I’ve been thinking this week about hope, and discouragement, and what makes both a part 
of our lives.
Because I’m speaking at a women’s retreat this week about this, it’s been sitting on my soul. The director of the event sent me questionnaire responses from the attending women. The information floored me. Their trials ranged from everyday exhaustion to deep, deep difficulties, the kind that don’t resolve with bucking up.
As I searched for real answers, I came across many talks. What resonated would fill pages, but first and foremost was validating their feelings, situation, and self-worth. And then, amazingly, to joyfully emphasize the possibility of hope, no matter what.
This quote from Jeffrey R. Holland and his “Broken Things to Mend” touched me deeply:
“If you are lonely, please know you can find comfort. If you are discouraged, please you can find hope. If you are poor in spirit, please know you can be strengthened. If you feel you are broken, please know you can be mended.”
What was His solution? “Come unto me…He is saying to us, ‘Trust me, learn of me, do what I do. If you will follow me, I will lead you out of darkness…I will give you answers to your prayers. I will give you rest to your souls.” There is a divine source that can heal our burdens. Whether for you that means to God, the Savior, the Universe, or a Higher Power, He can bind up our wounds and restore our hearts.
The second was from Virginia H. Pearce in her book, Extending Forgiveness:
“Gratitude flips the switch because it allows us to see the good. ‘Beauty for ashes. . . the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” [Isaiah 61:3] It feels just as hard to deal with too many Mom things to do as it does to heal from childhood tragedies. But we can make a choice, and that choice can lead us to healing.
If you’re feeling a little down, or overwhelmed, or even unable to get out of bed, consider handing that burdensome weight right over to a divine source. I invite you to feel your soul lift and your heart to be light.
And to find beauty for ashes.
Hugs,
Connie
Share a joyful moment with Connie as she shows the highs and lows of recently achieving a life dream–singing live with a Jazz Band! Tune in live to Studio 5 on Friday at 11 a.m. on KSL Channel 5 (and thereafter on www.conniesokol.com).
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