I was made aware of this quote a little over a week ago when I met up with a friend I hadn't visited with a while. We decided to go to lunch to do some catching up and she filled me on what was going on in her life. In the last 12-18 months, or longer, she's had to deal with some pretty stressful things. I won't list them all but the list includes an impending divorce and break up of her beloved family, possible bankruptcy, and possible/likely loss of her home. Just those three things alone would be enough to send me to the edge of the abyss, if not over the edge altogether. Her life, through the choices of people she loves and trusted was on the apparent brink, if not of ruin, then at least, of drastic change
As she talked, and I listened, I honestly felt that I had nothing to offer that wouldn't sound trite or thin. We share the same religious beliefs so I know she's heard it all before. I felt for her. I wanted so badly to offer something, anything that might give her some comfort, though limited and/or temporary.
Then she said something like, "I look at my life and I think, 'I should be devastated. I should be alone in my room banging my head against a wall and contemplating the unthinkable.' Yet I am not. "My future is as bright as my faith." And my faith is strong. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and is aware of my life and my problems. I'm going to keep putting one foot in front of the other and doing the right things. The light will dawn and I'll be okay." She went on to say that at this point she'd like to be able to keep her house so when her son comes home from his mission he'll have his ward and home to come home to." At some risk I said, "You know, that may not happen."
To which she replied, "Yeah, I know. But even so I'm working in that direction. I have to have something to work for, hope for, but if it doesn't happen I know it will all be okay. I'll be okay. My children will be okay. I just have to have faith. Just walk with faith."
When we parted I felt like I had been the one comforted and blessed with hope. For her. For me.
"My future is as bright as my faith."
I've been pondering that quote ever since and in consequence, looked up these scriptures in the Doctrine & Covenants (Italics added):
Section 122: 5-9
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, (I also add: my daughter) that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
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.
Section 98: 1-3
1 Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;
2 Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.
3 Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord.
This is going to be on my mind for a long, long time.
Link to the talk with this quote: http://lds.org/ensign/2009/05/be-of-good-cheer?lang=eng
