Stronger

Mistakes. We tend to make many as mortal beings. Weakness. I feel that I am almost always weak to some degree, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. All of us pass through trials and sometimes our weaknesses make the trial even more difficult. For me, the harder I try to avoid making mistakes the more I make, and regardless of how much more I do than those around me and how much good I've done, my mistakes and weaknesses seem to define me. Why are weaknesses so evident in each of us?
Heavenly Father taught us that "I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27).  As we go from day to day, enduring the pains and exhaustions we are wont to experience, we may not see at first any purpose for being humbled and worn down. I unfortunately had a negative perspective today as I was continually being pushed to my limits and a little beyond all throughout the day. As I questioned why it must be so and pleaded in prayer for my load to be eased, the burden didn't change; it remained completely the same. However, I changed. My attitude changed as my muscles continued to have the strength they needed to endure, and Heavenly Father sent me both peace and a lesson. I was reminded of a story I heard once about a man that God came to. God asked the man to move a large boulder, and the man started pushing the boulder. Day after day the man returned to the boulder and pushed on it from sunrise to sunset. Finally after some time, God revisited the man to check the progress. The man asked God, "You wanted me to move the boulder, but after so long it's not budging. Why did you give me such an impossible task?" God responded, "Look at your shoulders, arms, and legs." The man's arms and legs had increased in strength.
Although the task at hand seems impossible, especially when we are repeating the same actions and yeilding little result, Heavenly Father has a plan for us. Right now, I don't know the reasons for being pushed beyond my limit each week and for being tried exceedingly. What I do know is that as I've continued, I've been made stronger than I ever realized possible.

"He got a bigger piece!"

In the Book of Mormon, Mosiah, and chapter 10 verse 13, an Ancient American leader wrote about the wars and contentions between his people, the Nephites, and their enemies, the Lamanites. The verse describes why the Lamanites were angry with the Nephites:
"And again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea, and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord- therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness."
While considering this scripture I thought of two explanations for this verse. The first explanation is that the narrator, Mormon, wanted to describe that the Lamanites were angry and felt that they had been wronged, but really the Lamanites had not been wronged but disobedient. The second explanation for the verse is best described through the experience of parenthood or leadership, and the whining cry of "He got a bigger piece!"
If one day your child begins to throw things, yell and scream, and punch their siblings, would you love him any differently than the rest of your children? No (At least you shouldn't). When it came to dessert time and everyone was seated around the table, would you intentionally give your misbehaved child a much smaller slice than the rest of your children? Probably not. However, will that child enjoy the cake you spent time making as much as everyone else? It's not that their slice is any different, but their attitude is different. So it was with Laman and Lemuel in the earlier portion of the Book of Mormon. They hadn't received anything different than Nephi and Sam, but they received visions from the Lord, visits from angels, they saw miracles, and they were taught by their father how to have faith and keep the commandments. They received the same exact blessings from the Lord, but they rejected those blessings and rebelled against the Lord. Our Heavenly Father loves each of us the same. We may receive different blessings because we are all unique individuals, but we are promised the same reward in the end. How much we will enjoy the blessings that come from our Father depends on us alone.    

Staying Strong

“I’m exhausted.” “He’s simply burnt out.” “I don’t feel like I have the motivation.” “I can’t do this any more.” Many times in life we want to give up because we become tired or life’s circumstances grow increasingly difficult. Perhaps depression and anxiety affect us or else despair overcomes any positive emotions. We find ourselves waning in friendships, work, health, or family relationships, and we tend to think that the change happening in our life signifies that it’s the end of life as we know it. 

This is not so.

A diamond is formed out of a coal-like (carbon) mineral. In order for a diamond to transform into the clear, beautiful gem as we know it, it must undergo extensive pressure and heat. For a metal to be refined, it must be held in a flame until the right moment so that it can be properly purified. In order for a muscle in the body to strengthen it must be exercised continually, which includes occasional tearing, discomfort, and pain. For the necessary growth and production of good fruit in trees, branches of the tree are cut off and others are grafted in. Only through some pain, pressure, and then healing can anything produce more than what the natural man thought possible. Anything or anyone passing through such pressure is bound to cry or call out, and that’s fine. What is not fine, however, is giving up, regardless of how much we would like to quit. 

