Most of us are well aware of the impact that the Stephanie Nielson “My New Life” Mormon Message has had on the world. It has been blogged, reported in main stream media, viewed on You Tube by nearly half a million people and touched countless lives. But let me share with you “Maddison’s New Life”.
Maddie is my 7 year old daughter and this is a very personal entry and one that I shared on my blog a little while back, but we wanted to share with you because we've all felt this at different times in our lives and as our sons and daughters are growing and maturing in this world today, I think the pressure to be beautiful in the worlds eyes is even greater.
I have 5 girls and people always comment on how beautiful they are. They are in the world’s view attractive girls. Maddie 7, is so cute but different perhaps to the others. She is not stick thin like her other sisters. She doesn't have long flowing hair that flounces in the breeze and possess the ability to just wear anything and have it look perfect. Sport isn't her thing but piano is and she is not a 4 year old packed full of cuteness. Maddie would look in the mirror and see glasses and freckles and the boys in Primary would pick on her for no particular reason other than it seemed fun. She struggles with school work and would rather be sitting in her room reading a book or just riding her bike in yard.
Everywhere we go, the fact that every adult that came in contact with her would absolutely fall in love because of her gorgeous personality meant nothing. She is guaranteed a friend at the park because she just radiates love. Her beautiful smile meant nothing to her while she would still look in the mirror and see glasses and freckles but nothing that she liked. It was breaking my heart. I could see so much that she just wasn't seeing and I desperately wanted to get that through to her but just wasn't. Sometimes a mother’s endless love just isn't enough. I prayed for Divine guidance and it came when I least expected It.
My kids love to listen to music in the car, or at home when they are doing chores and things so I put together a USB with our favorite music on it but sprinkled in between are Mormon Messages and also Mormon Messages for the Youth. It's like an ad break that they don't even notice because the message is usually accompanied by music so it’s not like listening to 'a talk'. It's magical! Having the words of the Prophets, Apostles, General Authorities and faithful Saint’s testimonies from throughout the world seeping constantly into the hearts and minds of our children is irreplaceable.
In Mormon Messages for the Youth a clip by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf called Our True Identity retells the story of the ugly duckling and urges us to reflect on who we really are—sons and daughters of a glorious Heavenly Father. She listened to it, then wanted to hear it again.
This changed her precious little life. She now has spring in her step. She has started wearing headbands that pull her hair back from her face. She takes care in her appearance. She wants to help and serve all, in the home and out. Maddie has a shine in her countenance that can only come from one place and that is from knowing who SHE really is. She said to me just after hearing this
message, "Mummy I looked in the mirror today". I held my breath because usually what follows is “why am I not pretty or why do I have freckles" but not this time she said “I looked in the mirror and saw a swan." Tears came to my eyes and I held her and said I was so glad. We didn't want to talk; we just wanted to feel the moment and the warmth of the Holy Ghost.
We are commanded to teach our children and the Lord provides more ways than we can imagine ourselves, but thanks to the guidance of the Holy Ghost we are able to fulfill that command one step at a time.
Take a few minutes to watch this clip and see how you feel after it.
About our GUEST WRITER (in her own words): Hi, Donna here from Brisbane, Australia. I’m a mother to 6 great kids ranging in age from 21 to 4. We’re homeschooling the youngest 3. Jessica 9, Maddie 7and Lucy 4. I say ‘we’ because it’s definitely a family affair. My husband is my greatest support on this journey and loves coming home to a house turned completely upside down with learning. You can find us on our blog Flowers n’ Plaid.
3 comments - Add a comment below -:
Isn't it wonderful how God answers prayers? ... and by small and simple things.
That's great to hear about your daughter, who I might point out - is absolutely adorable ☺
As one of those adults who adores Maddie it is wonderful to see her seeing herself the way we all see her - Heavenly Father certainly knows his children and how to bless them. One of those blessings, of course, is a mother who will devote her time and energies of heart to finding what is best.
Just passing by, but the freckles comment made me remember how one of my daughters had similar feelings about her freckles. What I started to do was point out really beautiful faces with freckles. Maybe it's not fair to those without, but I added, "the prettiest girls have freckles." I don't know if it was the photos but we don't have freckle issues anymore.
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