I DID IT! How about You!
This past weekend has been inspiring. We had the opportunity to gather with friends and neighbors as we celebrated the nation's birth. But that happens every year.
This year however, was a little different. On Saturday morning, we were invited to attend the baptism of a special daughter of God. It was a simple meeting. There was only one speaker, a baptism, a confirmation, an ordination, and a baby blessing. We should have charged for admission, but then again, we were paid with blessings.
This is what I learned. Some six years earlier, the family learned that their young daughter would be challenged for the rest of her mortal life. She was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Her mother talked about her thoughts and feelings. For six years, they wondered. Would she ever be able communicate? Would she understand the world around her? Would she ever understand the gospel? When, if at all possible, would she be able to be baptized? These and a million other questions have run through their minds day in and day out. Sometimes they would have answers, but they were not the answers they expected. After many sleepless nights and tear filled prayers, they decided to just let her be herself.
The young daughter of God had three older siblings and eventually five younger. They quickly learned that she did not want any special treatment. Though challenging, she was going to do everything her old siblings did and be a great example for all those that followed. It has been learning experience.
As an outsider, I have admired their willingness to let her use her agency. They have never told her that she can't. They have never stepped in or hovered when challenges arose. They have always let her figure it out. If she needed help, she would ask.
This weekend I learned from her. They are simple truths.
God is not a respecter of persons. He loves each of us unconditionally.
The Holy Ghost is real. He lets you do what is right and tells you he is happy when you succeed. When you are doing something bad, he is the one saying "No, No, No, No"
Saturday, she was the big sister, setting the example as she turned to her 5 year old sister and gave her 2 thumbs up before entering the waters of baptism.
It is OK to make mistakes. More importantly, it is good to forgive and forget, if you can, don't even worry about it, just go with the flow. The water is warm. Just jump in and remember God love each of us unconditionally.
Not matter what the challenge, no matter what other people may think, no matter how hard it may seem. You can do it. Just don't give up.
This beautiful young spirit came up out of the waters of baptism looked into her mother's eyes and said, "I DID IT" She to the step and knew that it was what she was supposed to do.
How about you?
This year however, was a little different. On Saturday morning, we were invited to attend the baptism of a special daughter of God. It was a simple meeting. There was only one speaker, a baptism, a confirmation, an ordination, and a baby blessing. We should have charged for admission, but then again, we were paid with blessings.
This is what I learned. Some six years earlier, the family learned that their young daughter would be challenged for the rest of her mortal life. She was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Her mother talked about her thoughts and feelings. For six years, they wondered. Would she ever be able communicate? Would she understand the world around her? Would she ever understand the gospel? When, if at all possible, would she be able to be baptized? These and a million other questions have run through their minds day in and day out. Sometimes they would have answers, but they were not the answers they expected. After many sleepless nights and tear filled prayers, they decided to just let her be herself.
The young daughter of God had three older siblings and eventually five younger. They quickly learned that she did not want any special treatment. Though challenging, she was going to do everything her old siblings did and be a great example for all those that followed. It has been learning experience.
As an outsider, I have admired their willingness to let her use her agency. They have never told her that she can't. They have never stepped in or hovered when challenges arose. They have always let her figure it out. If she needed help, she would ask.
This weekend I learned from her. They are simple truths.
God is not a respecter of persons. He loves each of us unconditionally.
The Holy Ghost is real. He lets you do what is right and tells you he is happy when you succeed. When you are doing something bad, he is the one saying "No, No, No, No"
Saturday, she was the big sister, setting the example as she turned to her 5 year old sister and gave her 2 thumbs up before entering the waters of baptism.
It is OK to make mistakes. More importantly, it is good to forgive and forget, if you can, don't even worry about it, just go with the flow. The water is warm. Just jump in and remember God love each of us unconditionally.
Not matter what the challenge, no matter what other people may think, no matter how hard it may seem. You can do it. Just don't give up.
This beautiful young spirit came up out of the waters of baptism looked into her mother's eyes and said, "I DID IT" She to the step and knew that it was what she was supposed to do.
How about you?
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