The greater the storm, the more we tend to struggle and seek protection from the wind and rain. It’s only natural. But where do we seek that protection and why? George Washington said, “It is the duty of nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

We must rise above our problems, become humble, and continue on. That’s where the line is drawn between those who give up and decide that it’s not really worth it and those who have faith in themselves and faith in a loving God.

Spencer W. Kimball, a great religious leader, once said, “Is there not wisdom in God giving us trials that we might rise above them, responsibilities that we might achieve, work to harden our muscles, sorrow to try our souls? Are we not exposed to temptations to test our strength, sickness that we might learn patience?”

In my book, “Melinda and the Wild West,” a historical fiction love story, I chose to give my heroine many trials to overcome. I wanted her to grow and become a better person through her problems. Melinda is a new schoolteacher and has to deal with a problem child that needs love and understanding, one that was labeled as a “trouble-maker” by her peers. Melinda learns to deal with other obstacles, also, such as the elements of the west: a blinding blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life and an irritable grizzly bear that terrifies her. As she experiences each trial, she grows and becomes a stronger person. She has to endure problems that she is not familiar with, things that are disconcerting to her. Melinda does not fold and decide to give up, but through faith and perseverance, she endures and becomes a better teacher and helps her students to accept and love this troubled child.

Copyright 2006