The definition of perseverance from Oxford languages states, “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” I feel like that’s the definition of life! Life is hard, difficult, frustrating. But we can not be fearful of those difficult times. It makes us stronger and gives us confidence to persevere over the next hurdle of life.

Enduring the trials in life is the hard part. But we have to understand that those tsunami waves of grief and trials will eventually die down. The storm will calm and so will we.

Being a mom to 7 kids 13 and under is not easy! People often ask me how remain so calm and how I am able to move on from what seems like difficult periods in our kids’ lives. Like sicknesses that just run through all our kids. Hospital visits. Heck, shopping with all of them! I’ve definitely been through a lot and learned a lot. We’ve dealt with (and continue to) deal with health problems that our kids are experiencing. One of our kids only has one kidney. Another was born with many unrelated birth defects. We’ve seen so many specialists. What I am trying to say is that it will all pass. We have always persevered and gotten through it. So I’ve learned to have patience and just take it for what it is. This trial soon shall pass. We have to look for those rays of sunshine. Even if it’s small. A walk in the park, drinking your favorite soda, going out with a friend. We will always have trials, that’s just the way of life. We can enjoy those sunshine moments and cherish them.

I’ve relied on Heavenly Father and my family and friends for support. Heavenly Father has never left my side. He is right next to me when that huge grief wave hits. He stands afar like a proud but protective Father during the calm waters of life. I see his inner workings in my life and others.

I am proud of my journey. I have learned and grown so much. I spoke about my dad’s suicide in church recently one Sunday. I never thought I could actually use the phrase over the pulpit, ‘my dad died by suicide’. I couldn’t even say that word the first couple years. I would cringe every time I hear the word (still do). But I felt confident enough to finally say it. Even though it’s taboo, it really shouldn’t be. It’s real. And it effects everyone and every denomination.

A friend posted a wise quote the other day. It said, “I am strong because I’ve been weak. I am fearless because I’ve been afraid. I am wise because I’ve been foolish”.

We all have to start somewhere. I have been weak, afraid, and foolish many times in my life. We are able to see our past and learn from it. I am no where near perfect, and we shouldn’t judge others that are on their own journey. If you’ve been knocked down from grief, depression, and other trials, then you know how hard it can be to experience those dark waves of life. So why not help others that you see are struggling. We shouldn’t have to suffer alone.

Hugs,

Sarah