Embracing Our Unique Missions with Faith and Love
Aug 14, 2019
Dear Sisters in Christ,
I want to share a heartfelt story with you, a story that touched my soul deeply and reminded me of the precious truths that guide our journey as Christian Women Warriors of Light. Two years ago, I found myself attending a "letter opening" for a young man from our church congregation who had just received his mission call. The room was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement, as friends and family gathered to witness this significant moment in his life.
As I sat there beside my beloved 20-year-old son, Nathan, who has low-functioning autism, a mixture of emotions swirled within me. I couldn't help but think, "If my son were 'normal,' he'd be opening his call right now." That thought weighed heavy on my heart, almost like a shroud of grief, a mourning for the life that would never be his.
For the most part, I've learned not to compare my Nathan to others. But every once in a while, especially when other boys his age achieve significant milestones like opening a mission call, the comparison bug bites me, and I find myself struggling with feelings of inadequacy.
That day, as I sat beside my precious son, something extraordinary happened. The Holy Spirit whispered a message of divine comfort into my heart, saying, "Nathan has his own mission in mortality."
In that sacred moment, my grief dissipated, replaced by an overwhelming sense of peace that washed over me, and tears filled my eyes. It was as though Heavenly Father himself had reassured my aching mama heart, letting me know that my son indeed had a unique and purposeful mission of his own.
From this experience, I want to share with you three invaluable lessons that I re-learned that day, lessons that resonate deeply with our journey as Christian Women Warriors of Light.
1. Avoid the Trap of Comparison and Covetousness Bonnie S. Oscarson wisely reminds us, "When we compare ourselves to one another, we will always feel inadequate or resentful of others." This cycle of comparison and coveting is neither pleasing to God nor nourishing to our souls.
The commandment against coveting is more profound than it may seem. My own journey led me to discover that at the core of coveting lies a lack of love. We must first learn to love God, and in doing so, we will find the capacity to love ourselves. As we grow in self-love, we naturally extend that love to our neighbors, preventing covetousness from taking root.
In my own struggles, I often watched other families and their "normal" children, yearning for what they had. The more I compared myself to them, the more unhappy I became with my own situation. This transformation, however, necessitated divine intervention. I earnestly prayed for strength, and day by day, I worked with God to transform my heart, to love Him, myself, and others without the burden of comparison and coveting.
2. Embrace the Uniqueness of Each Mission Every person on this earth is called to a unique mission, lovingly designed by God. This mission includes my beloved Nathan. I firmly believe that part of Nathan's mortal mission is to teach me, to help me become a more patient and kind mother.
Religious leader Russell M. Nelson beautifully reassured us, "A perfect body is not required to achieve a divine destiny. In fact, some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail frames." These challenges and limitations are not obstacles but opportunities for great spiritual strength and personal growth.
Each of us, with our distinct gifts and talents, is called to fulfill unique missions in life. These missions will vary greatly, as they should, for it is through our diversity that we develop our talents, share our gifts, and become more empathetic to others.
Some will serve missions throughout the world. Some will serve and minister locally, and then there are those like Nathan, who teach love by receiving love. In this beautiful cycle of service, we learn to love those we serve and those who serve us.
3. Heavenly Father's Awareness of Our Hearts Religious influencer Joseph B. Wirthlin's words remind us of our Heavenly Father's tender watchfulness, "Your Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls—knows of your heartache and suffering." In our darkest moments, we may feel as though God is distant, but the truth is, He is ever vigilant, watching over us in times of joy and tribulation.
Just as the Savior calmed the storm with His words, Heavenly Father speaks to us in our times of trial, saying, "Peace, be still." Our task is to attune our hearts to the Master's voice, placing ourselves in positions where we can feel the gentle whisper of the Spirit.
In conclusion, I am reminded of a cherished quote by Thomas S. Monson: "Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord's work, and when we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help."
As mothers, we are undoubtedly on the Lord's errand, shaping the hearts and souls of our children. My own journey, which includes raising four children, two of whom have autism, has required an abundance of His divine assistance. I am profoundly thankful for the lessons I re-learned that day, lessons that continue to guide me on my path of faith.
I am thankful to have been reminded that it is unjust to compare and covet, that each person has a unique mission, and that Heavenly Father is ever aware of our heavy hearts, ready and willing to pour out His peace upon us.
May we carry these lessons in our hearts during moments of discouragement, and may we be ever prepared and willing to serve wherever and however we are called in our missions here on Earth.
With love and faith,
Tamara K. Anderson
