When I opened my emails today, I received some pretty heart crushing news. As I sat and pondered about the family being effected… What they must be feeling, and the gap that is ever present in their lives now. Immediately I was brought to my knees in prayer. Thinking about what I should say- the words, "I know that only You can relieve the pain this family is feeling", came to my mind.
This is so true. The memories can never be replaced. However, the knowledge that I have gained for myself, that we will be reunited with our loved ones that have departed from this earth, brings me such comfort and joy.
In a lesson we were having with an investigator, the member we had brought shared a very personal experience. At a very young age, one of her sons had passed away. As she told us about the sorrow she felt at the time, the smile on her face never once faded. She bore testimony that although this was a huge trial in her life, she knew that she would once again be reunited with her son. The reassurance that she knew where her son was, brought her an even greater happiness.
That night after the lesson my companion and I were talking about the strength of this woman. We cannot imagine the pain that follows losing one of your own children. It really was the gospel that helped her through. The difference it made in her life was that instead of pulling away, she turned towards the Savior in her time of distress.
“The family is one of God’s greatest fortresses against the evils of our day. Help keep your family strong and close and worthy of our Father in Heaven’s blessings. As you do, you will receive faith and strength which will bless your lives forever.”
I know that the family is ordained of God and that they are eternal. Though we may face challenges on all ends of the spectrum, be it a loss of a loved one, a child/sibling gone way ward, diseases, depression, whatever it may be… All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Click here.
Rest in love Mercedes.
Love,
Sister Efnor
