There were so many incredible moments, reminders, lessons and promptings but this woman below was, by far, the most amazing story of the entire day. Her name is Mariama Kallon. Despite the adversity she has faced she embodies the pure love of Christ and "joy in the journey". From her laugh to her countenance, her Spirit warmed me from head to toe.
"Raised in war-torn Sierra Leone, Mariama Kallon saw many things as a young girl that might fill a person with fear and hatred. Soon after witnessing the violent murders of parents and siblings and spending her youth fleeing from rebels, she was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ and found hope in God and peace in a knowledge of eternal families. She was given a humanitarian kit by the Church, which became a treasured symbol of hope that she used to bless the lives of many as they again fled for their lives. After returning to her town, she was called on a mission to the Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission, and wept in gratitude to the Lord as she visited the place where her precious humanitarian kit was made. Today Mariama stands as an example of the divine purposes of humanitarian work and tells her story to numerous audiences, urging them to participate in this work. She currently resides and works in Salt Lake City, where she has attended LDS Business College."
picture and description from deseret book.com- her story is available here.
Some of the lessons I learned from her story...my life is so easy! When she wanted to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ she had to walk 3 miles each way! Who am I to complain about my minor inconveniences? I take for granted so many things including shampoo, shoes and my scriptures. Even though my trials may never be as severe as this sweet sister, the atonement that our Savior made is available to each of us. I hope I never forget the joy in her eyes and voice, despite what she had been through, and use that as an example of how I need to be!
1 comment:
thanks for filling me in on this, jen. sounds amazing...
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