V is for Valiant

My baby <3

Valiant (according to Google): Possessing or showing courage or determination.

2 Nephi 4:17-19

17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

When we talk about valiant men in the Book of Mormon, Nephi is always at the top of my list - which is why, every time, this passage of scripture hits me so strongly. It reminds me that serving God isn't easy, and that He expects us to be valiant ... but that valiance isn't lack of weakness. It's lack of giving up. Even Nephi, with whatever he was going through, pressed forward - and where would we be without him? That is courage to me. And with every journey he took, and every commandment he obeyed - especially going back to get the brass plates ... who is a better example of determination?

I respect Nephi greatly for admitting to his weakness. I know how hard it is to do that, especially when everyone thinks you're perfect. The world brings a constant battle over pride, and he conquered that in those scriptures, just as I'm trying to do. And I know that, no matter what we do, if we keep trying and listen to God ... we too can be considered valiant.

It isn't about never making a mistake. It isn't about not falling. It's about getting back up. It's about making the effort. It's about finding strength in God to go on. That's what life is about. That's what we're here to experience. And as we experience it, and learn to trust Him, our growth becomes a future of endless possibilities. We must accept this, and learn to find joy in the journey, because it is the journey He created for us. <3 For you. For me. It's personal and sacred and something so vital.

This journey is our pathway home.

So be valiant, my friends. Don't give up. No matter what you've been through. No matter how dark and hopeless you feel at times. Have courage. Have determination. Have faith in God. Don't give up on Him, because He surely won't give up on you.

Be valiant.

Bonnie Gwyn <3