Susan Heart Miracle

 I've been able to go walking a few times recently with Susan Vincent.  She found out a couple of months ago that 2 of her arteries were completely blocked and a third one was 80% blocked.  The doctor said it was a complete miracle that she hadn't suffered a heart attack.  In December, she had heart surgery to clear the blockages.  She's had a rough couple of years.  She's had multiple surgeries on her foot.  She is hoping to get on the liver transplant list.  She has been hospitalized several times and now had heart surgery.  But she comes to church each Sunday and she is going for walks around the neighborhood to build up her strength.  She is an inspiration to me.  She just keeps doing what needs to be done and tries to live a faithful life despite her challenges.  

In Real Talk Come Follow Me two weeks ago, Ganel-lyn Condie talked about an experience she had.  She had a dream about a friend of hers named Carrie Clark.  Carrie is a good woman.  She serves others.  She reaches out to those who are struggling.  She serves valiantly in callings.  She has been a scout leader and a primary worker and is one of those who is continually behind the scenes, doing what needs to be done and serving those who need service.  She will likely never be famous and her name will probably not be in history books, but she is good and valiant and makes a difference in the lives of those who know her.  Ganel-lyn had a dream one night that Carrie had died.  At her funeral, the stake center was filled and there were the boys she had taught in scouts and who were now returned missionaries and fathers.  There were her primary children, her neighbors, her friends.  Each one had a story of how Carrie had blessed their lives.  Ganel-lyn reached out to Carrie and shared her dream and Carrie thanked her and said she'd been wondering if the small and simple things she did really made any difference at all.  Ganel-lyn said that if you are a Carrie Clark, you ARE seen and known and what you do DOES matter.  And Susan Vincent is a Carrie Clark.  In fact, most of the women I know (and many of the men) are Carrie Clarks.  I am surrounded by valiant women who change this world in small but nevertheless profound ways through their goodness and their service.  I want to be a Carrie Clark.  I'm trying to be a Carrie Clark.

LESSONS LEARNED:  

Be valiant.  Keep being faithful, no matter what comes.

Even in the midst of hard challenges, the Lord sends miracles and tender mercies.  Notice them.  Record them.  Remember them.

Be a Carrie Clark or a Susan Vincent.  Keep doing good all the days of your life!!