Prayers of Love

Yesterday, even before I wrote about my beloved uncle, I had received an outpouring of love from many friends who know of our relationship and heard of his illness. After I posted, I had a breakdown, because I almost could not handle the amount of love that came from all levels of relationships. I know that he feels your prayers and we are all grateful for them. 

Many times in my life I have had people ask "what can I do?" for someone that is in need. Since we are all made in our Father's image, does it seem so foreign that we should want to reach out to others, to lighten their loads, bring them comfort when they are struggling? Reaching out to another should not be a completely new concept. It is instilled with in us when we are created. There have been very few times in my life that I have ever met a truly selfish person. Almost everyone I know wants to lift others. I will share with you the one act of service that I have personal knowledge of saving lives: Prayers.

Prayers are the link between us and heaven. It is how we commune with the angels, and with God. Time and time again I have seen prayers literally pull someone from darkness back into light. I have seen countenances change from anguished to peaceful as they feel the prayers of others carry them through difficulties. When we are praying for someone else, we are serving them, and through service, we are showing them love.

There are many points on the spectrum of peace. It is up to us as individuals to allow ourselves to feel it, regardless of the circumstances. Will you be one who accepts the prayers on your behalf without expecting more, allowing yourself to be a recipient of the peace and blessings that come through those prayers? Or, will you be one who expects more- more time, more energy, more money, more anything from others- because their prayers are not enough to satisfy your hurting soul? 

Sometimes, many times, all we have to offer are prayers. Do not feel bad or guilty over this! Prayers are beautiful, needed, and bring light to this world! Each of us have our own lives to live and often times our own plates are so full we just have nothing else to give. Even Christ came to this point in His life, when He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, and finally when He died upon the cross. He had no more to offer the children of the world, but His prayers. Yet, is was because of those prayers and we are redeemed, saved by Him!

Photo courtesy of: lds.org

When we serve another, we are showing them love. At this time, as my family prepares to bid a mortal farewell to our beloved uncle and head of our family, your prayers- your love- are appreciated. Thank you for that. Thank you for your love. May the blessings of heaven fall upon each of you as you reach out to another in need.

Faithfully praying for you-
Mama Dragon

Preparing for Heaven

Those that are closest to me know that I am the great-niece of a prominent leader in the religious organization I belong to. His sister was my grandmother. My grandfather (her husband) was my uncle's best friend.

For a while now, we have known my uncle has been ill- the whole world has known. It is only today that it has been made public knowledge that in the very near future, he will be returning to his Heavenly Home. Although our family has had time to prepare, seeing it in the news headlines makes it that much more difficult. 

How does one prepare for heaven? I believe it is by living your best life. In a letter I just sent to my cousin who is very close to our uncle, I shared these thoughts- 

"I just.. want to tell him how much I love him, how much he has impacted my life, and the life of my family, for good. I want to share how my eldest is in the process of filling out his mission papers and he will serve with honor! Part of that credit goes to the example of our uncle. There is just never enough time in this life, is there? Will he ever know how his Christ-like example has saved my family more than once? When Grandpa died, Uncle Tom became like a surrogate to me. Although our busy lives have not allowed for us to see each other often, he still has been a guiding force in my life. I love him as a grandfather and I will miss him as one. 

I think of the sweet reunion awaiting in heaven- of my grandparents and the other siblings, of his sweet Virginia and their daughter- of his parents, (my) Uncle Jerry, and (my) Aunt Mignon.... and I cannot grieve too long. I rejoice in the beauty and love that awaits him, and I only grieve for those of us left behind. I pray that his pain is lessened in his last days and that he may go in peace."

To the world, he is an apostle of God. To me, he is my beloved uncle as well. Either way, I am better for having him in my life. There is no man greater than one who serves the Lord willingly. This is my uncle. In serving the world, he has served God. In that, we can rejoice when he is called Home. 

Working towards Heaven-

Mama Dragon

Courtesy: lds.org