Because of Your Faith

My thoughts on Elder Holland's talk "Because of your Faith"

I remember hearing this back in October and having a tear roll down my cheek as I remembered the love I had for the sisters of my ward back when I was called as their RS president. Before I was sustained I thought, "How could the Relief Society President love me? She doesn't even know me." Well, the good Lord taught me a lesson. When you start praying for someone and they become your responsibility, you learn to love them, even when they don't want that love or think they need it. Truly when you serve someone you do love them--and I wouldn't even say, "learn to love them," you just love them.

I don't know if President Monson and the 12 know me but they do pray for the Saints everywhere. They care about us. That is why they keep changing programs: they are trying to find the perfect one for us. I find that comforting.

I also know that they kneel around the altars of the temple and that my name rests upon many of those altars and they pray for those names. Somehow that gives me great comfort as I face the nasty medical/health battles I face. I also know that they are truly praying for our youth--my five boys and "little" girl.

I also know that I've failed to express gratitude to many of those who have served and loved me and my family. I won't do it here, but there are many out there who should get a note from me. Maybe that will be my resolution.

As Elder Holland said, "seeing your example, I pledge anew my determination to be better, to be more faithful—more kind and devoted, more charitable and true as our Father in Heaven is and as so many of you already are."

That is my pledge as well.