Keeping Your Chin Up
Tough times.
I remember parts of my mission to Honduras like they were yesterday. Other times, certain things happen that trigger a clear and vivid memory of an experience I had during my mission. Right now, I’ve got a jumbled mess floating around in my crazy head.
The second area that I served in was called “Popular”. It is in the Toncontin Zone and I spent 3 months there with Elder Ryan Bennett. We met and began teaching a young couple who was progressing towards the decision to be married and baptized. One Saturday night in May, we were teaching about the importance of not procrastinating. During the lesson I tried to explain that because we are unaware of what will happen down the road – let alone tomorrow, we need to make correct decisions and act on them today. Minutes later, their phone rang and Rosaura was told that her father had been jumped and killed on his way home. She ran off devastated, while her husband Alex, Elder Bennett and I sat in quiet shock.
My mind drifted as I reflected on what had just happened. As awful of an experience as it was, could there be a more powerful object lesson? Before we left, I looked at Alex and told him that this is why we shouldn’t wait. God has a plan for us, and we need to act when opportunities present themselves.
That night I laid in bed and reflected. What a horrible experience. What a bad thing to happen to such good people. It just didn’t seem fair to me. Then I remembered a talk by John Bytheway called “Five Scriptures That Will Help You Get through Almost Anything.” During our next visit, we took the principles from that talk and applied them directly to Rosaura and Alex. It didn’t take away the pain of their loss, but I know that they felt the spirit of comfort and love from their Father. There are times when those feelings are all you have to hang onto.
Dwayne and Zachary Stevens
Today and yesterday have been extremely rough for my family. For the past 8 months my dad has been a courageous fighter as he battled cancer. His stomach was surgically removed, he dealt with chemo and was literally cooked with radiation. He has been both brave and strong. Just two weeks ago we celebrated his victory. Now is supposed to be the time for him to recover and regain strength. Instead, we found out yesterday through a body scan that the cancer has spread into his lungs. Get ready for round two.
I cried. I asked why. Really? Only two weeks later? It just isn’t fair. Then I remembered my experience with Alex and Rosaura and decided to reread the talk which offers scriptural answers to the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Here is a rundown of the list:
- We Know That God Loves His Children! (1 Nephi 11:17)
- We Know That God Allows Evil to Exist in the World (Moses 7:26–33)
- Our Work Is Not Finished! (Alma 14:13)
- The Atonement Is Not Just for Sinners (Alma 7:11–12)
- One Day, the Lord Will Reveal All Things (D&C 101:32–36)
I offer this as something of solace. I know that not everyone is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, and I know that not everyone is religious. But these words are motivating me to cheer the home team onto another win. They are here for you as well.
We have to make today count.
Zach, my heart broke as I read your blog. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask. I will keep your dad and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks Chris. I really do appreciate your concern.
We love you guys. We’ll keep your family in our prayers. And, during the tough times, hymns help. My favorite is #136, on the rough days, I turn the volume up and jam out to the hymns in my car.
You are soooo right. “Because I have been given much” has been in my head and has helped me remain positive.
Your site has always cheered my up and kept me in the spirit that I can achive what ever I might. I have and I think the world of your parents. They are in our prayers each and every night. I hope you can soon come back to Oregon.