Not Alone.

I was watching a movie the other day and the woman in it was explaining why she didn't want children. She said she didn't want to bring kids into the world like it is. I didn't think much about that until this morning. I picked up my boys' New Era and started reading the article titled, 'Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge' by Elder Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve. He talks about five principles, the first one being "Understand that there is truly opposition in all things." I realized (again) how blessed we are to have the gospel and the knowledge we do. We know that, although the world is a wicked and difficult place, it is the plan for us to be here. We all come here to face opposition and hopefully overcome it. Not that I like opposition, it sucks. But, thankfully, we have the gospel and our testimonies of Jesus Christ to help us get through.

He also talks about the prophet and following his counsel. He shared a wonderful quote by Pres. Hinckley,

"No one need tell you that we are living in a very difficult season in the history of the world. Standards are dropping everywhere. Nothing seems to be sacred anymore.

... I do not know that things were worse in the times of Sodom and Gomorrah... I think our Father must weep as He looks down upon His wayward sons and daughters.

We must not give up. We must not become discouraged. We must never surrender to the forces of evil.. If it means standing alone, we must do it.

But, we shall not be alone."

That last line fills my soul with joy and hope. My heart breaks for the many people in this world who don't know that. As I send my kids out into the world each day, knowing the temptations and hardships that await them, I do it knowing that they are not alone. That they have a Heavenly Father and an Elder Brother who love them even more than I do, and that their heavenly defenders will be watching over them when I cannot. It gives me strength to know that those defenders are watching out for me, too.