Divine Comfort

When I feel lonely, grief-stricken and depressed divine comfort is always available.

While still in the hospital recovering from the trauma of David's birth I was in need of such comfort. I could tell my body was starting to heal from the unexpected complications of his birth when I began to cry uncontrollably. As my physical pain decreased, my emotional pain increased. With my body no longer struggling for survival, I started to feel the devastating grief of my situation.

David was born at 2:48 a.m. on Friday. On Sunday morning the nurse asked, "Would you like to attend the sacrament service held in the hospital (we were in LDS Hospital) or would you prefer the sacrament be brought to you room?"

Rob and his mom accompanied me to the chapel. Unsure if my newborn would live or die, I was crying even before the service began.

When offered the sacrament I shook my head and pointed to the tube protruding from my nose. A nasal-gastric tube had been inserted through my nose, down my throat and into my stomach. It was designed to suck air from my stomach. I'd been given strict orders not to eat or drink anything.

The old man holding the sacrament tray kindly suggested, "Take a piece of bread and touch it to your lips and do the same with the cup of water. This is what we've done for other patients. I believe it'll have the same effect."

So I took a piece of bread and touched it to my lips and did the same with the cup of water. I was grateful not to be excluded from this ordinance.

I cried even more when I listened to the talks. They were on the Atonement. A young sister spoke about the Savior's ability to provide comfort and peace when we experience sorrow and heartache. As she spoke the Spirit warmed my heart and soothed my soul. I received a witness that what she was saying was true.

I realized my baby was grateful to me for providing him with physical life. Jesus Christ provided us with spiritual life and I provided David with physical life. With this realization came feelings of peace and comfort--the Savior knew my pain and provided the solace I sought. In the midst of deep despair and uncertainty Christ's love reassured and strengthened me.

"Though we (may) . . . face . . . all manner of afflictions, our caring, loving Savior will always be there for us. He has promised: 'I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.'" (Rasband, Ronald, A, "Special Lessons," Ensign, May 2012).

Sweetest Spirits

"But we are reminded that a perfect body is not required to achieve one's divine destiny. In fact, some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail or imperfect bodies. Great spiritual strength is often developed by people with physical challenges, precisely because they are so challenged."

(Nelson, Russell, M. "Thanks Be to God," Ensign, May 2012)