Heartache and Loss

It seems over the summer I have heard many stories of heartache and loss. Some of the families I know personally like my former preschool Student Cami Carver who at the age of 4 was diagnosed with Luekemia. Others I have learned about through their blogs like the Sullengers of Rexburg, Idaho who lost their 1 1/2 year old daughter after she fell into a canal. And just last night I read of a couple whose first baby was stillborn.

My heart breaks for these families and my thought generally lead me to ask "what would I do if I were in their situation?" "How could I handle all that grief and pain?" Instantly I know that it is only through the atonement of Jesus Christ that one can go endure and be made whole.

A family member recently revealed that he no longer believed in this church. He had questions about church doctorine and stories from church history. In reality I think he merely wasn't willing to live the church doctorine and didn't want to feel guilty about the choices he was making.

I feel so sorry for him. His lack of involvement in the church will only stagnate his relationship with his savior. When hard times come (and they always do) where will he turn for peace and comfort? I don't know everything about the gospel, and I acknowledge that there are stories from Church History that may be confusing, but what I do know is that I know that this is the only true church on the face of the earth. And if I continue to live it's teachings I can come develop a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. I can come to understand more fully the atonement. And when heartache and loss come I can turn to Him.

This is my testimony. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love the Mormon Messages and this one by our prophet exemplifies the feelings I tried to express in this post!