Just in case you didn't hear... the bank that I work at was robbed on Feb.16th. I was the teller that he robbed. He handed me the note that said he wanted all my money that I had and he stated that he had a gun. I never saw it but I'm guessing he didn't. Between that time and the time that they caught him, I was having a hard time with anxiety and nightmares. That's when it occurred to me that I need to find comfort in something. So I started to read my scriptures. I can't even begin to describe the comfort that came from reading my scriptures and specifically asking my Father in Heaven to give me the comfort that I need. Blaine was a really big help through it all, and I can not fully express how grateful I am for him standing by my side to help me through it all. I looked up different ways to deal with PTSD ( Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ) and nothing really seemed to help until my lesson in Relief Society yesterday. My stake president gave a lesson on dealing with depression, anxiety and stress. I could not agree more with the lesson! There are 6 ways that help you with those things...
- Strive to maintain the Spirit
- Take time to PLAY
- Check for physical problems (eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising)
- Avoid comparison ( don't feel inadequate )
- Be content with what's been given
- Live one day at a time
This has made so much sense to me! When I was reading my scriptures and continuously and sincerely offering up my heart in prayer is when I felt the love of my Heavenly Father the most. I was able to have enough confidence in myself to not quit and to continue to work at the bank. I love this job and I didn't want to give the robber that satisfaction of me "scarring me out of a job". I will honestly admit, it was hard to get through but I feel like I came out a much stronger person.
I want to bear my testimony of having a personal relationship with the Lord and being able to communicate to Him your needs. My testimony has grown leaps and bounds through this trial. I am so grateful for having a husband that understands my fears and stresses enough to help me. I am so grateful for the priesthood and that Blaine is worthy to have that gift. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and is aware of me, and my needs. I know this church is true and it is such a blessing in my life. I love the Gospel and it is what I strive to live by. I am looking forward to spending eternity with Blaine and our families. I love that about the Gospel. We will always stay together and not " till death do we part". I love my family and friends and for all their examples they show me. I know that we all need comfort in times of depression, stress and anxiety but I can witness to you that when you find comfort IN THE RIGHT THINGS, blessings will begin to unfold. Reading my scriptures and praying with my husband was the comfort I stood in need of. Alcohol and Drugs will only satisfy you temporarily and will not go away. They only bury the issue so deep until it is so deep, it becomes who you are. I witness to you that when you read your scriptures and offer up your heart to the Lord, he will bless you, and he will continue to bless and love you, and never fail you.