I can Do Hard Things With God

Nearly two years ago, I met a beautiful lady who is a motivational speaker. In talking with her afterward, I knew we would truly be friends. She has that kind of personality- one that draws everyone to her, because each of is feel Light and Love radiating from her soul. She is a true follower of Christ. and I am grateful for the sisterhood she has offered me and the love she has brought into my life. 

As motivated as I was when she spoke about balancing and organizing our lives, I was even more thrilled when I heard about her first book release. This woman is truly inspired of God and I knew it would be just what I needed- especially when I learned of the title: I Can Do Hard Things With God. How thrilled I was to be able to have the funds to purchase it at her nearby book signing! The book came out shortly after one of my dearest friend's lost her baby and I knew how much I needed a healing hug from the author friend. I got just that when she signed my book that night. 

That evening, I went home, lovingly looked over the book and told myself I would start it tomorrow. I placed it on my shelf and went to sleep. The next day came and went and I did not pick up the book. As days turned into weeks, I looked at that book everyday, never picking it up. I knew it held something I was not quite ready to grasp in my grieving state of mind... hope. The months were some of the most emotionally and spiritually challenging I had ever had, and yet.... there the book sat. I did not tell my friend I had not read her book yet, because I knew she would be alright with my decision, probably making a comment like, "It is there when you are ready." She would be loving and understanding and supportive as usual and I just did not want that. I wanted to just be left alone by the world. I was angry and frustrated and struggling with my own path. 

Yesterday, months later, I finally picked up the beautiful book and began reading. A collection of essays from LDS women who have endured much affliction and somehow survived finally spoke to me. "Read me," it called out. "It is time. You need this. You are ready. Read me now." So, I did. I am reading. I am laughing. I am crying. I am relating. I am changed. 

I read a review that said this book should be on every shelf along with Scriptures. At the time, I thought maybe it was a bit exaggerated. Now I can see, the comment was spot on. This book is inspired. It is a gift. It is uplifting and it has answers... perhaps not the exact ones that you need, but something that each one of us can relate to: financial stress, health issues, spiritual awakenings.... the list goes on. If you are needing a boost, trying to figure out where to go from here, what comes next, I urge you to get this book. LDS or not, we, as women, can all relate to these stories. They are real, raw, and beautiful. 

Thanks to my friend following the whisperings of the Still Small Voice, I am reminded, once again, that I can do hard things with God. 

Finding Love, 

Mama Dragon

Tears of Frustration, Tears of Peace

Today, I wanted to cry. In fact, I did cry! In our Primary Congregation, we have nearly 200 kids. They are divided up into to groups: Junior and Senior Primary. Like the other choristers around the world, I had this beautiful plan in place to read a quote by my uncle, Elder L. Tom Perry, about singing a song from the top of our lungs. I finished up our regular song practice with our younger kids and pulled out pictures of a man many recognized, Elder Perry. Regardless of how I tried, the talking would not stop. There were kids climbing over kids, kids playing with their neighbor, kids practicing dance moves.... none of us adults could get them to calm down! Over 50 kids ages 3-6 and they were.... exhausting!! I was working hard to make the moment special, to tell them from a personal point of view how it felt to know this man on a personal level, and nothing worked. Teachers were practically sitting on their students to get them to settle down. We had done everything up to this point, including wiggle songs, whispering, talking loudly, having them stand to sing... 

NOTHING. WORKED. Trying to get through my assigned time, I hastily finished my lesson, telling the next teacher (a member of our bishopric, or a clergyman), "Good luck,"collected my teaching items, then returned to my seat. Things did not go much better for him, as all of the children (who usually are very well behaved) decided that today was the day they would be, well.... kids! (What are they thinking?!) >wink<

While the room was switching to the older kids (ages 7-11), I stood at the piano, my back turned to everyone, and closed my eyes. As I fought tears of frustration, I offered up a prayer that went something like this: Oh Uncle Tom, I am so sorry! This was supposed to be a special tribute for you, and it turned into a hot mess. I have let you down. I am so very sorry. 

As soon as I thought those words, I felt his response of laughing. Laughing! Of all the nerve, why would he laugh at me when I was trying so hard to do something for him?! I felt a whisper from heaven tell me: Young Lady, >laugh< they are kids! Enjoy them! 

Well! I'll tell you what I did! I.... sighed. He was right. They were little kids and probably busting at the seams with the break of rainy weather and beautiful sun shining. I would be too! 

As I turned to welcome the older kids with a song, they immediately settled in their chairs, becoming reverent. All of us leaders were ever so grateful. one of them quickly commented that they were a breath of fresh air. When it was time to pay tribute, these children listened wholeheartedly as I shared stories of my relationship with someone incredibly special. I bore witness that as we sang, the Holy Ghost would let them know if the message of the song held eternal truths, as my uncle taught. It was beautiful and moving as they did indeed sing "from the top of their lungs with enthusiasm." How I rejoiced in that moment in knowing that he could hear us from heaven.

I did not video these students of mine, but other choristers around the world recorded their primaries. One local Portuguese Branch song leader sent me a video of his children singing in their native language. I was moved to tears as these children paid tribute to such a revered man. What a kind service! How grateful I am to be part of such an organization that teaches truths such as "Families can be together forever." How grateful I am for this message being my uncle's legacy. 

Singing with enthusiasm, 

Mama Dragon