THE FAM BAM
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, family has always been a central focus in my life, because it is a central point in our religion. A couple of years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach the seven and eight-year-old children at church. While teaching these children about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I learned that: 1. Teaching young children will quickly alert you to the fact that you are not ready to have children of your own. And 2. The songs the children sing in Primary are some of the most spiritual pieces of music you will ever hear. They teach the plain and precious truths of the Gospel in such a profound way, and the presence of the Spirit can be felt so strongly as those innocent voices sing/scream the lyrics. While I was teaching my class, the children learned a new song, The Family is of God by Matthew Neely. This has become one of my new favorite Primary songs, because it illustrates so powerfully how much our Heavenly Father loves us, because he gave us families that help us learn and grow.
I know that our Heavenly Father gave us families to help us become better people, and to help us become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is so apparent to me why my Heavenly Father put me in my specific family, and how they have helped shape me into the young woman I am today. Family is where we can be ourselves, where we can fail whilst being mocked and loved, and where we can become the best versions of ourselves. My family has always been the greatest support, and I cannot imagine my life without them. Even my stinker of a little brother who lovingly told me that my legs jiggled when I ran (So kind). I can pinpoint the exact way each member of my family has helped me to become a better person, and helped me to come closer to Jesus Christ. I know, without a doubt, that I was not put into this family by pure coincidence. I can never repay them for what they have done for me (except maybe pointing out THEIR flaws), so I hope to honor them by showing the ways they have shaped me.
1. Daddy-o
My dad has had a tremendous influence on me. He taught me to love BYU Sports, to always choose peanut butter cups when the option is presented, and how to be a Def Leppard groupie. One of the things I admire most about my dad is his work ethic. My dad is a Podiatrist (which to me, is like the most disgusting career choice. Who CHOOSES to work with feet all day? Whatever. You do you, sir), and it was a long, hard road to complete this journey. My father went to school for way longer than I would ever have the desire too, and went above and beyond by making straight A’s all through Medical School. We moved around a lot when I was a kid while my dad completed his residency and internships, and he often worked long hours. However, I never heard him complain. He always just put his shoulder to the wheel, and made sure to do his best while at work, so he could one day have a job that provided well for our family. Even now, as a doctor, my dad drives an hour to and from work each day, because he wanted his children to attend a good school, and still make enough money to support us. I am forever grateful for my dad’s example of how working hard in school, and in life, pays off. Whenever I am having a hard time in school, I always try to remember how much harder my dad had it. If he can complete Medical School with two screaming kids in the house, then I can easily write a term paper. We can never repay you for all of the ways you have supported us, Dad.
2. Mamma Mia
My mom, man, she is my rock. She is my shoulder to cry on when I’m feeling down, or my kick in the pants when I need it. She has taught me to not overstress, that Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips will forever be King, and how to laugh in times of trial. The most influential thing my mother has ever done for me, is sharing her unshakeable testimony of Christ. I had the wonderful opportunity to have my mother as my seminary teacher (seminary is like early morning Bible Study) in high school, and because of this, I was able to hear her testimony of Christ almost daily. She always gets so embarrassed because she is such a crier when she discusses her relationship with the Savior, but this “flaw” is one of the things I admire most about her. As I watched my mother tear up as she spoke about how much the Savior had done for her, I knew without a doubt that she truly knew her Savior, and had felt his hand working in her life. Her example lit a fire under me, and gave me the inspiration to develop a better relationship with my Savior. Then, when I was confused on how to use the Atonement in my life, or how to draw closer to my Savior, she was always there to pray for me, and help me gain that relationship. I know that without her sweet spirit, I would not have the amazing relationship that I have with my Savior, now. This is a debt that can never be repaid. I owe you forever and always, Mom. Don’t worry, I almost teared up while writing this, so you are not alone.
3. The Stinker
Ahh, little brothers. Do we really need them? Despite my teasing, I know without a doubt that I need mine. My younger brother has taught me that Batman will always be the best superhero, that the only kind of soccer to watch is German, and that my legs jiggle when I run (life changing information!). The biggest life lesson my younger brother has taught me is how to be tough. I have always been quite sensitive (I know what you are thinking. Then why are you writing a blog?), and my younger brother has always been the opposite. Tough to the core, never let ‘em see you cry (Just like Batman!). From a young age, he has always teased me, pestered me, and relentlessly mocked every hobby I enjoy. It used to drive me up a wall, and I would get so flustered and hurt by the comments he made. However, through his tough love, I have learned to be strong in the face of adversity. I have already heard it all from my younger brother, so no one can really throw any new insult my way. However, if they are able to come up with something original and fresh, I have learned to be at least a little bit better at letting things roll off of my back. I know that I was given him to become stronger, and he was given me to become softer. Love ya, turd.
My family has influenced me in an innumerable amount of ways, but I am sure no one wants to read four million pages about how cool my family is. I know that I am forever indebted to my family. They have taught me to love Christ. They have taught me to have fun. They have taught me what it means to band together in tough times. I would not be the person I am today, without them (sometimes, I am not sure if that is a good thing, or a bad thing). The family truly is of God.
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