"That's all angels can do"

It seems as though life is harder these days, everyone seems a little more stressed, a little more cautious, a little more scared. Life is unsure for most people without an end in sight. I was watching 20/20 the other night, they were talking about the economic situation. This topic is of great interest to me due to the effects I am experiencing in my own life. I have accepted the fact that my life never has been, nor never will be easy. I know my Heavenly Father is always giving me "character-building experiences" which I know are for my own growth. Someone once told me that he believed that we chose our own adversities. I wondered if when they were throwing those things out in the pre-existence if I was saying "I'll take that one, I can do that! Oh, give me that one too, no one else will want that one." What in the world was I thinking? I read this quote, it had special meaning to me.

"There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed and healed, done with." ~Harry Crews

When Bella was born I had to have an emergency C-section because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck. My doctor asked me if this was okay with me because I would have a rather large scar. I looked at him and said "I am missing a leg, I really doubt that a scar will affect my self-esteem." It makes me wonder if people are so scared of adversities that they would go to any length to avoid them. In the play "Man of La Mancha" Don Quixote sings To Dream the Impossible Dream, there is a part that says "...and the world will be better for this that one man, scorned and covered with scars, still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star." This song always gives me such hope and courage, and at this time in my life I am searching for anything that gives me courage, hope and ultimately peace.

As I encounter individuals in my life who are struggling and suffering, whether it be due to looming unemployment or financial hardship, know that I am praying for you and your families. I am praying for all of us. We all need to hang in there and try to help each other by a kind word, a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on. Remember "a hero is one who knows how to hang on one minute longer" --Norwegian Proverb.

I hope we all have courage to smile and face each trial head-on, that is my goal these days. Sometimes I do a good job and sometimes I fail miserably. I am blessed to have wonderful people around me who give me inspiration and buoy me up when I'm feeling low. It means everything to me to have the people in my life that I do, and when I want to give up I remember my Mom telling me "just try your best, that's all angels can do." I do know that no matter what, we will be fine. I just try to face each day with as much courage as I can.

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." ~Mary Anne Radmacher

I love all of you. Thank you for being in my corner. LCF