Quake

What was that odd noise? It almost sounded like a big truck barreling from the south towards my apartment. Then the shaking began, slowly and somewhat rolling at first - quickly followed by severe east/west jerking motions of the earth.

There I was trying to keep my balance while standing in the bedroom doorway; being hit by the wildly swinging door; listening to things in the apartment crashing and breaking; wondering if the building would collapse; all accompanied by a multitude of car alarms going off outside. This was not my first experience with an earthquake, though it greatly eclipsed all the others. After what seemed like an eternity the shaking lessened, then stopped. As time then seemed to stand still I became aware of another sound... someone fearfully gasping for breath, and that someone was me!

When at the mercy of the elements and nature there is no control... only feelings of helplessness and insignificance in the face of forces much larger than ever imagined. Last month marked the 23rd anniversary of a date and time that shall never be forgotten by we who were a first-hand witness to a devastating quake and aftermath.

It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop.
   ~Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Ensign, May 2010

There is one thing in life that everyone has in common... adversity. It comes in one form or another and has happened, or will happen, to each of us. It might appear after a period of relative peace and comfort - shaking our very foundations and bringing with it fear, anger, frustration, hopelessness or sorrow. It may even at times seem constant and never ending. What is a severe struggle for one may not be for another. But I do know in faith, that we were given this time in mortality to become prepared, tried, and tested - all for the purpose of being transformed and strengthened through our choices (especially choices made in difficult times).

Who can provide help and comfort in times of hardship, stress and despair? Family, friends, neighbors and even pets can be a great support and resource. But there is only One... the Savior, Jesus Christ... who knows from personal experience how to best offer necessary aid. He has promised relief for all who believe on His name.

   And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
   And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
   ~Alma 7:11-12

If allowed, depression, illness, or a multitude of other trials can erode faith - or it can test and strengthen faith. Peace can be had even in the midst of a storm - whether that storm be physical, emotional, temporal, or spiritual. If endured well those storms will bring blessings. This is my faith, stronger at times and imperfect as it may be.

Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.
   ~Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, November 1999