The Moments We Stand

Last night, news broke that Jake Wykstra had been killed in Afghanistan. I'm not going to pretend that I knew him very well. I'd met him. He was in my seminary class. He hung out with all the skaters. He intimidated me though, I don't know why. He was always happy though and smiling. I remember finding out a few months ago that he'd gotten married and I was happy for him! I read all of his wife's sweet messages about how in love she was and how she couldn't wait for him to come home. But he's not coming home.

My heart broke for her. I can't imagine the pain and sorrow she must be feeling right now. All I wanted to do was hug Sammy closer, so grateful for the men and woman who serve who make it so that I can be with him. I felt scared. What would I do if I were her?

I found the blog "The Moments We Stand" a few months ago. I've been reading along every week as Ashlee tells about the story of her life, how her husband was murdered by his lover's husband. She had no idea that any of this was going on and became a widow with five small children in a few moments. I cried the first time I read this and shook in fear. This was one of the worst things I could think of ever happening. Losing your husband and finding out he had betrayed you in the same moment. But I had to keep reading.

The more I read, the better I felt. This blog isn't to feel sorry about Ashlee. It's to show Heavenly Father's love for us all and how with him, we can get through anything. Anything. Everytime I read her blog I feel the spirit so strong. Through reading this, I've been given hope. No matter what life decides to throw at me, I can make it through. Heavenly Father will get me through. Here's her first post that explains everything. Stand. Be still.

I'm going to be honest. I'm a little scared that this blog has fallen into my life and affected me so strongly because something is coming. I'm scared that just like Ashlee, I'm having some intuition into what is to be. I don't want to ever lose Sammy. I want to be sealed to him for time and eternity and it scares me that we can't be sealed now and will have to wait at least another year. But I'm trying to do the best with what I have. I know that my Heavenly Father knows what is in my heart and what is best for me, for us. So, while I pray that nothing ever happens and that we'll be able to be sealed, I'm going to make the most of every day. There are things I just can't control. And whatever comes, no matter how hard, Heavenly Father will help me get through. It doesn't help to worry constantly. I must live with faith.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Wykstra family. I hope that Katie gets the comfort she needs.