Let the Memory Live Again

As I have been writing this blog, I have felt this bold, and dutiful desire - even obligation - to share my past experiences, mistakes, trials and heartaches with  anyone in the world who would read my words.

If you asked me last year if I would ever make a lot of these things public knowledge, I would have laughed and shook my head, thinking of how embarrassing and humiliating it would be.

I have pondered this change in my perspective. Why am I now so comfortable talking about really personal parts of my life? Why do I desire to pour my heart out to people I may not even know?

The conclusion I have come to is that by writing my memories down, I can help make the lives of others a little easier, and their hearts a little lighter, today.

Somebody can benefit from knowing that I was too scared to stand up for my beliefs in high school, when someone made the claim that Mormons weren't Christians - and that I regretted it for years.

Somebody will find direction in knowing that I struggled many times in my life with modesty, and that lack of it led to many poor decisions.

Somebody will find comfort in knowing that there is someone else who has felt the pains that come from a spouse with a pornography addiction, and that there is hope for those who want to change.

Somebody needs to feel the necessity of forgiving someone after years of holding a grudge, and the freedom that comes from it..

Somebody who feels overwhelmed as a parent may need to hear how their struggles can be for their ultimate good.

Somebody needs to feel that miracles do still happen, that our trials can make us stronger as we see the Lord's hand in helping us overcome, and that the Lord will lead us in the right direction as we seek His counsel.

In my blog posts, I try to bring a spirit of hope to resonate out.I try to emulate a spirit of love and compassion. I try to show that I am not perfect, but that I have learned from my mistakes. I try to show that God knows us, loves us, and helps us, that He has a plan for us, and that He allows us to endure trials to bring us closer to Him.

Sometimes we have control over what happens to us, and sometimes we don't. We have a choice to hold on to the bad, and live life in fear, bitterness and despair. Or, we can find all the good that comes despite the bad.  I have been able to forgive myself for my faults more readily now that I know I can help others find their way. I can see the hand of God in my life more, and the purpose and plan He has for me as I delve down deep into my memories of adversity.



I thank God for this new found desire to bring light to others through my thoughts and experiences.

I truly believe that every single person on this planet has memories that could benefit, and even change the world.

Tell your stories. I promise it is so rewarding. It can bring you freedom from regret and heartache. It can form friendships in unlikely places. It can save a life.

I would love to hear your stories, and I know others would too.

May God bless you in your efforts to open your mouths and hearts to your fellow brothers and sisters.