Here in Iowa we are experiencing record-breaking low temperatures. As I crossed over the Red Rock Dam, I noticed it is still flowing. My heart sank! Our dear earliest brothers and sisters walked across the frozen Mississippi River as they fled the mobs who threatened their homes and lives. They didn’t leave in heated vehicles or in modern day perfectly insulated boots. They left in what they had, and for some it wasn’t much. They took their families, many with young children and pregnant woman, and left their comfortable homes, walked across the Mississippi River to face their bitter cold trek west. This is an impossible situation.
“Those of us who can remember when we were compelled to abandon Nauvoo, when the winter was so inclement, know how dark and gloomy the circumstances of the Saints were, with the mob surrounding our outer settlements and threatening to destroy us. … The word was to cross the Mississippi and to launch out into an unknown wilderness—to go where, no one knew. Who knew anything of the terrors of the journey thither, or of the dangers that might have to be met and contended with? … [We moved] out with faith that was undisturbed by [these] unknown terrors. It was by faith that this was accomplished.” -George Q. Cannon
Here in Iowa they are advising NO TRAVEL, because if you were to get stranded, it would take 4 minute to get frost bitten, and death could result in less than an hour. Considering that time table, it was nothing short of a miracle that they even made it across the river. It is completely evident that the Lord did not only carry them across the River, but he carried them all the way to Utah, he carried them while building Utah as the home of the saints, and he is carrying us today as we press forward with faith.
We have faith,
“We live by faith;
We came to these mountains by faith.”
-Brigham Young
If we could all see the Lord’s hands in our lives, we would be shocked to know that he literally never leaves us. He is in the details of our lives–every detail. He is in the detail of every single living person’s lives whether they believe or not. He loves them! He loves all of us unconditionally and without reservation. Unfortunately, it’s hard to recognize his assistance while in the moment because life is hard and we have to work hard to survive, but when we stop and look back at the trials we have endured, it’s easier to realize that it would have been impossible alone.
When explaining this to my children, I tell them to imagine themselves on a hike with dad or me, and they fall and break their leg. We would pick them up and carry them back to the car, and drive them to the hospital, even though the pain in their leg would still be excruciating, and I am sure they would be screaming in pain. But if, they were alone, and had to walk on their broken leg, they may not make it at all, and if they were able to make it, the pain and anguish would be more severe! I tell them that during their toughest moments, to make sure they thank the Lord for carrying them. Through that gratitude they will be able to feel His love more abundantly and endure their hardship with a little more ease. Everything is better with a friend! How lucky we all are that our forever friend is Christ himself.
“Miracles happen everyday, change your perception of what a miracle is and you’ll see them all around you”. -Jon Bon Jovi
Someday all will know where our source of survival came from, and all will feel a joy that surpasses all joy as all will know Christ, and recognize his love throughout their life.
“The more we follow Christ, the more we will feel His love and direction”. -Neill F. Marriott
-Sherri Jorgensen
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