Just got back from watching this film with my husband Joel.
It was well worth our time - which few movies seem to be anymore.
Between this movie and the book about the handcart pioneers (last post) it struck me....
Suffering and true sorrow seem to turn out more significant, substantive human beings. There's a depth and a strength which doesn't come in any other way I'm aware of.
Survivors who choose to lighten their hearts and love after the worst ordeals have also turned out to be the most lovable humans I know.
We despise sore trials, we go out of our way to avoid them - so isn't it ironic they have the capacity to elevate us?
Well, not all of us. Bitterness ruins the prize of survivorship. That coupled with indignation and martyrdom make the least lovable humans I know.
Two ways to react, and only one of them gives us wings.
Neal A. Maxwell summed it up beautifully (like always) when he said:
"Suffering is the sweat of salvation."
Even though I would never wish them on you...God bless you in your trials!
I loved Les Miserables and so many lessons are found within that movie. I say Amen to everything you said it this post; you are right on.
ReplyDeleteI love Elder Maxwell's quote.
Blessings to you!
LeAnn,
DeleteBlessings back to you. Yep, it's a classic from here on out.
Danny and I were just talking about that very idea today. We are the only ones who determine how we react to our trials. We choose to be happy or miserable, regardless of our circumstances. It's a powerful concept and one I think most people could benefit from learning; the rest already know it.
ReplyDeleteLove you little girl. Thank you for being the sweet, precious mommy that you are. Yep, trials are going to come and we get to decide how we react to them and what kind of life we give them.
DeleteI love this.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I came to a realization that when we go through hardship, it's because we're being strengthened to receive more of what the Lord has to offer us.
One of my favorite scriptures in the Doctrine and Covenants is:
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
"And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours." (D&C 78:17-18)
Having come through the other side of some huge trials, I can look back and clearly see that, before, I was not in a place where I could handle the blessings that I've been given after my trial. But I made it, and I know I got through them only with His help.
I think of that scripture where He says that His arms are stretched out still. (I can't remember where, but I'm thinking Isaiah.) I wonder if he looks at us and says, "I know this is seems hard, but you don't even know what awaits you if you persevere. I promise that if you don't give up, when you get past the storm and see what you have gained, you will weep and call those trials blessed."
Randi,
DeleteThis simply beautiful! I love the scripture you used. It fits so neatly.
That last paragraph is especially priceless...I believe you've hit it spot on.