My thoughts on our 42 days on quarantine and as I finished writing the answers to 70 questions for Story Worth.
My last question was: What is your brightest hope for the future?
“When life gets hard, remember we were not the first to ask, “Is there no other way?” Jeffrey R. Holland.
As of today, In Argentina and many parts of the world, people have been through COVID-19 quarantine for 7 weeks now. We will never have the same outlook on life after experiencing this lock-down.
Elder Henry B. Eyring testified, “The Lord doesn’t put us through this test just to give us a grade, he does it because the process will change us.” I am reminded of the many lessons and lectures I studied in School just to pass the test and receive a good grade. Those tests were timed. Whether or not I was prepared the clock did not pause during the test to give me a chance to review it again. We may or may not be temporally prepared for a test like this, i.e., quarantine, during this time, but maybe we need a test like this first to spiritually change and learn the lessons or lectures that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has prepared for us.
I have always believed that no matter what circumstances you were born into or currently face, there is hope for a brighter future because we are never alone. Think about the fact that each one of us has had experiences unique to each one of us. We are one of a kind. We come from different backgrounds yet there is so much that we have in common one with another. We know where we came from, why we came to this earth and where we will go when we leave this life. Knowing those truths to me is huge. And not only that but we know that we are children of our Heavenly Father who loves us. We know we want to return to Him.
With the current global concerns, in this troubling times, life may seemed overwhelming, so many families are dealing with disappointments, uncertainty and many challenges. Missionaries coming home early, homeschooling children, graduations cancelled, changing situations at work, weddings rescheduled, etc. we may think that God has abandoned us and may think we are alone. We can find peace and comfort in the truth that God the Father and the Savior, Jesus Christ does not mean that mortal challenges will cease to exist, but we do believe that the Lord can give us the strength to meet these challenges. We have seen the tender mercies of the Lord all around us recently, even with adversity, miracles are happening left and right. We are never alone. I take one day at a time. I know there is a plan. We already know what the outcome will be, and who will be victorious!
How do I know our future will be bright? You could ask yourself, How did God bless me today? I do that each day, even at a time when the coronavirus has caused illness and death, closed schools and curtailed daily routines and not to mention destroyed the economy but in spite of it all, each day I find something I am thankful for. Elder Holland explained, “There are repeated declaration in the scriptures where we have the Lord’s promises He ‘will be with us in all our circumstances, good and otherwise.’ That reassurance can be a source of hope and encouragement. Whatever happens we are never going to be separated from the Savior’s love and His companionship. We are in very sure and loving hands.”
I believe our youth are at an advantage from previous generations, particularly in advancing our Father in Heaven’s plan. The young men and young women has had more exposure to more gospel teachings than any previous generations, and now are currently enjoying the best training of any generation from Primary, to Priesthood, to Young Women. When I think about the home centered gospel approach, I feel it was inspired because our youth are ready for a higher and holier approach.
Our opportunities to succeed in this life are limitless. We also know that if we fall short, our Savior has provided us with His precious gift of the Atonement. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light, in the lives of those around us; that includes family members, friends and even total strangers. I have attended many leadership trainings where all the Mission Presidents and General Authorities get together to discuss better ways to do Missionary work and in every meeting I have been aware of how much confidence our leaders have placed in our young Elders and Sister Missionaries. They have their love and appreciation and their hope placed in them. They know that the success of the new generation is essential to the continued establishment of the Church and the growth of His Kingdom.
Elder Rasband while visiting The Philippines said the following: “ The way ahead will not be smooth or without incident. In the coming stages of your life you will feel the boat rocking under you, no matter your preparation or your sheer goodness. Recognize the turbulence for what it is. The Lord allows challenges that at times will feel like tsunamis to make us strong and effective in His service and to help us always turn to Him…When our Father in Heaven said, ‘This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life to man.’ He was talking about all of His children, you in particular! The Lord’s hand is guiding you. By divine design. He is in the small details of your life as well as the major milestones. As it says in proverbs, ‘trust in the Lord with all thine heart;…and he shall direct thy paths.’ (Proverbs 3:5-6) He will bless you, sustain you, and bring you peace.”
Some years ago, at another meeting President Monson said the following: “You are the Children of the covenant. (3 Nephi 20:25-26) I confirm to you that it is not by chance that we are here and that we are who we are. Our Heavenly Father and His son stand ready to respond to your questions through the ministering of the Holy Ghost. But is up to you to qualify for and receive those answers. Begin by spending more time in Holy places. The chapel, your home or your room where you can safely retreat from the dark distractions of the world. Spend more time where the Spirit is present. That means more time with friends who are seeking to have the Spirit with them. Spend more time reading your scriptures. Spend more time in your knees in prayer. Prayer is the key. Pray to know what to stop doing and what to start doing. Serve with love to those members of your family. Remember this is your world, the future is in your hands. The outcome is up to you.”
You represent in a beautiful way the future and strength of the Church. Because of your righteous desires and the commitment to follow the Savior, your future will always be bright. At a meeting in Argentina President Nelson had all the children and youth stand and he said to them “My dear young friends, you are the hope of Israel. The Lord knows you. You are precious in the sight of Heavenly Father. He loves you. The Lord has great confidence in you. He knows your successes, and He is mindful of you. You are preparing the way for the second coming of Jesus Christ and His Millennial reign. Make no mistake about it, you were born to lead the way. We love you. All the leaders of the Church love you.” What a blessing it is to be able to watch President Nelson’s recent video “message of hope.” President Nelson’s words are so comforting: “My dear friends, our Heavenly Father and HIs Son Jesus Christ know us, love us, and are watching over us. Of that we can be certain.”
My dear family, I testify that as we find the strength and will power in our hearts and minds to not let this quarantine (test) negatively affect us, we will be blessed by the Lord who has prepared many positive lessons for us to study and learn from. Be safe, be strong and be positive. I have no doubt that brighter days will come!
Con amor,
Vero
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