Finding Strength of Will

Here is my blog post for ldslights.org. I sat down to type one thing but as I typed this is what I ended up with instead. It is a bit of a tribute to a friend whose funeral we attended yesterday. Written January 11th, 2015 by Wrylon The above picture is a picture of our family’s feet, from years ago. Today we attended the funeral of a friend. When things like this happen it makes us look at our own lives. How am I living? What influence am I showing? The woman today left an influence all around the country and especially among her family, friends and acquaintances. As she was sick over the last few months, friends went to be with her and comfort her, but it ended up the other way around. Those that visited her left feeling comforted. What good I am doing in the world? The words to the song “Because I Have Been Given Much” by Grace Noll Crowell come to mind, the beginning and the 3 rd  verse. Because I have been given much I too must give. …. Because I have been blessed ...

The fondest memory I have of my Grandma is her love of Robert Frost.  Many were the times she shared these words with me: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. * I remember still her voice, her smile, and the kind look in her eyes as she spoke.  A twinkle of joy and wisdom.  As a small child I remember the distinct impression that she knew a secret, and that it was contained in those few words. How poignant this has become in my life as I have chosen the road less traveled by. Today I shared my story with a friend.  The usual fear and doubt were present, the questions, the hesitation.  But once again I felt a gentle urging and encouragement.  As surprised as she was to hear my story, I was equally surprised to find that she had a great understanding and compassion.  Someone close to her lives with this and has been less fortunate than I. For a while now I have been strug...

Today I told a stranger I was gay.  It was just the right time.  It surprised me how easy it was to say, how little I cared if he knew.   “I wondered,” he replied.  “But I thought I was wrong because you were married.  So are you like Josh Weed and Ty Mansfield?” “Why did you think I was gay?”  I asked.  So far most people have been surprised. “I read people pretty well,” he answered.  I should have seen it coming at this point.  Maybe I did. Because I asked, suspiciously, “How do you know about Josh and Ty?” I saw it then.  I knew the look in his eyes.  I knew what he was feeling. We talked for quite some time.  We shared a lot--the same beliefs and religion, the same attractions.  We had similar fears and cares. Ten minutes, then fifteen.  Already we were sharing things more personal than I share with opposite attracted friends, friends I have known for many years. That is my experi...