There’s a poem that I was asked to memorize in grade school. I memorized it, pondered its meaning, and recite it as often as possible so that it sticks with me. The name of the poem is Invictus (Translation: Unconquered), which goes as follows:

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be 

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishment the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.    

Throughout life we will pass through many hardships and trials, and we may desire to give up on life, but just as this poem suggests, we decide how our future is going to go and what we are going to do with it. Will we give up everything great in the future simply because we currently struggle? Or will we press forward with faith in good things to come? It is one of our greatest goals to reach the end valiantly, so why not stay strong in the process? Life is going to be difficult, but we don’t have to be conquerable in the least by our enemies, whether they are mortal, immortal, physical, or psychological. Stay strong. Stay courageous.

This is the War of Wars

There are times when I do not really want to write anything, and being in this circumstance today I also find that I do not know what to write, but as I felt a need to write this blog post I hope that I can mention something that will be of worth to someone.
In retrospection of current events around the world, including bombings in several locations such as Paris, it seems that once again we are fighting a threatening power that seeks to destroy anyone and anything that contradicts its own views. We also see similar contention within our own society, homes, and sometimes within ourselves. Interestingly enough, this should remind us of the ongoing war we continually fight on a daily basis: the war against sin.
Some that read this post will not agree that we are fighting a spiritual war because they have little belief in God and Lucifer, a heaven and a hell, but regardless of personal beliefs all can hopefully say that it is their (our) goal to become better each day; hence we are in some manner overcoming and fighting against our natural man and our mistakes. However, God does exist and Satan is the great opposer.
Why do I even mention this? It is necessary that we always remember who is our actual enemy.
Some days when we go into battle we will not win. We may leave the battle of the day with several deep scars, large bruises, and a grief-stricken heart. I know I have more than once, and sometimes I lose the battle many days in a row. However, simply losing one or even several battles does not mean that we should give up all hope. I promise that by continuing on through life's battles we will someday see great peace and happiness. While pondering the violence occurring throughout the world and my personal failures and shortcomings, the thought came to me, "All superheroes at one point are at the mercy of their enemy. Any individual that has attempted to reach greater heights and goals has failed several times in their journey. Every storybook character has a conflict that they must resolve. Regardless of who we are, we will sometimes fail and fall on our journey through life. Those that reach better days and achieve their desires are those that continue to fight, keep moving, and work hard to achieve their dreams. If you don't give up on life, it won't give up on you."
Wherever you are in your life, keep going. Keep fighting for what's right, for your desires, and for your goals. Pick a side and stay on that side with courage, and hopefully you are on the right side, fighting against the evils in the world. God the Father does live and there are better things to come.

5 Miracles

A couple of weeks ago I had an extremely trying week and it actually continued into the following week. Because of it I had a period where I was suffering greatly with anxiety and didn't really want to be around people, and I began to lose my confidence. However, just when I was close to abandoning almost everything to do with my social and work life a few miracles happened. A girl in my ward needed to borrow someone's laptop that had photoshop on it and I happened to have that. As she was over working on her assignment, she told me about a group planning on playing ultimate frisbee during the week. So that upcoming week I included myself in social activities and went and played ultimate frisbee. The girl who told me about it wasn't there but I played frisbee with 5 guys. Two of the guys I already knew, while three of them were new to the ward. As a result of playing ultimate frisbee with them, the three new guys and their roommate quickly became friends that I've been able to hang out with each week. Because of my trial, I became much better at playing the piano (I spent almost everyday practicing to calm my anxiety), I began serving more, I spent more time with my family and people in my ward instead of those at work, and Heavenly Father sent me 5, I suppose 6 actually, miracles at the right time. 
I had dropped so very low that difficult week and a half, but Heavenly Father wanted me to see that He was still watching over me and loved me. He needed me to be humbled so I'd pay more attention to the answers and guidance He had for me. I know He is our watchful and caring Father that never abandons us. We tend to look down as we lose confidence in ourselves and have difficult trials, but if we'll turn around and look up, we'll see that He is there. Never give up on a difficult task. The Lord will provide the way and send blessings beyond measure. 

