This Friday, April 24, marks the 4th anniversary of my brother’s death. 2011 was, hands down, the darkest, most difficult year of my adult life.
Tyler’s death and the ensuing grief increased a downward spiritual spiral I was already in. But, being raised in the LDS faith I clung to the belief I had that scriptures, prayer, and church attendance would help me feel God’s love.
But–
I prayed and felt no comfort or relief.
I read scriptures and felt no comfort or relief.
I continued to go to church and the temple and felt no comfort or relief.
I DID feel completely abandoned and forgotten by God.
And so I stopped praying. I stopped opening the scriptures. And I only kept going to church because it was important that my 4 children have a solid foundation, and I knew they’d get good grounding at church, despite my personal feelings about God.
In spite of my silent treatment of God that year, I was led to attend a church women’s conference that fall. One of the leaders of the church, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, gave a talk at that time entitled “Forget Me Not.”
That talk was a turning point in my healing process. Because of those words I started to feel that maybe, just maybe, God hadn’t forgotten me after all.
During my angel call last week, I felt that someone needed to hear the excerpt from that talk that helped me heal. I’ve included it here, as well as the link to access the entire talk below. And though this talk is directed at women, it is certainty applicable to men as well!
It feels like someone could use these words right now in their life. If this applies to you, consider this communication from God and your angels, because that’s exactly what it is.
“You are not forgotten… Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!
He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name…
God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes.
The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive and saving. If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow.
…You are closer to heaven than you suppose.
You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine.”
–Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Italics and bolded added)
To access the full talk, go to https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/forget-me-not?lang=eng