(A Beehive in Young Women)
My name is Karlee, and I am 12 years old.
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| Karlee in 2012 |
In a conference talk, "The Race of Life," President Thomas S. Monson says: “How grateful we should be that a wise Creator fashioned an earth and placed us here, with a veil of forgetfulness of our previous existence so that we might experience a time of testing, an opportunity to prove ourselves in order to qualify for all that God has prepared for us to receive. Clearly, one primary purpose of our existence upon the earth is to obtain a body of flesh and bones.”
At a very early age I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. This has made my physical body not work the way I would like sometimes. Part of my test here on earth is to deal with my limitations as well as the occasional teasing that may come from me not being able to do all that someone without Cerebral Palsy can do. This test in my life is making me a stronger person and I will be blessed for being strong and overcoming these challenges.
Some of the challenges I’ve faced started with the doctors telling me I would never ride a bike, play basketball and even go to school with my friends.
I faced these challenges head on, and with the help of my parents and family and friends I’m able to do all the things the doctors said I couldn’t do.
One of the things that helped me the most was constant help from my parents as well as many priesthood blessings from my dad, grandpas and uncles. They have been such a great support to me whenever I’ve felt that a blessing would help.
Another test that we receive here on earth is our agency. This allows us to choose for ourselves right from wrong. I could have made the choice to just sit back and not work hard and blame everything on my physical body, but I decided that I could face this challenge, and with hard work I know I’m blessed to be able to do all the many things that I am able to do.
President Monson also said: “Our heavenly Father did not launch us on our eternal voyage without providing the means whereby we could receive from him guidance to ensure our safe return.” This guidance comes in many forms. Some of these include prayer, the Holy Ghost, scriptures, church and church leaders. Priesthood blessings have also helped guide me in my own life.
I know that the Church is true. I know that President Monson is a true prophet. I know if we use the tools that our Heavenly Father has given us we will be blessed. I know my family loves me. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
