Look to the Light

One thing I have been thinking about a lot the past several weeks is about trials and answers to prayers.  Sometimes I find it hard to fully understand what the Lord is asking/telling me to do, esp when I have been searching for answers. I admit I feel envious of those who talk about how they can instantly recognize Heavenly Father's direction.  There are times that I have felt that unmistakable feeling, and heard His voice with a clear knowledge of His expectations and desire as to what I am supposed to do.  But I feel that so much of the time, that direction is so quiet, and life so loud, that I have difficulty discerning its sacred and very much anticipated arrival. 

During trials, this feeling of missing the boat provides extra frustration, as I feel like I am traveling on choppy waters without a good map, and I'm desperately calling out for help on instruments that have worked in the past. And I am confused.

I had forgotten about one of my favorite scriptures that I discovered around the time of my baptism when I was fifteen.  Things were especially hard at home during that time, and extraordinarily tough trials were already en route for me to experience despite my young age.  I remember coming across Section 121 in the Doctrine and Covenants.  The whole section is one of my favorites, but verses 5-9 especially stood out to me, where Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail and experienced huge amounts of suffering both personally and on behalf of other Saints who were managing prejudice and hate from locals.  This has often been a source of comfort and strength for me when times have gotten tough.

This past weekend, I was watching a bunch of Mormon Messages on You Tube.  One link that had been suggested to me was from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who spoke directly about trials and overcoming adversity.  The video combines clips from one of my new favorite movies, "Emma."  I really loved it, and wanted to share with those who might be interested.