Basic Beliefs of Mormons

Thirteen years ago Alvin and I moved into the home we live in now. The ward we belonged to has turned out to be the most astounding group of people whom we have come to love and adore over the years of our acquaintance and friendship.

I was called to be the Young Women President within a month of our marriage. I was professional, young and apparently "hip," according to the girls. I wouldn't ever have classified myself as such, but there you have it . . . me . . . hip.

There were two particular girls, seniors, who were having personality conflicts with some of the people in the Young Women organization. They decided to give me one chance, on the day I was called and sustained, before leaving for good.

I stood that Sunday and bore my testimony of Jesus Christ, His Restored Gospel and the Book of Mormon as a second witness of Jesus Christ. I talked of how my study of the New Testament had led me to seeking my testimony and confirmation of the principles and precepts I'd been taught growing up. I spoke of the beauty of eternal marriage and having my family around me throughout the eternities. But most of all I spoke of how happy I was to be called as the Young Women President and was looking forward to getting to know each and every one of the girls.

Rosa and Tara became frequent visitors in our home. Alvin and I came to love them so deeply. Rosa eventually moved in with us before finally taking the leap and moving out on her own. Tara married a wonderful man who joined the military. They were stationed in Turkey and then ended up stateside before her husband was shipped out again, to Iraq.

Tara became my visiting teacher and I was privileged to get know her better, as a grown woman, wife and mother. She has grown into a marvelous woman, with a firm grasp of the gospel and an iron strength typical of military wives.

A few months ago, really probably about 8 to 10 weeks, Alvin was rushed to the hospital with yet another infection which threatened his life. He spent three days in ICU before they moved him to a regular floor. During that time Tara came to visit and she learned we'd lost the donor we thought was going to give Alvin a kidney. She asked me more questions and as we were walking down the halls of the hospital she asked what blood type Alvin was . . . I responded.

"That's my blood type. I'll give Alvin my kidney."

I was shocked, stunned . . . really, my head was reeling because of the suddenness. Although I knew the chance of her being a match was slim to none, I gave her the transplant coordinator's phone number. Three weeks later we received the call, Tara was a match! Now, on April 15th, as mentioned in a previous post, Tara will be giving a kidney to my husband.

I have paused to reflect over the last thirteen years and all the interactions between Tara, Alvin and me. I shudder to think, had we been condescending, arrogant, impatient or obnoxious at any given time in the last decade would be arriving at this moment today?

An age-old lesson applies here, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Never could I have imagined that Tara, with her husband in Baghdad, would one day be the one who would save Alvin's life. I can certainly say this much, we are forever indebted in gratitude to her for the astounding gift of life she has given him. Because of her Alvin will be able to live free of dialysis and all that comes with it.

May God open the windows of heaven and pour them out upon this little family that they may be protected and blessed beyond their wildest imagination.

Today we received notification of Alvin's transplant surgery. From the moment he was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure seven years ago we have pushed forward with faith, diligence and an astounding amount of courage and strength. My husband has remained unfailingly cheerful and optimistic even when the greatest of trials weighed him down. Me, there were times I shut myself in the bathroom where no one could hear and cried. Nonetheless, the moment is finally here. A chance for my husband to live a life free of dialysis and the innumerable dialysis induced traumas and illnesses.

As I have paused amongst the hustle bustle of trying to get everything organized and in place (you cannot imagine the amount of doctors appointments, paperwork, etc. that have be waded through) I have begun to realize the magnitude of the Lord's hand in this miracle.

Thirteen years ago Alvin and I were married for time and all eternity in the Bountiful Temple. It was an extremely sacred experience which culminated a very long start and stop courtship. We have been very happy since that day, except for the instance of Alvin's health.

Faith is a very simple thing. There were times when it appeared Alvin would not survive the illness striking him down. At those times I became so confused because I was told to have faith and I did and do, but I also realize that we must be willing to submit ourselves to the Father's will. That is simply not as easy as it sounds.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th called prophet in these modern times, said:

We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.

In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us.

He is the central focus of our worship. He is the Son of the living God, the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten in the flesh. He is “risen from the dead, … the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). He is the Lord who shall come again “to reign on the earth over his people” (D&C 76:63; see also Micah 4:7; Revelation 11:15).

None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Testify of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Mar 2008, 4–7)

For one, even as I, who might struggle with understanding where faith leaves off and God's will picks up I have come to a single conclusion:

We must have faith that God's will is the best way to go.

I do know this, in times of great despair I have felt the comfort and love of my Savior sweep over me. At moments when I feared I was facing Alvin's death, the peace, despite the overwhelming sorrow, swept over me and calm settled within my soul.

Now is a time of great rejoicing for our family. We are so thrilled Alvin will be receiving a new kidney and a new lease on life. We have faith that whatever the outcome it will be in our best interest. But to be honest, we're believing the best of everything is going to happen and preparing for the worst. And we will lean on our Rock, our Redeemer . . . for only through Him can we truly find the faith to continue down this path.