"Become as Little Children"

In all that goes on around us, there are many questions. How can God let something happen? Where is God in times of need? In this sense, we are like little children in that we do not understand all that God has for us. We miss the fact that God does not allow bad things to happen; most are the result of human choice. Our task is to because like the child, humble ourselves and allow His hand to lead us through our obstacles. He is waiting and prepared to lead us to the blessings He already has waiting for us. It is then our choice to choose to take His hand, as a child takes the hand of the parent, and allow Him to get us there.

As we become like a little child; submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things, we leave the world behind and we become more like Christ. We become better able to handle situations with thoughts and faith in Christ. I cannot share a better example than that shared by Sister Jean A. Stevens, 1st Counselor in the General Primary Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in her conference address shared in April 2011 about a little boy named Liam:

"...This past year he has battled aggressive brain cancer. After two difficult surgeries, it was decided that radiation would also be necessary. During these radiation treatments, he was required to be all alone and lie absolutely still. Liam did not want to be sedated because he disliked the way it made him feel. He was determined that if he could just hear his dad’s voice over the intercom, he could lie still without the sedative.

During these anxious times, his dad spoke to him with words of encouragement and love. “Liam, although you can’t see me, I am right here. I know you can do it. I love you.” Liam successfully accomplished the 33 required radiation treatments while holding perfectly still, a feat his doctors thought would be impossible without sedation for one so young. Through months of pain and difficulty, Liam’s contagious optimism has been a powerful example of meeting adversity with hope and even happiness. His doctors, nurses, and countless others have been inspired by his courage."

Sister Stevens said, "children are the key to helping us become more like Him." I can't get over how this little boy was able to endure 33 treatments with only the voice of his father for comfort. We can learn a lot from this one example of a child. He shined to those around him of his faith, not only in his earthly father but in his Heavenly Father who is the source of happiness and hope in our loneliest moments.

I know through the heart of a child, we will be led to all that our Father has for us. We will know happiness and hope as we face our lonely times. To choose to be like a child, it to be more like Christ and choose the way of my Father in Heaven. The beauty is that it is completely our choice. We only need to reach up and take His hand.