16/09/2020
Recently I was asked how I can maintain an attitude of hope amidst life’s trials. I thought back to my childhood. My father was a magnificent, loving, kind father, but he was not active in our faith. We probably had a little more tension in our home than other homes. At times, I worried that my parents would get divorced. But if I had to do it over again, I’d still choose those parents. We had wonderful family experiences and my parents did everything for me they possibly could. I love them dearly.
It wasn’t until I left home that I realized my family didn’t have much money. Through a miracle, I was able to go to BYU and Yale University, both on scholarships. We had to scrape, claw, pray, and hope that we would have enough money to pay our tithing and get through school. So, I am not blind to the difficulties of life, but I think now I can see beyond them.
Through all of those difficulties, I always knew things were going to be ok. It wasn’t just hope for hope’s sake—it was theological, religious hope in the Almighty. So to anybody struggling today, I say: Be hopeful, be happy, and smile. Remember that God is on your side. He is not an angry, vicious God trying to trip you. He is for you—not against you. He is your Father. He is anxious to do everything possible to bless you. He hears your prayers and desires to make your life all that it can be. That is the God I believe in, and I hope you believe in Him too.