In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)

A few things I have learned from my mother:

"Keep the faith". This is a saying that she says to us often. I love this short and to the point truth. Keeping the faith is about having a bigger perspective when things are not always easy, or perhaps they might not even be good. Recently my mother has had a round of health issues that are quite life altering and will hopefully be “but a small moment” (D&C 121:7). During this time I have had the blessing of serving and spending lots of time with her. She has an incredibly positive attitude about all that she is enduring. As I have watched my mother go through this it has become apparent that “keep the faith” is more than just a nice phrase for her. She lives the teachings of Paul written to Timothy: "... I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). I continue to learn to “keep the faith” even when things aren’t ideal from the good example of my mother.

"Be thou an example of the believers". Paul said: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). My mom truly lives this admonition. She and my dad just celebrated 52 years of marriage. Throughout their marriage I cannot recall my mom ever being negative about my father. She supported him when he wanted to start his umpteenth business, sometimes she would be the only one bringing in money teaching piano. She has never complained that he hasn't attended enough church or isn't spiritual enough. She truly lives this idea of being an example of the believers. She loves my dad, with all his faults, flaws, shortcomings, and his strengths. She has taught me to not complain when my husband works late, but rather rejoice in the fact that he is working and providing for our family. I rejoice in the fact that she loves my dad and lives what she believes "in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity".

"Be of Good Cheer". My mom has this on her answering machine. I have come to love this saying. Christ says it to His disciples just before he goes to the garden of Gethsemane, and Golgotha; before the Atonement. He says: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). There is much to "be of good cheer" even when we are in the midst of challenges. Throughout my life my mother has been of good cheer, even when things have been desperately difficult for her. She has taught me that Christ has overcome the world, and in Him, all will be made well.

Me with my mother who teaches me by her example, she practices what she preaches.