Things I Know to be True

It has been one of the most difficult weeks of my life. One of our neighbor's passed away last Tuesday at the age of 17. At the funeral yesterday, another neighbor told me that she had never understood the saying "a heavy heart," but felt that she finally knew what people were talking about. Greg and I talked about this last night. Unfortunately, we have had a few experiences in our (almost) 14 years of marriage that we have experienced that "heavy heart." This week has been no exception.

I've written the details and my very raw, personal feelings in my bright orange journal. But since I am using this blog to document our family's life and hopefully leave it for my children, I've been thinking about what I can write in this venue. I've had so many emotions and thoughts this week, but here is a brief list of (some) of the things that I know.

• People are good. Human beings, at our innate core, are good; really good. We are all born with the light of Christ. At times, our selfishness can surface. But when tragedy strikes, people have the innate desire to help and ease another person's pain.  I have witnessed hundreds of acts of pure, unselfish love this week. The Lord has surrounded us with good people, and they will be there to support and build up when we need them. 

• Difficult things happen in this life. Hard things happen whether we are good, righteous people, striving to live the commandments and love our fellow man. Hard things happen whether we are rebellious, cruel, and vindictive. This is part of life. When we were born, and received the greatest gift of a mortal body, we exposed ourself to the trials and hardships of this earthly life. No one is exempt. 

• Heavenly Father loves us immensely and unconditionally even though hard things will happen to us in this life. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, loves us immensely and unconditionally even though hard things will happen to us in this life. They weep along side us when we feel pain.

• One of my favorite scriptures (ever since I discovered it at the age of 14): Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27

• The Lord hears and answers our prayers. Period.

• There are many questions that we have that won't be answered in this lifetime. That's okay. We aren't meant to have all the answers. We can ask "why," but it is not okay to dwell on it. That is when our faith comes in. "Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and concerns. But first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe." - Jeffrey R. Holland

• I will never be able to hear the song "Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon again without tears. Such beautiful, poignant lyrics.

• We can never judge another human being. This is difficult to actually do because sometimes people do things that don't seem to make any sense. But we never know what another person is going through. This can be true even for people that are closest to us. "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Attributed to Plato

• You will never be wrong when you follow the Spirit. You will never be wrong when giving a heartfelt compliment. You will never be wrong when you treat others with kindness. 

• When someone is suffering and grieving, there are only two things that need to be said: "I'm sorry" and "I love you".

• Whenever tragedy occurs, the Lord blesses us with numerous tender mercies. "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20). Elder Bednar stated that "the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

• Music is a powerful healing tool. Music speaks to the heart when words seem inadequate. Music motivates emotions.

• We can do hard things. We need to do hard things. 

• Heaven is real. There are ancestors and loved ones on the other side that love us and will help us. Heaven is really not far away. 

• The Savior lives. He loves us. He is so very close and never far away. The Atonement is our greatest gift. It is through the Atonement that peace, healing, forgiveness, and repentance are possible. "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!" (D&C: 76:22)

• Our Heavenly Father loves us. He has delegated everything else to his son, Jesus Christ (he has even delegated judgement). The only thing left is for our Heavenly Father to love us. He loves us deeply and unconditionally. He is our Father. We can go to him for anything and everything. We are so very loved.