A note from dad- Fresh Courage Take

 March 19, 2025


Hermana Rigby,

This morning you are once again, amongst change.  These past 19 years have accompanied dramatic change.  You have succeeded and you have failed.  You have smiled and you have cried.  You have held my hand needing comfort and support, and you have courageously pressed forward all alone.  The temptation is to consider the times you have faltered and suffered.  May I encourage you to truly realize how far you have come and find courage for your coming weeks!

 

I image Heavenly Father is sitting back focusing on the person you have become through all the challenges and changes you have faced these past 19 years, but especially in the past year.  For me, I find it easy to sit back and become overwhelmed by your growth and accomplishment.  We learn that the gifts of the spirit are “given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him (or her) that seeketh so to do.”   Elder Uchtdorf said, “God does not need people who are flawless. He seeks those who will offer their heart and a willing mind, and He will make them perfect in Christ.”  This purpose of this life is for us to face challenges, and change! You have always pushed and battled against change.  Change is uncomfortable!  You have always found change unpleasant and challenging.  NOW, PAUSE AND TAKE A BIG BREATH!  PAUSE YOURSELF, AND WITNESS HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME!

 

Elder Christofferson has counseled, “ To deal with something big, we may need to work at it in small, daily bites . . . But we can do it because we can appeal to God. . . for the help we need each day!”  In this counsel, I see the secret sauce of your success and growth.  It is just this – you continue to press forward and have maintained a consistent steady pace your entire life and entire mission - even though you have wanted to give up.  Well sweet daughter of mine, that is all you need to do!  Focus on your continued growth and progress, be kind and show your natural small, be the leader and good example that you know you are (do not hide or self-isolate), and call upon God each day.  Your journey and growth will continue and your accomplishments, friends, and good deeds will continue to pile up!

 

I challenge you to press forward in this new companionship with FRESH COURAGE (Hymn Come, Come Ye Saints).  Fresh courage is received when such selfless acts of service and compassion are freely given.  Not only does our compassionate service help another, it provides the vehicle to lift us from our own sorrow.  In verse two of this hymn it states,

“Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard? (great question)

’Tis not so; all is right.

Why should we think to earn a great reward

If we now shun the fight?

Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.

Our God will never us forsake;”

 

In our effort to find joy in our every day, I believe I am beginning to figure out this challenge of maintaining happiness amidst trials.  If we mourn or complain, we are worrying and thinking of self.  When we live with hope and joy, we are pondering and living in Christ, “for in His precense is fulness of joy.”  Thinking celestial is functioning and moving forward while pondering the many ways the Lord blesses us and is in our lives.  Read Alma 26:35-36 and realize you (and I) have reason to rejoice!  “He comprehendeth all things” and will never forsake you!  Ponder that and find strength and joy amidst the current changes you are now facing.

 

I love you and loooooovvvvveeee you even more!

 

Love Daddy Travis


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