Passing the Trial of Faith

One of the sweet elders here was informed recently that his 15 year old sister may have a brain tumor.  For many weeks she had been experiencing severe headaches for which the doctors could find no cause.  After many tests it was suggested that she see a psychologist since most likely it was all in her head (please excuse the pun.)  The family mentioned her situation to a friend who also had some medical knowledge.  She asked if her braces had been removed for the MRI.  They had not; which she said could make abnormalities impossible to detect.  They returned to the doctor armed with this new information and requested a new MRI without the braces.

As the mother and daughter sat in the doctor’s office waiting for the results the doctor began to explain the discovery of a tumor on the young girl’s brain. The mother quickly wondered how she could be a support to her young daughter when she herself was feeling so devastated.  Before she had a chance to collect her thoughts she heard her daughter say, “I am a daughter of God.  I have hopes and dreams for my life and I know that He has hopes and dreams for my life too.  I pray that these dreams as the same; but if not I will be happy with His plan for me.” 

She had learned well the lessons taught in her home and as well as in her Young Women’s classes. As a reminder each Sunday the girls recite the Young Women Theme:

“We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:

Faith • Divine Nature • Individual Worth • Knowledge • Choice and Accountability • Good Works • Integrity • and Virtue

We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.”

We do not know this young lady personally but her faith, courage, and strength are amazing. As we encounter trials and challenges in life may we all have the faith to rely on our Father in Heaven and submit our will to His plan for us is our hope and prayer.