Where There is Faith There is Hope!

Yesterday after I left my monthly training meeting with Family Service for my calling as a Agency Representative, I had so many thoughts! First of all I would like to explain Family Service! It is a service that is provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Mormon church, The mission of this service is to help individuals and families lead a life that is consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Family Service help individuals keep covenants that he or she has made with God, and our Savior Jesus Christ.

The ten most challenges facing our families today are...

1. Parenting Issues

2. Marital Issues

3. Divorce

4. Grieving

5. Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancy

6. Emotional and Mental Problems

7. Substance Abuse and Addiction

8. Eating Disorders

9. Stress

10. Pornography

Every time I leave a training meeting, my brain is going like a freight train thinking about how some of these issue have effected my own family and extended family. It also has effected close friends, as well as many I have met through this calling in the almost eight years as I have served as the, Family Service Agency Representative, for the Gilbert Higley Stake.

As I have served in this calling, I have often wondered why I have had this calling for so long! As I ponder this question, I have thought , I am NOT a counselor, I do receive training from Family Service but... the training I receive is to only help those find the resources they need to be happy. Again I am NOT a counselor. All I am able to do is to support those who are going through difficult times and aid them in returning back to the Fold! To help them realize that they are not alone in what ever they may be struggling with!

I know there have been times in my life where I felt so bad physically due to many health issues and there for I would become SO depressed that I could not get out of my bed let alone my room!

As many know, prior to Tom becoming a member of the Mormon faith, Tom struggled with a chemical and alcohol addiction for many years! These were hard years for both of us! There have been many times in my life where I have felt forsaken by the Lord! Many times where I felt SO alone! And many times I felt like no one could understand so, I would distant my self from those who loved me unconditional! I would not answer my phone or door! I have had times in my life that I felt so dark and sad I was sure I would never recover! I just wanted to be done, and out, of physical and emotional pain! There are still time I struggle, and I am sure there will be many many more days that my heart will be heavy and I will feel stress and sadness! After all we all are mortal! But... Through the Atonement and with the help from my calling, and going to 12 step support group meetings, I have learned to surrender! To give ALL my stress, emotional and physical pain to the Lord! Does this mean I will not complain on a bad day.... No! But do I know that the Lord will take care of all of it in the end... YES!!!!

So back to the question why have I had this calling for so many years??? I feel sure it is because I honestly understand and LOVE those who need support in what ever they may be going through! I can honestly say I do not judge them. I want them to find peace in some way. I think sometimes people just need someone to listen to what they are going through. Sometimes people want to talk with some one that has been through some difficult life experiences. Sometimes people found peace in just knowing that they are not the only one that has gone through a life changing trial or test.

This life is one BIG trial and test ! I know this sounds like a standard answer we hear all the time but... unfortunately this life is hard. There is a saying that says.... "Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, and sometimes the Lord lets the storm rage and calms the child" This world can be a "Storm" I know! An other saying that I hold on to is... "It is not about waiting for the storm to pass, It is about learning to dance in the rain"!

I am not quite sure why this post came to me today! I know my training meeting is always heavy on my mind for a few days after I have them, Also I went to lunch with two dear friends and sisters today! LuAnn Ray and Jeni Tanner! Our conversation over lunch had a lot to do with my thought in this post!

I was also so excited to share with them and everyone that there will be another support group meeting at the new Williams Field Stake Center for Sweet Earthly Moms who are facing out-of-wedlock pregnancies. It will be every Thursdays from 6:oo pm to 8:00pm This meeting has been so very successful in Mesa on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 pm! It is a wonderful meeting! The spirit that abides at this meeting is indescribable! There are moms that are teenagers up to 35 years old. Some birth moms plan is to single parent, some are considering adoption, Some moms have come to realize how much they love their baby! These moms know they can't give their baby all the baby needs and deserves and has chose to place their baby with a worthy couple whom she has pick to raise there baby. It is the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE! It is amazing how open adoption has became! There are lots of moms that bring the adoptive couple whom she has chose, to support group! There are birth dads there as well getting support in his decision on weather or not to marry, single parent or help make an adoption plan for their baby! As well as individual counseling. There are moms there that have placed babies 30 years ago that might have a flare up and what to go to group and get support from others that are in her same position. I love this meeting! Like I said before this is a powerful meeting for those who will be making a life long decision.

You do not have to be the same faith as I am to attend any support group that Family Service provides. I can say I have never in the last eight years been to a support group meeting with someone where they have not walked out of the meeting feeling the healing powers and peace they are looking for! That is not to say it is a one time fix! It is a journey to recover and to find peace! You will still have ups and downs! But.... if you continue to have faith, you will have hope! And... if you continue to have hope, you will have faith!