Marilyn Neerings
When life is difficult, I turn to the Lord for His help. Our mortal journey is full of challenges and disappointments. I’m so grateful that there is Heavenly help available.
I remember a counselor telling me about a lady who came to him for help saying something to the effect that her life wasn’t fair. She seemed surprised! The counselor was also astonished that she thought her life shouldn’t be difficult at times.
None of our ancestors found life to be anything but challenging. Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “The example of our ancestors in all lands overcoming hardships, making sacrifices, and building their faith in order to be one with each other and the Savior is an inspiration to each of us as we face hardships and challenges.”
As I’ve been reading the history of Joseph Smith by his mother, Lucy Mack Smith, I’ve gained a better understanding and an appreciation for his example of enduring trials and tribulations. The persecutions and challenges never seemed to stop. With the Lord’s help, he was able to accomplish all that he was asked to do.
During the last few months, I have come to appreciate the words of the Lord as I have studied the scriptures and reread the last conference talks by our prophets and general authorities. This time around, I was blessed with the help I needed. Each morning as I read when the house was quiet and there weren’t any interruptions, the words on the pages spoke to me. I would leave them and the day would go better because I had felt the peace and comfort from a very loving and caring Father in Heaven. This was a tender mercy that I was very grateful for.
I never felt alone. I was blessed to the have the help and support from my family, relatives, ward family, friends, and others. My son gave me a blessing, many prayers were offered in my behalf, and other services were received.
The love and help I received made the load I was carrying manageable. I realized again how much we need each other. I really did need the help of the Lord and of others to love, serve, support, strengthen, nourish, and sustain me.