C - Create a Trustworthy Support System

C - Create a Trustworthy Support System

Another step in our journey toward joy is "create a trustworthy support system".  Everyone needs friends, no one needs to go through this journey of life, and the trials that come with it, alone.  To illustrate this concept I'm going to use the examples of Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ.  There may be some reading this blog who have never heard of Joseph Smith or have heard of him, but don't believe in his message.  That's ok.  Either way, the concepts apply.

Joseph Smith lived in the 1800's and was persecuted all of his life for claiming that he had seen a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ.  His family always believed him and stood by his side.   His brother Hyrum was especially supportive of him.  They were best of friends - inseparable in life and death.  Joseph also had some very dedicated friends that stuck with him through thick and thin.

I had a light bulb moment this summer as we visited some jails that Joseph had been incarcerated in.  It occurred to me that he was never imprisoned alone.  Every time he was thrown in jail (even though he was innocent each time) he had friends there to support him, including his brother.  I have visited these places countless times in my life, but this time it hit me like a rock - we don't have to endure alone!

My thoughts then turned to the Savior.  He had his disciples with him through his ministry and even in the Garden of Gethsemane, angels were sent to comfort him.  We don't have to do it alone!!  We have angels all around us, whether seen or unseen, who are placed in our life to help us through our journey.  They can't take our burdens away, but they can comfort us and give us strength so we can carry on.

We can learn a lot from these examples, but the thing that I want to focus on is the fact that there are people who believe in our ability to succeed and sometimes we need to let their support strengthen us in order to accomplish what we are asked to do.

A couple of my walking friends were cheerleaders in high school and I think that is one of their callings for life.  On many occasions I have relied on their enthusiasm and love of life to cheer me on.  Each one of my friends has gifts that I have needed at different times.  During my ups and downs I have relied on the fact that they believe in me and that has given me the motivation to keep moving forward.  Knowing someone believes in you makes hope grow and hope is a key to joy.