Pain Is Inevitable. Suffering Is Optional.
I believe that we do not overcome hopelessness by removing the obstacles in our lives. We conquer adversity by not letting it own us, control us, or overcome us, or even define us.
— Justin Osmond
This quote is from my cousin Justin’s new podcast Sound Advice with the Osmonds. He is one of the many heroes in my life and is such an amazing source for good in this world. He opens up and shares the challenges he has faced being born deaf into the Osmond family. I look up to and admire this man in so many ways. Here’s an amazing Ted Talk that he gave:
We all have our struggles, challenges, and stories in life to live and tell. We knew that we would face adversity and struggles before we came to earth. I don’t know why we each go through what we do, but I do know that everything has a purpose… and I believe that purpose is to strengthen us, help us grow, and prepare for greater things down the road. Our experiences are molding us into the individual our loving Father in Heaven wants us to become.
One of my biggest heroes is my Dad. He has had multiple sclerosis my whole life. Although he has had his struggles, I can’t remember a time where he was not positive about life. His motto has always been
I may have M.S., but M.S. does not have me.
— Alan Osmond
He is such an example and inspiration for me to follow. I look to him with my own health challenges and say “I may have diabetes, but diabetes does not have me. I love that phrase and I can apply it to any challenge in life.
“I may have [this challenge], but [this challenge] does not have me.”
My brother David also has multiple sclerosis. He is another hero and inspiration of mine. He shares this quote often that I believe and love:
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
— Unknown
Here’s a great video of him sharing his challenging journey on the Today Show:
We always have a choice in life. We can either react or act. We are going to have bumps in the road. Although I don’t wish for them, I believe they do shape our character and mold us into the person God needs us to be. I think Elder Richard G. Scott said it best:
Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Prov. 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.
— Elder Richard G. Scott, “21 Principles“
I want to be a light that brings others out of darkness. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ who will comfort and help guide and carry us through our trials in life.
28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
— Matthew 11:28-30
Whenever I feel down, David’s songs “It Is” and “I Can Do This” start playing in my mind: