We Are All In This Together

I'm just going to type for a minute. I've come to this blog a few times thinking I would post something and could never quite figure out what it was at I was trying to say. So tonight I'm just going to put some thoughts down that have been bouncing around in this space between my ears.

 Is it hard for anyone else to reach out of your comfort zone? This is definitely one of my weaknesses and it's been on my mind. Sometimes  I reach out and feel like my hands get slapped and every back turns on me and I'm left wondering what just happened. I'm a shy person, most people don't believe me when I say that, but it's true. Extremely shy, to the point where, if you have a conversation with me, I'll probably spend the rest of the day wondering why I said that one thing and how many ways it can be taken to mean something I didn't mean to say. I strongly dislike this about myself and I'm working on trying to change it.. I keep telling myself slow and steady wins the race and I'm learning to embrace my inner tortoise.

 I've been on all sides of emotion the past few months. It's felt like my foundation has been a little shaky while on this roller coaster ride. I've asked what's the point, what's my purpose so many times it seems like a constant mantra marching through my mind. My poor husband has had to put up with my crying so hard one minute to laughing at how ridiculous I look the next. (I'm sure most girls can relate to this scene).

While I have learned to embrace that my tortoise like qualities aren't going anywhere soon, I've also realized how much it's hurting me. We are asked to bear one anothers burdens, to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort. But if you don't ever let anyone in, no one can be there to pull you out of your shell or crawl in your shell with you and just let you cry.

I am doing much better now, and I am grateful for the chance I had to lean on the Lord and grow my testimony, but like Sister Hinckley said, "We are all in this together.  We need each other. Oh how we need each other!".  I decided to write about this for one reason.  What if you are feeling exactly like me?  What if you need someone too?  If you need someone, I'm there.  If you feel like you should be there for someone, be there. You might feel silly, trust me, you will replay over and over in your mind how silly you looked or sounded while following that prompting to be there for someone else.  But you'll never regret offering that comfort.  And in my experience, you usually don't get people kicking dirt at you or putting a sign on your back saying "kick me".  I'll let you know if that ever changes, but until then, take that chance.

Last thought.  Please, please, please, please can we stop comparing ourselves to each other?  If Heavenly Father had intended for us to all be identical, He would have created us that way.  He has asked us to all work on characteristics to become "like" Him, not to become Him.  Meaning, we keep our identities, our individual worth.  One person showing compassion and kindness will look completely different than another person, but both have learned the characteristics of compassion and kindness.  That's the point.  I learned something at the BYU Women's Conference last week that really struck a chord with me. In talking about the 2,000 stripling warriors, this sister pointed out that all of then were able to rehearse: "We do not doubt our mothers knew it". All 2,000 of them.  She went on to say this would not have been possible if the mothers were so busy worrying about whether they looked as good as so and so or if they had things as nice as these neighbors or if they were constantly competing against each other as to who had the best son.  They were united and 2,000 young men were able to fight as though they did not fear death because they "had been taught by their Mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them".  So if you find yourself comparing your life to someone else.. as President Uchtdorf said.. Stop It.

Please remember that woman who seems to sit by herself at church and rarely talks to anyone else is probably just too scared to reach out.  Remember that young man who seems to joke and be sarcastic about everything, might need someone to believe in him.  Remember those young women who gossip and only care about appearance, need strong mothers and women showing them what really does matter.  Remember the woman who avoids baby showers might be struggling with infertility and not know how to deal with her hurt.  In short, seek after the spirit to help you love the person you are judging and then ask for the confidence to be their friend. I love you all!

~Taryn