A Personal Demon: Social Anxiety

Recently, I realized that I need to share about one of my most persistent personal demons because people need to understand that those suffering with any mental disorder are still normal. Those that have depression do try to get out of their depression; those with anxiety don't always sit down and cry out "Woe is me!" Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Obsessive Compulsive, and similar disorders or mental illnesses do not define us as individuals, but rather they are trials given to us to help us trust in some greater plan.
I have Social Anxiety. Coworkers, friends, my boss, and my neighbors think that I am sometimes shy but can be friendly and outgoing. I am both, of course, but most of the time I act and put on the costume of a different character around others. I talk to strangers, usually listen with a passive face when someone is angry with me, and I act as though I'm having fun in groups of people, but the truth is that within I'm struggling.
Social Anxiety's characteristics can vary among people. Some cannot deal easily with large groups of people, while others may feel fine in groups but panicked when one-on-one. Some have trouble with giving speeches even though they can perform in front of others, while some feel comfortable giving speeches or talks but fear being called on the spot. Regardless of the occasion, the symptoms of social anxiety are similar: increased pace in heart rate, difficulty breathing, clenched stomach, lightheaded, shaking, and more worrying. Often the anxiety leads to panic attacks or a form of depression.
I share some things from the perspective of one who suffers from this trial:
1) First, it might surprise you, but I'm not always shy. I can talk to others easily and at the time appear calm and outgoing. Most of the time I am fine in the moment, but later I will tremble and be nervous about the situation although it already happened.
2) When I know that someone is angry with me, I will fear any sort of encounter with them. I constantly worry, and upon encounter I feel defeated and hated. I know that the other person doesn't hate me, really, but my mind says that they do. If said person yells at me or raises their voice, I struggle to forgive them for several days.
3) When I'm in the clutches of anxiety, I don't want to be around others. One friend is fine, but two is too many.
4) In addition, I prefer corners and small spaces when anxiety hits. For me, although some may think it's a childish habit, in those moments I grab a blanket and a stuffed animal because it provides some security.
5) I appear to be disinterested when talking to another individual, but actually I am listening carefully. I don't really like drawing attention to myself by talking so to avoid getting nervous, I tend to shut down my emotions.
6) Don't embarrass me if you can help it. I understand that everyone likes to tease and I do it too, but sometimes it's inappropriate. When I am constantly teased I feel bullied.
7) Anxiety from social circumstances builds until I can no longer handle situations and I break down. By the end of a week filled with uncomfortable social situations comprised of embarrassment, getting in trouble, and high self-expectations, I cannot handle things perfectly.
8) I'm a perfectionist. I despise making mistakes of any sort and almost always know when I make one. I don't have to be told because I'm self-critical to the extreme. I feel like I have to act perfectly in public to be accepted, and this places great amounts of pressure on me.
9) I don't like being in traffic because I feel trapped.

Even though it's difficult having a disorder or a mental illness of any sort, people don't have to walk on "eggshells" around those that struggle. The purpose of sharing about my personal demon is not to tell others to be careful and stay back, but to let others know that those with disorders lack complete control over them. Some will say that disorders of any type are just like any physical illness in which we can intake good nutrients, exercise, take medication, and feel better. Rather, emotional and mental disorders are like cancer. All of those things can be done to feel better, and they will help, but it will not be completely taken away. Even when we push through the symptoms each day and fight against the disorders, eventually we'll have to deal with those symptoms again.
That's where it is necessary to have a root or something to be grounded into. For me, it's the gospel of Jesus Christ. Trusting in Him and the Father's plan keeps me secure. Because of what I believe, I know I have someone to talk to that understands and can help me through this difficult trial. To all who do suffer through any disorder, I plead for you to not give up. Trust in God and one day you will be made whole.

