My testimony kept me

Dear Natalia,

I must tell you about a story I heard tonight.

Tonight I had mommy time and 'filling my bucket' time. I went to a gathering with a bunch of women from our church all together. The lady who spoke to us told us so many stories, a few of which I am sure I will write to you about as the days go on. But the one that particularly struck me tonight I must share with you right now - especially so I don't forget the details.

She talked about reading some histories of women who lived in Germany during WWII. Most of them said good bye permanently to the men in their lives, who left for war, never to return. Many of them were never able to give a proper burial to their men because their bodies could not be recovered to send home. One women described living during this time as 'living through daily air raids, constant starvation, fear of assault, fighting to protect children and horrific scenes of war'.

Yet these women she studied remained VALIANT in their testimony and faith in Christ. They ALONE held up the church organization (of many faiths) because the men who lead the churches were gone at war. The faith in Germany SURVIVED because of the women who lived there.

After reading all kinds of stories, experiences and accounts from many women, she came across a short journal entry from one in particular that she shared. After the war was over and years had passed there were many visitors who came to their country. This woman, who was now wrinkled and old, spoke at a religious gathering. At the end she opened up to questions. There was one in particular question that came up which was, "How and why did you keep your testimony in Christ and in God?"

Then this amazing woman replied, "Oh... I didn't keep my testimony during those times... MY TESTIMONY KEPT ME."

That story just struck a chord with me so strongly tonight, especially because I believe that I must be the same way. That my testimony is so deeply rooted that it KEEPS me through times of trial, hardship and tribulation. I want you to remember this always in your life Natalia. Your testimony in Christ must be so deeply rooted that it will keep you always, through everything you will encounter and experience.

May all women of faith remember that phrase, and if we all will, and bouy each other up, there is nothing we can't make it through in this life.

I love you,

Your Mom