THAT is the Truth.

This morning I'd only been awake for a few minutes when I heard my oldest daughter scream.  It was one of those screams that you don't ignore.  One that signals some sort of danger or at least fear and pain.  I ran downstairs.  Between quick panicked breaths and sobs she was yelling at her brother to stop kicking her. 

It's important that I note that this particular brother deals with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and, although at the core of him is a heart of gold and beautiful intentions, at times it is as if he changes into Mr. Hyde.  The ensuing interactions are usually abrasive and hurtful both emotionally and sometimes physically.  I have told him on several occasions that if he is doing something that is hurting someone, they have asked him to stop and he persists, they have my permission to protect and defend themselves. (We also talk about getting out of the situation, but sometimes my son bear holds them and won't let them out.)

Apparently they'd gotten upset at each other the kicking had begun, my son would NOT stop and kicked his sister's finger so hard that it got injured and she was in a lot of pain.

I was honestly so upset about the whole situation.  And so sad that that my others kids AND my friends kids had witness the whole intense event unfold. 

I kept praying, asking what was needed in the situation.  All that I could sense was the importance of calmly handling it, helping attend to my daughter's needs, and talking & processing it with everyone.  Afterwards my friend was so sweet and understanding and said that I had handled it well.  Bless her for giving us grace.

When it was just my daughter and baby at home, we had a chance to talk.  I had the thought to help my daughter recognize the elevating truths about herself:

1) You knew it was not OK to be treated that way and defended yourself.
2) You told an adult what had happened.
3) You responded to my efforts to help you calm down (taking deeper breaths, letting us elevate your feet, petting our dog)

I mentioned how the adversary will have us dwell on the pain and fear and Christ would help us find the truths. 

Isn't that the truth? 

The devil will bring darkness, whisper lies, plant deceptions and feed them with fear.

The Savior will bring light, gently reassure, calm our spirits and help us recognize the truths that will set us free.

Recently an apostle of the Lord, Elder Renlund made mention of this juxtaposition ("Choose You This Day"),

"If Lucifer were teaching a child to walk and the child stumbled, he would scream at the child, punish him, and tell him to quit trying. Lucifer’s ways bring discouragement and despair—eventually and always. This father of lies is the ultimate purveyor of falsehood and cunningly works to deceive and distract us, “for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”

If Christ were teaching a child to walk and the child stumbled, He would help the child get up and encourage the next steps.  Christ is the helper and consoler. His ways bring joy and hope—eventually and always."

As I was talking with her the thought came that speaking the truth invites the spirit.  After all the Holy Ghost is called to testify of truth.  If we speak truth, wouldn't it make sense that he would come and witness of that truth?  What a powerful way to invite God's spirit to be with us!

I love the imagery of the armor of God and the different elements that protect us against evil.

Christ's word, His truth will cut through the lies that surround us and our children,

"Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked." (Helaman 3:29, similar to Hebrews 4:12)

While waiting for the doctor to examine my daughter's pinkie, we were listening to one of our favorite songs, "Head to Toe" by Christy Nockels. (Listen to it here.)

Little one be strong
In the power in the Lord
And let the keeper of the stars keep
Your heart forevermore

Even though you might be small
It is in you His kingdom reigns
And from your mouth the Lord has made
A fountain for His praise

And with His righteousness, across your chest
Salvation for your head
The belt of truth, around you now
With the shield of faith in hand
And with His peace, upon your feet
Everywhere you go
His word will be the sword you keep
Your covered head to toe

Oh the night is quickly fading
And the day will soon break in
And with the dawn the Lord will give
The grace you need to stand

And turn your worries into songs
Put on your covering of light
And you will long outlast the darkness
Because He's with you in this fight

And with His peace, upon your feet
Everywhere you go
His word will be the sword you keep
Your covered head to toe

Let's face it, the World is a crazy place.

BUT

God  IS  with   us.

If we let Him, He can arm us with His truth.  Even in the hardest & darkest moments, His truth can bring clarity and light.

Let that truth illuminate your soul and bring you hope, my friend.

**After having her finger examined and x-rayed, we've ruled out a dislocation or fracture.  It's most likely a sprain.  Gratefully a lot of the pain has subsided since the incident.**