Converted Completely

In Alma it is written that Aaron and his brethren taught the Lamanites, which had believed in the traditions of their fathers and hated the Nephites for many hundreds of years. It says that as a result of Aaron's teachings, " And now it came to pass that when the king had sent forth this proclamation, that Aaron and his brethren went forth from city to city, and from one house of worship to another, establishing churches, and consecrating priests and teachers throughout the land among the Lamanites, to preach and to teach the word of God among them; and thus they began to have great success. 5 And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they were taught the records and prophecies which were handed down even to the present time. 6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away. 7 For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren." It is interesting that these Lamanites that had much darkness in their lives since birth should become strongly converted unto the Lord that they never did fall away. On the other hand, various times in the scriptures there are accounts of Nephite dissenters, people who had grown up learning about God and Christ, and partaking of the gospel. Why? As born-into-the-church members, we tend to become too comfortable and many follow after the "traditions of their fathers" rather than seeking for the truth to gain a personal testimony and become converted. Converts sought to know for themselves of truth, and as such became converted. While unfortunately not all converts stay active, those of the Lamanites did because they worked together to strengthen one another and made covenants as one body of Saints. They realized that they could not break covenants without affecting everyone. It is our responsibility to learn and know for ourselves. We've been promised that as we ask with real intent an answer will be given, and this promise is real.

Forgiveness and Change

I traveled to Salt Lake City this weekend for a temple sealing of one of my friends to her husband. The journey was relaxing and I could look at the scenery as I rode on the front runner. I enjoyed Salt Lake City as I was there, especially my time on temple square, and the experience I had inside of the temple strengthened my testimony that families can live eternally together.
However, my time there was also bitter-sweet in that it reminded me of the painful process of forgiveness. I thought about those rare occasions when someone takes something extremely precious away from you, as had happened once to my friend, but which helps us human beings to understand better the repentance process and to know about God's great merciful plan for us. I considered the pain I felt upon being rejected by someone I thought was a friend a couple of years ago and took a long time to forgive. Finally, I was reminded about a more recent experience in which another friend had made plans with me and others, but he ditched us at the last moment in order to spend time with a girl that probably wouldn't have done the same for him. With this and similar experiences over the course of several weeks, I had to relinquish all of the anger within me and forgive quickly so as to not hurt our friendship. Forgiving is difficult, but the peace that comes from doing it is greater than any pain that we may have felt. We are taught, "And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 26:31)." Also, in the same book of scripture, and in the gospel of Matthew, Christ tells us, "For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you;
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Why is it important for us to forgive and repent, though? We should be able to live our lives as we want, offend others freely, and allow our pride to rule us, right? Actually, repenting and forgiving are means of healing. When we repent we are allowing God to help us change our nature to align with His will and to heal us from all hurt, frustration, mistakes, and low-living. When we forgive we are letting love enter our hearts, replacing any enmity we feel toward another person. Repenting and forgiving are refining actions. I have in a small notebook I carry with me a note that refers to a parable about a carpenter and wood. I did not write down exactly what the parable was, but I believe it is something like this:
A man, fit to be king in this world because he was one of the great and noble spirits of the spirit world, was given his choice of occupations by God. The man chose to be a carpenter, a humble and tiresome type of work, but one that he felt he should do. He was sent to earth and grew up in the most humblest and poor of circumstances, and learned throughout his life the trade of the carpenter. In his adulthood he became a well-known carpenter and his work was endless. Each day he would take the pieces of wood of all shapes, sizes, and types, and he would carve and smooth and fashion the pieces into beautiful objects, each with a purpose and a use.
The man in the parable is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He takes each one of us and fashions us into something wonderful, chipping and carving away at us. When our pride and follies get into the way of our progression, Christ allows us to stumble, and then it is up to us to either repent of our own weaknesses or to forgive others for their weaknesses. We are to change and to improve, but we cannot fully do that if we will harden our hearts.    

