video response to her story and post it here. I've had my own conversion story... and I definitely feel that my own trials and sorrows have made me who I am today - more faithful, kinder, and a better man overall. The Lord has blessed me with blessings, talents, trials, and everything I've needed to return to Him... and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
Thanks, that was exactly what I needed to hear. Now I just need to keep that perspective every day . . .
ReplyDeleteI really, really like that. Great work. You have a gift to be so heartfelt and expressive that it touches everybody.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and powerful:-).
ReplyDeleteYour video made me think of Uchdorf's talk, "Forget Me Not", and the golden ticket.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how hard this must be for you! I admire your will to try. I admire that you are living the gospel when it must be so hard having the feelings you have! I have a family member struggling and I don't know how to help. Your blog is helping answer some of my prayers and questions so thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat was incredible. You are absolutely amazing and I am SO appreciative to the fact that you hold strong to what you know is true. Thank you for being an example to us all of how to live life in a place where we all have temptation while not succumbing.
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful. I love that song. I love your strength and faith and when I think of you, I pray for you. Thank you for putting yourself on the line, exposing your feelings, clinging to your faith and the Lord. And you are right; someday, in the Lord's time and in His way, He will keep all His promises. You will be fulfilled and happy. And I am convinced you will help thousands of people along the way, maybe more. It's a crazy world we live in--so hard, so confusing. But God has a plan for us, and the way you trust Him is what we all need to do. Hang in there Mormon Guy. The Lord never gives us more than we can do.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I bawled through the whole video.
ReplyDeleteThank you-this videio can help inspire anyone no matter what trials face them! We all have our trials but the our Savior has descended below them all so He will know how to help us go through them in this life and endure to the end. I love what Elder Holland once said (paraphrase) "Considering the incalcuable price He paid for us in the garden and on the cross,.......HE IS NOT ABOUT TO GIVE UP ON US NOW!" In serving and uplifting others you have found incredible strength even though it doesn't always feel like it-thank you!
ReplyDeletei too just bawled during the whole video. i wish i had your faith. i wish i was ok with not having a family. i wish i wasn't so angry. i hope someday to be able to believe and say the words you so eloquently wrote.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. Thank you for sharing your struggle and life with us who happen to wander across this. Truly inspiring
ReplyDeleteThank you for lifting me up, for bringing me closer to my Savior.
ReplyDeleteFor someone who has stated "... I struggle to get emotionally close to people, and even in a room of people who love me, I feel totally and completely isolated" your communications repeatedly, and effectively, go straight to the heart.
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