Keep Hope Strong

A question was asked in our missionary mom's group this week. It was what, or how much we should tell our kids about our struggles while they are away on missions. This was my answer.

We recently received a phone call from our son's MP. He started out putting me at ease with the tone of his voice (WHEW was I ever relieved, he wasn't hurt or worse!) telling me that our son was doing an amazing job and would be a wonderful Branch President for his branch in Russia. He said that our son had been concerned about how we were doing and about our present struggles. Even though I had only told Matt the basics about my health problems and not necessarily how extensive they were--the spirit whispered to him that they were extremely serious.

We have to remember that our kids are very in tune with the Holy Ghost and will know when something is wrong. Some of our sons and daughters MP's don't just concern themselves with our kids, but with their families as well. WE are all in this together as we support our kids. I'm grateful for Yekat Russia's MP--President Allen . He was deeply comforting to me that week. It was a boost to my spirit to know that Matthew is doing an amazing job and obeying all of the commandments and that President Allen knows he is who Father wants to serve in that position. I know Matt never aspired to that calling--he's just willing to do anything he's asked.

I needed to hear President Allen's words to keep going that week. I was able to tell him the details of my illness and our and that we are faithful and full of hope for the future. We will stay positive for our Elders in the field and for our third son who will be joining them soon.

I think Matthew has a friend for life in President Allen. He has shown an amazing capacity to love our missionaries under his stewardship---and their families as well. He is an example of the fact that we can do more than we think we can and that Heavenly Father is mindful of each of our struggles and of our needs. We are never alone!

Share with your kids prayerfully about your families struggles. Your hard times as well as your good times will bond you together as eternal families. Sandwich bad events between good things that happen and things you've learned from situations that have made you stronger as a child of God. Keep hope strong in your families. I have a testimony that the opposite of hope is fear and without hope, it's very difficult to have faith. Read Moroni chapter 7, it says it all. For more encouragement read Matthew 14:30-31. There are two more that I'll list later on. Do read them all. Your heart will be lighter for having read them.

Share the ways you overcome and handle obstacles in your life with your kids. I have found that it moves us to make good choices in our own lives and to handle the negative aspects of situations life throws at us so much better. May God bless each of you as you press forward through life's challenges.

Here are some "Tips" that might come in handy in the days ahead.

Survival Tips for Faith

• Call on your Heavenly Father for help.
• Avoid anything addictive.
• Let faith and reason work together.
• Leave the dark side alone.
• Wash away sin with repentance.
• Prepare for a long and happy life.