You Are Not Alone

In Relief Society today, we were talking about angels here on earth and the many ways the people in our ward have served each other. It was touching and inspiring to know so much good is happening in the world. I’ve known since we moved into this neighborhood that the people here are special. I’ve never seen this kind of generosity from so many people. Especially considering that we’ve met very few in person because of this pandemic. They have served us in so many ways since we moved in and especially since our baby was born. As I listened to the stories that were shared today, a particularly sweet experience came to my mind that I’d like to share with all of you. It’s a great example of how we can all be angels for those around us if we listen to the promptings of the Spirit.

It was Christmastime and we had a new baby. She wasn’t sleeping well, breastfeeding wasn’t working, I’d just given birth during a pandemic which sent my anxiety through the roof, and I had mastitis but didn’t know it yet. What I did know was that I was overwhelmed and felt like I couldn’t do it anymore. I was sitting on the couch with my sweet baby, crying from all the stress and worry, and I prayed for strength. I prayed that I could somehow have what I needed to keep going and be the mother my daughter needed me to be. I thought I’d be given energy or some kind of sustaining power to get me through the day. I was given something so much better: friendship.

Only minutes after saying that prayer (not kidding, I think it was less than five), someone came to my door. I was embarrassed to open it because of the tears and my red face and my disheveled appearance as a new mom. However, I knew I’d seen the car before and thought seeing another human being would be good for me. (We’ve been isolating almost completely throughout the pandemic in order to keep our baby girl safe.) I opened the door to one of my sweet neighbors who came bearing a homemade treat, a smile, and willing ears. We talked about my struggles and she expressed her love and support and it helped me so much. I still felt like a mess, but I knew God had been listening to me and that everything would be okay.

That wasn’t the end of it, though. Within the next hour, two more neighbors came to our door and gave us gifts and love. I couldn’t believe it. As I closed the front door for the third time, a distinct voice told my heart, “You are not allowed to feel alone.” Those angels had no idea what they did for me. They didn’t know how close to breaking I felt when I said that prayer, or that I said it at all. They didn’t know how hard it had been to be isolated with a new baby and to be too afraid of the virus to have anyone come help. But they listened to that thought or prompting or idea to come see us and it made all the difference. My heart was buoyed up until I didn’t feel that crushing stress or worry anymore. It was the sweetest gift I could have asked for.

As we get closer to the end of this pandemic, I can look back and see so many times like that when we were helped. I am profoundly grateful for everyone who brought us food, checked in with us, and gave us love as we figured out how to be parents. We are surrounded by the best people and they are truly angels to me. It has been difficult to go so long without seeing friends and family without masks or distancing, but because of this experience and others, we’ve known we aren’t alone.

So, to all of our angels, I say thank you.

To those who feel like I did on the couch that day, I encourage you to pray and ask for help. Also, no matter how awkward or embarrassing it might feel, don’t be afraid to reach out to the angels around you. I’m getting better at that. It’s still not my favorite thing, but I’m learning that when we allow other people to help us, it can bring blessings to everyone involved.

Friends, it is so important that we listen to promptings and reach out to the people around us, even if we can’t do it physically right now. I know I’m not the only one who has been through emotional turmoil because of this pandemic. There are plenty of others who probably aren’t talking about the struggle, but who need those little acts of kindness. Please keep your minds and hearts open to opportunities to minister. It can help so much.

I love you all! Please know I’m here for you, even if it’s virtually. None of us are truly alone.

Love,

Bonnie Gwyn