In the face of the unknown, or during times that others might perceive as intimidating, tragic, or perhaps overwhelming, I have seen faith in Jesus Christ made manifest in the lives of many of the valiant daughters of Eve.
Faithful women whom I have known or observed throughout my life, in one example after another, of having crashed head-on into life's wall of mortal realities, compelled to then face its destructive forces, literally picking themselves up and taking on the consequences; come whatever that might be...
I often shake my head at what so many incredible women, who with faith and courage rise to places unknown, to do things they never thought they could do, and succeed -- even triumph! To name a few...
- I've witnessed, first-hand, my sister-in-law at the passing of her two-year old infant son, and then again observed her, over 25 years later, when her husband, barely 50, suffered a massive stroke, changing their remaining youthful years in mortality, teach others the meaning of true and eternal love...
- Standing by the side of a dear friend, mother of seven, at the time in her mid 40's, bravely face cancer, I watched her part for time with her eternal companion and precious little ones -- with dignity, grace and and to my astonishment... humor.
- I continue to be inspired by my longtime friend, who spends her days in a wheelchair, having been diagnosed with MS while a young mother, who used to love to run! I've never once heard her complain, but always has a smile on her face and loves her family, genealogy and is a genuine people person!
- Almost daily I am inspired by incredibly intelligent and spiritually mature LDS women who stand for truth and righteousness, as they boldly go forth to speak the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ and uphold the teachings of living prophets in opposition to the mainstream philosophies of the world.
The latest Mormon Messages video features from the Old Testament the courageous example of Esther, alongside three modern-day daughters of Eve who exemplify courage in the face of various challenges -- where either due to physical trials or spiritual promptings these sisters are compelled to act in faith to exercise courage beyond their normal capacity to accomplish the extraordinary!
Video Mormon Messages: Courage
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? " Esther 4:14
Today, LDS women around the globe, more than ever before, stand out as beacons of light for the valiant courage they have to live gospel standards, and stand for family values with courage in the midst of a moral decline in mainstream society. I happen to believe that there are still those looking for light, but not just any light -- the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, only to be found among his disciples who are living examples of truth, easily discerned.
I'd like to dedicate this post in honor of the faithful and courageous women I've highlighted today, of which I have no doubt they know who they are, and my own, now four daughters, whom I greatly revere and honor as the mothers of my grandchildren -- the rising generation of light and truth!
I'd love to hear about a woman that you know, who has shown faith and courage in the face of a challenge that has inspired you -- or does inspire you! Please DO share in the comments...
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
Easter Video: The Atonement and Little Children
Easter Bible Videos Celebrate Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Prop 8: Many Surprised to See LDS Church Stand and Re-Affirm Position
Marla, a friend of mine, was on her way from California to Idaho (I believe) for a family wedding. She and her husband were in the car with their six children. They were in a terrible accident, and her twelve-year-old daughter shielded her two-year-old brother with her own body. This daughter did not survive.
ReplyDeleteMarla was pregnant with her seventh child at the time. She knows that her daughter who passed away had a choice whether to stay or to go. This daughter whispered to her mother the name of the new baby. At this time Marla was in her mid-forties.
Marla and her family still attended the family wedding; after which, they returned home for their daughter's funeral. Because she was already 12, they were able to proceed and do her temple work.
I met Marla shortly after this happened. We became quick friends with her and her family. Since then they have moved to Texas. Marla is a true example of Christ-like love. She is always happy, always serving and giving; she is passionate about life. All of her children are bright and wonderful. I feel truly blessed to have rubbed shoulders with people like Marla.
As usual, I have a bit of a twist on the concept. There were many oaths that were both administered in the Middle Ages as knights fought for control of the Holy Land. I liked this one the best:
ReplyDelete“Be without fear in the face of your enemies.
Be brave and upright that God may love thee.
Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death.
Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong – that is your oath.”
Bravery doesn't imply that fear is not present. It implies that you chose to act despite fear. Faith helps us cope with and manage fear. Nephi was terrified when he went to confront Laban and his faithless brothers hid in a cave while he went boldly forth. When the time came to behead Laban, he did it bravely despite his fear and revulsion. He showed a brave face to Zoram. And he stood for something that echoes to us across the intervening years. That is our model.
LL, did you note the title of this post? For I happen to agree with you.
DeleteIn fact, personally, I'm not sure that courage exist if fear is not present. It is from my own personal experience, only, that I am speaking of course, but whenever I am compelled to do that which requires what I believe to be "courage" or "right" in the face of difficult circumstances and/or obstacles, it is always accompanied by the presence of fear/uncertainty/unknown or otherwise generally considered potentially negative consequences when doing so, and yet are compelled to act nonetheless -- because it is the right thing to do or say.
So yes, I believe that faith is an enabling power that comes through the mercy and grace of God.
And I love the above knight's oath you have shared. Thank you.
This was such a lovely post on courage. Thank you for the thoughts and the video. There have been so many wonderful friends through the years that have had great courage and love for the Savior while going through difficult moments. They have strengthened my testimony and helped me face my own struggles with faith and courage.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!