I received no great communications from the divine today. I found great comfort in a hymn we sang today, Be Still My Soul.
1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
I felt prompted to bear my testimony of the power of fasting. I, of course, fought that prompting being the anxious person I have become. But I decided it was better to be obedient than stubborn. So I bore my testimony of the power of fasting – how He has blessed us financially when we have asked for help – how He has answered us as we have enquired about expanding our family. And then I explained that we are all united in prayer and fasting for my little sister who had been diagnosed with an incurable condition that could take her life before she’s ten years old. I explained that we are hoping, “but if not”, if the Lord should choose to take her, our strength will come from the sealing powers of the priesthood. I said that if we obeyed His commandments and kept our covenants, she could be part of our family forever. Then I expressed my gratitude for our Savior who makes eternal families possible.
It was interesting to see people’s reactions; people were sorry for us and saddened at the whole idea. Others promised to pray for a miracle. One sister (who has buried a couple of her children) said that there are some things worse than death. She is right.
My prayer is selfish – I want her to live, but I want her to be free from pain too. I want her to have as normal a life as possible. I am hoping for a miracle, I am grateful for our forever family! Thank you Mama and Daddy for letting us fast today for Jie. I love her. I appreciate your wonderful examples to me! Thank you for our family. Please keep us all updated.
Love,
Shelly