"Mi papi"

Last night while working with the ushers, one of them that had served a LDS mission in Mexico began to speak in Spanish. He used phrases that he had often heard in Mexico, and one of these phrases was "Papi, mi papi," which translates to a little child saying "daddy, daddy" and trying to get his father's attention.
This morning my thoughts were drawn to my own father. Being a manager at a theater has taught me valuable lessons and has strengthened me in various ways. I have learned to have more confidence, to speak up in front of large groups to notify them about minor issues that we are working on, and to lead more by example. However, perhaps one of the greatest things I have learned is to appreciate my dad. Over several months of learning more about other managers, I have noticed that the general manager occasionally comes in and tells us about how he missed an activity he was to do with his son, or sometimes he comes in on a day he isn't working and spends time in his office when he probably should be spending time with his family.
My dad had to be out of town many times for work throughout my life, but he would be present for our achievements or for our competitions. He and my mom would take us camping where we would spend three days to a week of family time together. He was around to teach me life skills such as repairing drains, broken-down machines, fixing parts of the car, gardening, and bits of carpentry and metal and duct-work. He taught me how to play baseball, how to golf, how to shoot and aim a gun, and how to fish. He showed me how to work hard, to keep going even if I got hurt, and to stay silent when complaining was perhaps acceptable. Any experience I've gained from leadership positions and lessons I've learned from great leaders can never top what I've learned at home. I know it is still much early for Father's Day, but it is always necessary, I feel, to let those you love know how much you appreciate them. Dad, I am grateful to have you in my life. I love you, and Happy (early) Father's Day!

The Serpent of Darkness

"If I ever have to work a Sunday morning, I am afraid that I will go inactive. I don't think I could make it because some Sundays it is hard enough to get up." This is what I said several months ago, knowing that even though my testimony was strong I was weak. When I received my schedule on Wednesday I was appalled to see that I had been scheduled Sunday morning. I thought that since I had been scheduled out of my availability all of my coworkers must have asked off the day, and so I calmly accepted my fate and prayed that if I did ever feel like skipping out on church without a good reason that someone would come find me.
Strangely, last night I had an interesting and vivid dream. I was walking up a steep hill and a brown-black serpent crossed my path and continued up the hill. I refused to go near it even although I usually don't mind snakes.
Today I prepared to go to work, waking early as usual in order to give a ride to someone who didn't need a ride after all, I didn't feel good, the other person opening with me was late so I had to do the usual checks, turning on lights, and cash tills. In addition, nothing was really ready in time, the floor staff was being lazy, I had to still unlock several things that my coworker didn't get to, and all this time my frustration increased, especially because I had to miss my ward's sacrament meeting. Finally to top everything, another coworker that I expected to be one of those who couldn't work, came in to watch a movie. I nearly broke down. I had to pass through exhaustion from attempting to do everything, illness from whatever 'bug' entered my system, frustration with the staff, and disappointment for being let down in many ways; I couldn't do it.
So I read. After retiring for a few moments to the office and reading from my Spanish translation of The Book of Mormon the storm calmed. Nothing really changed, the chaos reigned even still in the environment of work, but peace entered within. Why? Because Satan cannot win.
He had known of my weakness, but he didn't know about the strength God had given me to keep going even when times became tough. He found humor and pleasure in throwing bowling ball after bowling ball all throughout the day, but he does not understand well about the armor of God. He knew I was ill, that customers and coworkers are frustrating, but he understands little about giving and seeking forgiveness. In my dream the large snake overtook my path, blocked it the best he could, and remained in the way as a hindrance to a greater goal. However, even though the Great and Awful Serpent attempts to block our path and turn us away from everything that is good, this does not mean that he has to win in the end and he will not win.