Lately, I've really been struggling with faith and optimism when things aren't looking so great in my limited view of life (or, my life).
I could never, ever, deny that the church, or the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Never. I know it is. But, maintaining that peaceful gospel perspective and finding the JOY in today when illnesses, tragedy and unfulfilled righteous hopes/dreams are staring me in the face does not come easy to me.
This past Sunday a good friend suggested that I choose a scripture and memorize it as I study all about it during the week. I took that challenge and found 2. Almost have them memorized...
1. Luke 8:48: "And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." That is the Savior talking to the woman he just healed. But, I love how he 1. Calls her Daughter; 2. Tells her to be of good comfort (what I seek most); 3. Tells her that her own faith healed her; 4. and to go in Peace (also something I desire). I want to have the faith that this woman does!
2. Doctrine & Covenants 98:1 "Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks". This is Joseph Smith writing to the Saints who are being sorely persecuted. Again, I love how 1. he calls them friends; 2. Tells them to fear not (something I wish I didn't have in my life either); 3. hearts be comforted (what I want!!) 4. to rejoice (have JOY... also what I want to have ALL the time in my life... to feel truly Joyful!) and 5. To Give Thanks (This is something I don't do nearly enough... even if I could just express gratitude for every negative thought.complaint would be a milestone for me!
It's so easy to get down and forget all the GOOD things and all the blessings I do have in my life! Tonight I was around someone who was totally down on her luck in life and almost every comment that came from her was negative. I found it getting me down and wanted to change the subject. But, afterwards I thought about this. And, how much of a difference and optimistic attitude makes on your own life as well as those you surround. And, I challenged myself to be purely optimistic... esp when interacting with someone else. I think it will help my own faith and gospel perspective, as well as those around me.
THEN, to top it off, I was browsing lds.org tonight and came across this video by Elder Nelson:
What a profound message. No doubt, I would not have been as calm as he was. But, I want to get to that point and not be the screaming young woman.
Earlier this week I ran across this quote and found it also in this video:
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