Women of Conviction—Thru Cloud and Sunshine
In the month of February, many around the world like to celebrate Valentine’s Day. One year, I was surprised to receive a sweet Valentine’s card from a friend at church. This woman was a busy mom like me, and I was touched that she would take the time to send this card to me.
All people need a touch of friendship. It can be a smile, a hug, a text or email, or even a note or card. If the thought of someone comes into your mind, act upon the impression you receive to brighten that person’s day. I love the quote by Marjorie Pay Hinckley, “Never suppress a generous thought.”
As you read the following excerpt, I hope it will encourage you to reach out, speak up, and share others’ burdens—and also talk about your own burdens as well. To read the whole talk, click here.
Women of Conviction—
Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!
By Reyna I. Aburto
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have made a covenant with God that we “are willing to bear one another’s burdens” and “to mourn with those that mourn.” This may include becoming informed about emotional illnesses, finding resources that can help address these struggles, and ultimately bringing ourselves and others to Christ, who is the Master Healer. Even if we do not know how to relate to what others are going through, validating that their pain is real can be an important first step in finding understanding and healing.
In some cases, the cause of depression or anxiety can be identified, while other times it may be harder to discern. Our brains may suffer because of stress or staggering fatigue, which can sometimes be improved through adjustments in diet, sleep, and exercise. Other times, therapy or medication under the direction of trained professionals may also be needed.
Untreated mental or emotional illness can lead to increased isolation, misunderstandings, broken relationships, self-harm, and even suicide. … It “thrives in secrecy but shrinks in empathy.” (Jane Clayson Johnson, Silent Souls Weeping (2018), 197.) Together, we can break through the clouds of isolation and stigma so the burden of shame is lifted and miracles of healing can occur.
Hymn: Abide with Me!
VERSE 3
I need thy presence ev’ry passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Thru cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me!
Text: Henry F. Lyte, 1793–1847
Music: William H. Monk, 1823–1889
Full Lyrics