Sorrow and Joy

 



I know several of my readers in this group have suffered through pregnancy loss and specifically stillborn children, so I share this with prayer and love to them all.  


A good friend of mine was excitedly anticipating the birth of her granddaughter any day.  


But this week, after her daughter noticed no movement from a baby who had been extremely active the day before, they rushed to the hospital where it was discovered her precious baby girl had no heartbeat.


She was stillborn several hours later and my friend and her daughter spent several hours crying  and holding their baby.  Then they began the excruciating process of planning a memorial for their little one.  How do you fit into two hours what should have been a lifetime? 


We were all heartbroken for them and yet knowing our grief could in no way compare to what they were and will be walking through.  


But as I was talking to her today and listening she explained that she was so grateful for knowing that this angel was now dancing and playing with her great-grandparents and that brought them a lot of peace. 


She said it even brought her joy - and wasn't it funny how joy and sorrow could both be so real at the exact same time? 


Elder Quentin L Cook recounted the Savior teaching about this very principle when he tried to explain to his disciples that he would be dying.  "He told them, “A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me”.  They were not yet ready to comprehend the Resurrection. Instead the Savior explained in gentle terms that He would leave and return and told them what they would feel: sorrow at His leaving, “but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you”". 


It's absolutely okay to be sad at the sad parts.  And we have even been commanded to mourn with those that mourn.  


But it's also imperative that we know this beautiful doctrine.  That we will live again, thanks to Jesus Christ who broke the bands of death.  


And it's not only okay, but a beautiful part of hope to hold onto that image of loved ones ushering our family members home.  


And to cherish and long for that beautiful day when our joy will be full as we are once again together.

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