Our Sorrows May Become Joy

I was reading yahoo news this morning and saw this article “Billy Donovan's Secret Sorrow” by Jason King, The Post Game (online sports news) – I do not keep up with sports, so I really don’t know much about these people’s careers, but their personal stories are touching – to read what they have done with their sorrow to support each other, strengthen their family, strengthen their faith in God, and serve others is remarkable, worthy of sharing, and worthy of emulating.  Click on the link to read the article – it is worth the time:  http://www.thepostgame.com/features/201101/billy-donovans-secret-sorrow#

We do not know always see why we experience heartache, deep sorrow and suffering, but there is purpose in all things. It is truly amazing to see the strength and direction that can come from those experiences. We need to have faith in and trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and know we are a part of his plan – the Atonement is for us.  

“But if our sorrow and suffering strengthen our faith in our Savior,  Jesus Christ, “[our] sorrow shall be turned to joy.”  (John 16:20)

“Such trials give us the development of spirituality that we probably never would get if we didn’t have the experience where the very jaws of hell gape open their mouth wide after us. Not only must we survive, but we must develop the ability to have a concern for others while we are suffering. It is a key element in our spiritual growth. As we lose our lives in the service of our fellowmen, we find ourselves.”

“Suffering is universal; how we react to suffering is individual. Suffering can take us one of two ways. It can be a strengthening and purifying experience combined with faith, or it can be a destructive force in our lives if we do not have the faith in the Lord’s atoning sacrifice. The purpose of suffering, however, is to build and strengthen us.” Your Sorrow Shall Be Turned to Joy, Robert D. Hales, October 1983 General Conference

“I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)   “Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;” (D&C 121:7) “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)  “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14: 18)

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4) “He will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, … that he may know according to the flesh … that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance.” (Alma 7:12–13.)