The Rest of the Story… [Note - this refers to "Case study #3 on page 65 of the "Girl's side."]
One day Liz received a letter from her friend Melissa. It said,
Dear Liz,
I know that things are really hard for you right now. I wish I could say that I understand exactly how you feel, but I know that I don’t. But I do know that there is someone who does.
Liz, Jesus Christ has felt your every pain (see Alma 7:11). I promise you that if you turn to Him you will find strength. It won’t be easy, especially at first, but I know that as you do everything you can to invite Him into your life, He can make you whole.
I’m guessing you are also worried about who you will be sealed to in the next life, after the divorce. My parents are divorced too, and that’s something that I’ve wondered about. One of the Apostles said that even though all our questions might not be answered while in this life, we can know that if we are faithful God will make everything alright. It reminds me of my favorite verse from the bible, Revelation 21:4. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Liz I promise you that if you keep doing what’s right things will get better.
Love,
Melissa
PS—I would love it if you would start sitting with my mom and me at church.
***
When Liz read that letter, she felt something. It was something small, but it was a warmth she had not felt for a long time. “I’m going to do it,” she thought. I’ll stay strong no matter what.”
And she did. It wasn’t easy; in fact, there were many times that she nearly gave up, but as she kept going, things became easier. Eventually she was married to the man of her dreams and lived, as so many do, happily ever after.
***
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this and the other “What should she do” scenarios that are in the book. Contact us here to suggest other “What should she do?” situations, and share your thoughts about what people should do in each of the scenarios.
I would help her see all of the good qualities that she has so that she can realize that these challenges she is having are not a result of her personal character. I would let her know that I am sorry she has to go through these challenges. I would encourage her to stop paying attention to the jerks because she deserves to be treated kindly. I would also invite her to see who she could reach out to in her ward. I would explain to her that it may be hard to do it, especially since she has such a heavy load to carry, but that it is necessary so that she can progress. I would also explain that allowing satan to make her bitter because of her trials just isn’t worth it. I would testify to her of her noble spirit and that as she turns to Christ to help her become like him regardless of her lifes difficulities she will be happy.
If I were Liz’s friend, first of all, I would tell her that I love her. I would also tell her that the divorce is not her fault in any way; and even though she feels rejected by her birth and adopted parents, that there are Heavenly parents that have never, and will never, reject her. She is loved so much by OUR Heavenly Parents. I would tell her of all the times that she had blessed my life, and also that even though she might feel alone, she’s not; even though she feels like she’s carrying that burden or “cross” by herself, she’s not. Through the Atonement, Christ knows how we all feel. So in that way, we’re never alone. And if we look to Him, and ask, He WILL help us carry our “cross”. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
I would tell her to stay strong in whatever her situation is. I would tell her that she has me, and that she could come over anytime. I would tell her to stay away from the jerky guys because they can make her life even worse. I would tell her that she is NEVER alone, and she always can pray to her Heavenly Father . I would also tell her that she is a daughter of God, and Heavenly Father loves her no matter what. I will also tell her that if she follows this advice, I know that she will have a happy ending.