Hope in the Early Light

Bangor, ME Jan 2015

Going on a mission was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. As a missionary, you are not only dedicating yourself to the Lord 24/7, you are learning an incredible amount of life skills that will help you later on in life. For me, the biggest was how to clearly communicate my thoughts. For others, to learn how to be selfless, how to persevere, etc. One of the biggest adventures every missionary goes through is change in general. Change can come slowly so you can do your best to prepare for it, or it can derail your whole life for a period of time. 

Kennebunk, ME Dec. 2014

I have a story of such a time: 

I was with a companion for about 2-3 weeks, when something happened to us that caused a series of flashbacks which kept my companion up all night, causing her to sleep half the day. It was emotionally and physically exhausting for the both of us. We both wanted to get out and work. We both wanted to be exactly obedient. It's hard, though, when your mind, heart, and body will not agree to let you do what you want. While in the process of figuring out how to help this process speed up, I wrote this:

Hope in the Early Light

By: Melissa Blume

The bruises hurt,

the scars are deep.

The memories haunt

and I can't sleep.

I'm in the present

but in my mind

I can't let go

of what's behind.

It's hard to do

but I press on

each time I wake

before the dawn.

The light it brings

gives me new hope

that with this trial 

I can cope.

I know the maker of this light

is the only one

who can make it right.

But until that day

the pain is gone,

I will keep the faith;

with Christ I am strong.

This was one of those changes that derailed us for a period of time, but through our faith in Jesus Christ, we were able to pick ourselves back up and better our route. Life can knock us off our feet. We may, at times, be so scared we can't sleep. Most of the time we don't understand why we endure what we endure on a daily basis. But we know that as long as we 'keep the faith', we will be made better.

Kennebunk, ME Jan 2015