Cinderella
“For a moment, think back about your favorite fairy tale. In that story the main character may be a princess or a peasant; she might be a mermaid or a milkmaid, a ruler or a servant. You will find one thing all have in common: they must overcome adversity.
Cinderella has to endure her wicked stepmother and evil stepsisters. She is compelled to suffer long hours of servitude and ridicule…
In [this story] Cinderella has to experience sadness and trial before [she] can reach [her] “happily ever after.” Think about it. Has there ever been a person who did not have to go through his or her own dark valley of temptation, trial, and sorrow?
Sandwiched between their “once upon a time” and “happily ever after,” they all had to experience great adversity. Why must all experience sadness and tragedy? Why could we not simply live in bliss and peace, each day filled with wonder, joy, and love?
The scriptures tell us there must be opposition in all things, for without it we could not discern the sweet from the bitter…
In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy…
“Happily ever after” is not something found only in fairy tales. You can have it! It is available for you! But you must follow your Heavenly Father’s map…Please embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ! Learn to love your Heavenly Father with all your heart, might, and mind…“Stand … in holy places, and be not moved,” regardless of temptations or difficulties. I promise you that future generations will be grateful for you and praise your name for your courage and faithfulness during this crucial time of your life.
…Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your “once upon a time” is now.”
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Your Happily Ever After, April 2010
Have you ever thought of yourself as the hero in your own fairytale before? If not, start thinking of yourself in that way, because you are! You are currently living in your own “Once upon a time” story and it’s not over yet. There are wonderful things ahead of you. You are not left without help. Let Heavenly Father be your trusted guide and the final page of your story will undoubtedly state: “And [insert your name] lived happily ever after.”
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