Our Desire for Faith

By Amy Colson

There was a moment in my life recently where my faith felt lacking. I had older kids and a baby, feeling a little overwhelmed trying to find the new normal. Everday felt hard. I felt that I was failing in growing or even keeping my faith at times. I wasn’t doing all those everyday small things that help us; praying, reading scriptures, focusing on the Savior, etc. Yet, I know now that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ still loved me and believed in me because they helped when I needed it.

My dad had quadruple bypass heart surgery and a month later was rushed to the hospital with heart problems. After my mom called me I knew I needed to be there at the hospital. As soon as I got off the phone I prayed. I prayed for safety in travels, I prayed for peace, I prayed for my faith to be strong enough to help me through this event. While I was driving I felt the Holy Ghost strengthen me, almost like giving me one of those fierce ‘you got this’ hugs. I knew then that whatever Heavenly Father had planned for my dad it was the right path for him.

My parents do not attend church or believe in a higher power beyond earth. As I sat by my dad I felt the Holy Ghost comfort me and let me know that my dad was going to live. My mom had withdrawn full of fear and worry and my dad started to lose strength. As I exercised my faith by telling my dad with a surety that he was going to be okay there was a change in that room. I felt the Holy Ghost surround us all and it was an amazing moment. From then on my dad started to be positive again and my mom joined in on conversations.

My dad was having a heart attack that night, thankfully not a severe one. He then went on to have a stroke, multiple complications, and a risky surgery. Miraculously, my dad kept going and has found his new normal today.

I know trials happen and can give us opportunities to grow our Faith in Heavenly Father and his plan, in Jesus Christ our Savior, and in the help of the Holy Ghost. What I learned most about this experience is how strong our desire for faith can help during trials and how important we exercise our faith to those we love. Heavenly Father knew what I needed to do to grow my faith at that time, and I wanted it enough to act on it when given the chance. I am not saying I am glad my dad went through all of that, I know that was part of his plan in life, but I was given a chance to make it a little easier, a little more peaceful, a little more hopeful, and I am so very grateful for that. I know Heavenly Father loves us all, whether we have a lot of faith or none. I testify that God knows us. He knows our desires and what is in our hearts. I testify that Jesus Christ helps us everyday because life is hard. And I know that the Holy Ghost speaks truth, provides comfort, and gives us strength to endure.