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Uniting in faith



As I knelt in my room, admidst the noise of lunch prep in the kitchen, I prayed to end my fast. I was starving (I'm not used to fasting) and had a headache. But somehow, I wasn't ready to eat yet.

I wanted to savor the opportunity to unite with Saints and Christians worldwide. 

I wondered if I had really done enough to help.

I took some time to write in my journal and re-read some verses in The Book of Mormon that I had read recently. And I felt the Spirit comfort me that God knows all. 

He knows how hard this is for some, and even how wonderful it has become for others. 

He knows my simple frustrations. And my deep gratitude. 

During our sacrament meeting at home yesterday, in our living room with my small family, I had the opportunity to bear my testimony. 

I cried. And I almost never cry when I bear my testimony. I'd been crying earlier in the morning- mostly out of frustration that kids weren't listening when I asked them to get ready for church and come clean up the living room so it could be ready for church. But wrapped up in that frustration was my emotions for the many people in this world who are truly suffering because of this virus. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people who have had this virus with more than 35,000 people dying from it. Their family members and loved ones aren't even able to mourn properly because of the dangerous spread.

But, as I bore my testimony to my children, I told them that I KNOW that Jesus Christ lives. He is real. He loves us. He wants to comfort us. All we have to do is ask.

And I have asked. And through my miniscule struggles and frustrations of having my kids all home for 6 weeks straight He has answered my prayer. 

I am so glad I was able to fast and unite in prayer with thousands (maybe millions) around the world for the same thing- relief. Protection. Strength. 

And peace. 

Derek loves to sing. He made a goal to sing in public, and since his 3rd grade concert was cancelled (where he was supposed to sing a solo), we worked on this together. 

Comments

  1. MaryMarch 30, 2020 at 9:09 PM

    Fasting isn't hard for me. The Prayers united throughout our nation was a powerful thiught. All Churches praying to the same God, who loves all his children. I am so glad you spent the time to make this video with Derek. And a little child shall lead them...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tina CrowtherApril 1, 2020 at 6:45 PM

      Thanks. I had fun making the video with Derek, and I think he enjoyed it too. That boy loves to sing!

      Delete
  2. NaDellApril 1, 2020 at 12:50 PM

    It felt different this time to fast. It's always been really hard for me to fast, but it helps so much to have a real reason for a fast and know we are banding together with faithful people all over the world. One of my friends from Fiji posted Sunday that their prime minister announced on their Sunday (before our Sunday) that it had been two days since their last confirmed case of COVID-19. Miracles.
    Derek's sweet voice was so great to hear! I love that song.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tina CrowtherApril 1, 2020 at 6:45 PM

      I'm sure there will be more and more miracles!

      Delete

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