Ricardo P. Gimenez, a member of the Seventy, gave a talk titled “Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life”, in April’s General Conference. He had some rather timely encouragement for getting through the storms we will experience in life. For some of us, the most recent pandemic “storm” may be the biggest storm in our life. For others of us, it has been much easier to get through than prior “storms” we have experienced. For others, still, our “storm” is yet to come.
This has been one of the most interesting experiences in my life . . . so far. The emotions I have felt over the last couple of months have gone from one extreme to the other, in no particular order.
- I have felt fear that someone I love may get sick.
- I have felt anxiety that my family’s income may be lost and we would lose everything we have.
- I have felt sadness upon learning a friend took his own life because this was all too much to handle.
- I have felt joy from the littlest things, like the school teacher parade through the neighborhoods, even though my kids are adults and I didn’t know any of those teachers.
- I have felt gratitude on a number of occasions when a friend, or even a stranger, reached out with kind words or encouragement or just a random smile.
- I have felt peace knowing that my family and I are loved by our Heavenly Father and we will get through this, even if I didn’t know how.
Through this storm and all of these emotions and through studying Elder Gimenez’s talk, I realize I have also learned so much.
- I have learned that working at home is alright, but the basement is freezing cold, so even though it is Spring I am wrapped up in a blanket and wearing slippers all day.
- I have learned more about neighbors and I have gotten to know and love them more.
- I have learned that it is not easy to make bread, and I have learned that failure is OK, because I still cannot make the bread I want to make, but I am going to keep trying
- I have learned, as Emily Smith put it, “We can do hard things.”
- I have learned that while I do not have a green thumb, the others in my family do, so I can just enjoy their talents and abilities.
- I have learned that there are opportunities all around me to do something good for someone else or to brighten someone else’s day. I just need to watch for them.
- I have learned I can save time and money by not going out to eat, not wearing make up, and just putting my hair in a ponytail every day.
- I have learned that my Heavenly Father loves me so very much, more than I ever knew. Our family has experienced miracles each and every day and I am so grateful to the Lord for His love and mercy.
All of my life I have heard, “Where much is given, much is expected”. I wonder what will be expected of us after this most recent “storm” has passed. How will we remember what we have learned and what we have experienced?
- Hopefully I will eventually be able to make that perfect loaf of bread.
- Hopefully our family will continue to live more simply than we were and spend more time at home, just enjoying being together.
- Hopefully we will plan ahead and will never run out of toilet paper.
- Hopefully we will continue to reach out to our neighbors, friends and loved ones to see if they are OK and let them know we love them, not out of obligation or because we are “assigned” to, but because we care about them and want the best for them.
- Hopefully I will wear make up and do my hair again before going out in public.
- Hopefully we have grown from these experiences, both bad and good, and will be prepared for the next “storm”, remembering there is always a rainbow after the rain.
- Hopefully we will pay more attention to the world around us and look at others with kindness and love so we can recognize when someone has a need, whether that need is emotional or physical, and we can help with that need.
- Hopefully we will continue to watch for and recognize the blessings and miracles around us each and every day, and thank Heavenly Father for all that He has given us.
- Hopefully we will continue to love the Lord and grow in our belief and understanding of the gospel.
- Hopefully the lessons we have learned will be with us forever and we will be better people because of this and we will make the world a kinder and better place for those around us.
Through all of the emotions, lessons learned, and hopes for the future, what I know now, more than ever before, is that we can get through this, each and every one of us. We all have strengths and weaknesses. We all have trials and triumphs. We all have been given blessings and miracles, large and small. We all have talents and abilities that bless our lives and others. Please don’t ever feel alone or like you can’t go on. Reach out to someone, anyone, until you find the help and the hope you need. You are loved! We all have a central figure in our lives, a loving Heavenly Father, who wants to be there for us and wants the best for us . . . always!
Music has always been a big part of my family’s lives. Music has helped us express our testimonies, show gratitude, feel encouraged, find and build strength, and reach out to and connect with others. I have put together a “playlist” that helps me when I am feeling discouraged, anxious, weak or scared. I hope at least one of these songs may hold a message or invoke a feeling that will give you what you need at this time.
- “Be Still, My Soul” by Michael Ethington (instrumental piano)
- “You’re Gonna Be OK” by Brian and Jenn Johnson
- “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless
- “You Say” by Lauren Daigle
- “Lord, I Need You” by Matt Maher
- “Just Be Held” by Casting Crowns
Heath has also been learning to play a new song and it just happens to be a medley that includes “Be Still, My Soul”, on acoustic guitar. A link to a recording of this song is included here:
I will post a picture of this week’s handout on Facebook. If you would like one of these handouts, please let me know in the comments on Facebook and I will deliver it to you. If you don’t use Facebook, text me (801-388-1635) your name and I will bring you one.
Riverdale 7th Ward 
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