It was late in the year of 2013 and I was standing on my bathroom scale looking down at the numbers. Tears began to well up in my eyes. I was overweight, discouraged, and my self-esteem was at an all–time low. In my moment of despair these words came to my mind, “Give the numbers to Me. Focus on becoming a virtuous vessel.”
I recorded the words in my journal and prayed daily for help to become a virtuous vessel. I had not realized that my Savior’s Atonement applies to the struggles of insecurity, along with redeeming power from my sins. A vessel defined in the dictionary is a person regarded as a holder or receiver of something, especially something non-material. Virtue is defined as moral excellence, goodness, and righteousness. Vessels come in all shapes and sizes.
I was reading the Ensign a few months later and came across an article written by Bradly D. Foster. His words penetrated my heart. I chose my favorite sentences and grouped them together in three small paragraphs, then I taped the following to my cupboard above my washer. Each time I folded laundry I read these encouraging words:
“Our lives are changed daily by the incorrect decisions of others, by our own poor judgment, by the laws of nature, and by unforeseen circumstances in a world that was never designed to be fair.
Sometimes we will face things for which there is no earthly explanation. In those moments we need to erect a sign that reads, ‘Quiet: God at work.’ Meanwhile, hold on, child of God. Keep believing. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Let God do His work in you. The greatest tragedy is to miss what God wants to teach us through our troubles.
We must trust in Him, make the most of each moment, and use our talents and gifts to improve our lives and serve others. Fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.” – Bradly D. Foster (March 2014 Ensign)
God did His work in me. As I received goodness and guidance from Heavenly Father my outlook began to change. I started to love myself again. I felt good when I exercised and I tried to re-gain control of my eating habits. Self-care became relevant to me and I began taking vitamins that were good for my health. It’s interesting that when I was depressed my outside appearance was my biggest concern, meanwhile my insides, both physically and spiritually, were a mess. As I slowly experienced a nature change my physical and spiritual well being began to improve, and over time my outsides began to show it. A year and a half later, I feel like I am glowing with health and radiance from my inside out, and I know that it is because I have become a true follower of Jesus Christ.
