Mabey She Made It

Have you heard about the Meet the Mormons movie coming out? It’s the story of six ordinary people living their lives in different parts of the world. Ordinary. They know who they are and they embrace what they believe. Ordinary. That’s me, too. I have my strengths and my weaknesses; I have my good days and bad; I have my convictions and beliefs that I hold very dear. And why not give you a glimpse into my life–to let you “meet” me per se. I’m an ordinary person, but being a Mormon is a BIG part of who I am. I’m so glad to be sharing this part of me today along with 65 other bloggers who you probably know and admire.

We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints otherwise known as “The Mormons.” We are excited to team up to extend an invitation to see a film entitled Meet The Mormons. This film is not meant to be “in your face.” It’s simply designed and produced to uplift and inspire you through the stories of six individuals of our faith who followed promptings to follow Christ more fully in their lives. We hope your hearts are made light as you feel the goodness that comes from following our Christ and Savior. All proceeds from the film will be donated to The American Red Cross. So not only will you be uplifted and inspired, you’ll be supporting an amazing charity!

We also would like to take a moment to share our personal testimonies, conversion stories, and stories of how following our Savior, Jesus Christ, has changed our lives. The light of the gospel of Jesus Christ offers a joy and hope that only following him can provide. We hope as you click through and read our stories and testimonies you will feel uplifted and encouraged.

Here’s part of my story.

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I wandered around aimlessly for minutes that felt like hours, my head reeling and my heart heavy from uncertainty and disbelief. I dazedly reached for my makeup and a few toiletries from the bathroom then headed upstairs with an overnight bag to get some clothes.

But what would I need? I didn’t really know. When the few feet to my dresser became too far to travel and my load too heavy to bear, I fell to my knees at my bedside begging for understanding and peace. Chad came up the stairs while I was there, and knelt beside me, waiting and praying as well. When we finished, he helped me gather a few more things, and just held me for a minute. There was nothing left to do but to wipe away the tears and kiss our girls goodbye–letting them know they’d come see us a little later. They hardly noticed because Grandma was there and all was right in their world.

We climbed in the truck, and pulled out of the driveway.

“Would you like to go get an ice cream cone first?” he asked.

“Yes, please.” I practically begged, wanting so badly to distract myself from the unknown.

And so he got us an ice cream cone and made jokes and lightened the mood all the way to the hospital where I was admitted. I was 32 weeks pregnant, and I was at the beginning of the longest week of my life. I had no idea what danger my baby and I were in or what the next little while would hold for our little family. Fortunately, I had several things that would carry me through–my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a relationship with my Heavenly Father, and the prayers of hundreds on our behalf.

The weeks and month surrounding Maya’s birth were such a personal and spiritual time. A time where I leaned heavily upon my beliefs as my baby was born 7 weeks premature, I was treated for severe pre-eclampsia, and Maya spent several weeks in the NICU. It could have been such a horrible time, but it wasn’t. I knew my Heavenly Father was there. He knew my emotions and my fears, and He found ways to comfort, buoy, and even gladden my heart as I turned to Him. I learned so much about myself and about the peace that comes from a testimony of Jesus Christ while sitting in a hospital bed and holding a very tiny, perfect little angel. Heaven was very near. And it always can be.

But my story and my desire to share are not just about my experiences around this time. They’re about how that experience has expanded my heart. It brought me closer to my Savior and made me more eager to step outside of myself and help others. They’re about finding and taking the opportunity to serve and love others because you want to share the love and joy you feel when you’re close to your Savior. Everyone should feel that peace. And I hope that by letting me share something so important and close to my heart you’ll feel a portion of that peace.

This has been so different from the norm here at Mabey She Made It, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to share it with you.