Bearing up your cross

**5ft Diva** · #1 09-03-2008, 05:34 PM

This may be too personal of a thread to start, but a discussion I wanted to start all the same for those who are willing to share their thoughts.

I have been pondering the idea of bearing up my own cross ever since our last ward conference where we had this discussion in GD. It's a new idea to me this year and one I hope to build upon. I was just wondering how each of you has gained the strength to bear up your own crosses? Does it seem possible to you? Are there days when you feel like you're stuck in the mud? What inspires you to keep going?

natickgirl · #2 09-04-2008, 10:09 AM

I wasn't there for your Gospel Doctrine discussion, but it sounds like it was a good one.

There have been so many days that I just want to scream "This is NOT what I signed up for! I can't 'endure to the end!' I want this cross taken from me right now." I can see how so many people are tempted to just walk away from (or give in to) their difficult situations, whether it's with their immediate families (w/spouse or child), extended families, jobs, church callings or questions, addictions. Unfortunately, walking away usually doesn't solve anything, and often leaves a lot of heartache in its wake.

I think this thread is directly related to the others re: spiritual detoxing, needing to talk things out, and feeling secure/insecure. Not sure about you, but the times I'm most vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy and helplessness are when something is grossly amiss in my life either spiritually (not filling the bucket), emotionally/socially (need to get out more or talk to someone), or physically (not enough sleep or exercise). Of course, Satan is always right there helping us feel more discouraged.

Sometimes the only thing keeping me going on bad days is the knowledge that giving up would only make things worse, and that some problems eventually work themselves out. I also need to remember that I can only change & control myself & not others (this is a really hard one for me).

Everyone has different burdens to bear. Mine even change depending on the day or stage of my life. I just have to have faith in the atonement, and look forward with a perfect brightness of hope. Easier said than done. What are your thoughts?

Erudite · #3 09-04-2008, 11:42 AM

For me, I see that God is standing beside me. I don't go through anything alone..even if I think I am. I think that my cross isn't "my cross" but something that will build me toward being like My Father. The trials, the experiences, the opportunities that we are given are classes of learning that process. God doesn't give them to us to burden us, but to build us. And there is a tremendous amount of Hope in that concept. And from Hope comes strength to bear all things.

I'm on a "stuck in the mud" day right now, having done too much physically yesterday and am feeling worn out and sore today. That usually equates to forgetting my good dietary resolutions, but today I've been on my diet site and blogged myself back into sticking to my resolutions today. Blogging daily was a goal to help me stay on track, so by following that goal/routine, I am (hopefully) staying on track. It also really helps me to attempt to motivate others, which I also do on my diet site, as I have a team of LDS Ladies that are all working on the same goals. I also ASK for motivation from others when I need it...pats on the back and "you can do it"s go a long way for me...and most especially I ask it of Heavenly Father. When I am specific in my needs in prayer, I get off my knees invigorated to meet those needs..even if that is not in my body.

So my inspiration comes from knowing there is a plan for my life, here and beyond, and knowing that my all-out efforts to stick with God through the good times and the bad will only bless and strengthen me.

Erudite · #4 09-09-2008, 03:01 AM

I've been thinking about this some more. Do you think the idea "let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly" (D&C 121:45) goes with this concept? I've been trying harder at it in order to get some discouraging thoughts to go away and it seems to work for bearing crosses too.

What do you think?