For Mine Own Purpose – April 30, 2013

We have wondered why Cassie had this stroke and although we have yet to obtain this information, I feel that the Lord pointed us in the right direction to obtaining that answer one piece at a time.  It is found in this scripture.

1 NEPHI 15:3
 3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought.

I think sometimes I try to escape what has happened, to harden my heart as it pertains to the stroke.  I know that there is a purpose to what has transpired, perhaps even something "great ... which [are] hard to be understood."  We are to remain faithful to Him, pray to Him for knowledge and look and live.  

Life is quite a journey.  I am not ashamed to admit my allegiance and dependence to the Redeemer and Savior of the World, Jesus Christ.  It is a piece of humanity we all possess: the need for someone to lean on, to divulge secrets and burdens and to look as an exemplar.  I seek, albeit imperfectly, to be like Him and to follow Him.  I do not have all the answers, and for someone like me (for those who know me more intimately) who seeks to have control and is a perfectionist, it is hard to not have a complete grasp on the situation.  He who has suffered for all is, oft times, the only source to turn for solace.

Another scripture I love can be found in the Doctrine & Covenants.  Forgive me, as I may oft quote this as it gives me strength and eternal perspective.

D&C 122:5-9 (italics added)
 5 If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;

 6 If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb;

 7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

 8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

 9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.