I wanna see you be brave!

A little over a month ago, I shared my story - well, one of my stories. A piece of my story that makes up who I am. With that experience, and as I've continued to ponder my own life and my own struggles, as well as discuss with people their own life and struggles, I've come to the conclusion that our stories are not meant to be kept to ourselves.

Why are we given weaknesses? Is it simply for us to to become better individuals ourselves? I don't believe so. I believe we are given weaknesses, trials, and experiences, not only to help us become, but to help others become. As I shared my story, I was overwhelmed by the feedback I received. People acted on my request to share my story, as I hoped it would reach people who were in a similar situation or who were seeking understanding. And then I began to receive comments and messages from people who had loved ones struggling with the same thing or who were the ones struggling.

Our experiences give us the ability to have empathy. I think that is a huge reason why we experience some of the struggles we have. We can look at others experiencing something similar, and we can, to a small degree, experience the kind of empathy and care that the Savior has. We can minister to them strengthen them, and encourage them. We can show them that it is possible to overcome, and allow the experiences to help them become.

Our experiences give us the ability to help other people understand other people's struggles.

I believe that if we take the time and effort to articulate our stories, we can change the world. We can be a force of good, of light, and of strength. We can share our failure and our triumphs, and how we have used both to become who we are today.

We can share our moments of darkness to show that it is always possible to find the light.

We can share our fears and our weaknesses to show that one can always turn to Christ.

My story is not unique; that is not why I shared it. It's simply...a story from my life. A story about my path to become the individual I am destined to be. Everyone has these stories.

My goal? My hope? My dream? To help you share your stories. Big stories, little stories. Just...your stories. Because all stories are significant. Some of you will have big weighty secrets, difficult traumas, or simple struggles. No matter the experience, your story will not be less powerful or less meaningful. The smallest of experiences can teach the greatest of lessons.

My sister, when I shared with her my plan to share my story, made a Sara Bareilles reference. She said, "Thank you for showing how big your brave is."

Sara wrote a song I'm sure you are familiar with. It's about opening up your mouth and speaking. We shouldn't be afraid to speak our heart. Stop holding your tongues, my friends. Share your story.

I would love to use my blog as a venue of sharing your stories. If you have a story to share - really, it can be big or little. I just want your stories shared - let me know. You can write it, if you like, and I'll post it here. Or, if you feel you aren't an accomplished writer, I can write it for you. I'll speak with you, interview you, and write it. Everything will be according to your approval. I won't post something that you don't like.

And then, my friends and readers, I would hope you would share the stories posted, just as you shared mine.

So, please. Ponder and pray on what you might have to share. And then show me - and the world - how big your brave is!

Never Alone

***I apologize for the visual cheesiness of this video. It's just...old...***

Today in sacrament meeting, I was reflecting on a few things. Most of my thoughts revolved around a quote I've shared before. My roommate said it to me when I was trying to make the decision of whether or not to be open about my same-sex attraction. (You can read that post here if that sentence was a shocker for you.) She said, "It's ok to be completely alone if you are standing with Christ."

My thoughts revolved around that as I thought about last weekend. Last weekend was a really difficult one for me, for multiple reasons. One of them, though, was that, for just a little bit, I allowed the adversary to convince me that I was isolated. Simple instances where, I am positive none of my friends intended to make me feel that way, I felt left out, unwanted, and alone. (In fact, I am 100% positive they had no idea and that  it had everything to do with me letting Satan put thoughts in my head.

Today, a week later and with a clearer perspective, I reflected back on what my roommate had told me. What I have learned from that statement and from my experiences with my friends and especially my roommates is that I really am never alone. Christ is always standing by me. And, the best part is, He often stands by me in the form of other people. For example, when I shared my story about my struggle, I did not get one single negative word in response. Instead, I felt love. I felt support. People shared my story. Strangers sent me messages on Facebook. Friends and roommates rallied to my side, ready to be furious if anybody did anything to hurt my feelings.

As I sat there, pondering my experiences, pondering my roommate's statement, and pondering my rough weekend, I came to the conclusion, that I'm sure we have all heard before, we are never alone. 99% of the time, someone will be sent our way. And, if not, Christ will be right there, ready to support us through the Spirit and through His love. I have been overwhelmed this past semester, as I've opened my eyes to the love that surrounds me. I frequently thank my Heavenly Father with all my heart for the people I am currently surrounded by.

You, reading this, who might feel alone, isolated, like you are rejected, I can testify to you that is a lie planted in your mind by Satan. I promise you that there is someone in your life who loves you, who cares about you, who wants what best for you. If you can't find them, it's because Christ is standing there, trying to convince you that He's there, loving you, wanting you with Him.

You are never alone. He won't allow it. He suffered so we wouldn't have to be alone.

When have you felt the Lord send you someone or send you love when you were feeling alone? Please, share your experiences and, if you know someone who can benefit from my message, share my thoughts.

To my friends

I've started multiple posts lately, but I just haven't gotten around to finishing them. The idea of this post, though, was birthed while I was at work prepping for a phone call. I had just talked to a student about her classes this semester. She's been struggling, and she was just really discouraged. Because of the nature of my job, I had the opportunity to bear my testimony and encourage her to get through it. I just gave her the gentle reminder that she would get through it, and it would be worth it. Then, while I was prepping, this song came on my Pandora station. Alright, by Walk Off the Earth (no, I'm not even sorry.) Thinking about this student - and then other students I talked to today who were having trouble making decisions or who were discouraged - made me want to share a message that reminds people that it's alright. Things will be alright.

It's not just Pathway students that I've been talking to that I feel like are in need of this message. I have friends who are discouraged, stressed, who are making tough decisions, whose lives aren't going the way they anticipated. All I want to do is scoop these people up and with as much warmth and kindness as I can muster, tell them that it's going to be alright.

Sometimes in the moment, that's not what one wants to hear. In the moment, you want to feel and you want someone else to feel, as well. But, once you have that moment of feeling and acknowledging the hardship you are experiencing, it is important to remember and hold onto the idea that you're going to be alright. Yes, you may still feel discouraged or overwhelmed while holding fast to that knowledge. But, if you hold fast, that will turn into hope, which will turn into faith, which will turn into miracles.

Don't forget to look forward. Don't forget to chase your dreams. Don't forget to remember your divine nature and divine power. Don't forget that you have the power to change the world, so the adversary is going to oppose you in any way he can, because he doesn't want to yo wield your great power and influence on the world.

So, to you who is feeling a little discouraged...did you know that you're alright? You're burning bright. To you who is having trouble making a decision, did you know that you're alright? Just chase your dreams and move forward. To you whose life feels like it's spinning out of control, did you know that you're alright? Don't regret what happened, instead use that experience to help you be strengthened and to help you strengthen others.

Just remember that you're alright, now. And if you don't feel that, you'll get there.