BECOMING THE MASTER OF DESTINY

In the very face of peril, there are those incredible individuals who conquer all the odds despite their tremendous adversities. Those mortal souls who rise above that which seemed to be impossible and then become an inspiration to the millions of people who admire and respect their courage. Elizabeth Smart is one of these remarkable individuals who, when all seemed lost, showed us how to conquer the unimaginable with ultimate dignity!  

Elizabeth was abducted from her bedroom on June 5, 2002, at age 14. She endured a living hell with her abductors and was recovered nine months later on March 12, 2003, in Sandy, Utah, 18 miles from her home.  Her story and recovery was widely publicized around the world, but what has happened to her life since this tragedy is even more remarkable. 

Elizabeth finished high school with honors and went on to graduate from Brigham Young University.  On November 11, 2009, she left her home to serve a church mission in Paris. In March of 2011, she was one of four women awarded the Diller-von Furstenberg Award, including a $50,000 prize, which she announced she will use to start The Elizabeth Smart Foundation (aimed in helping young people avoid or recover from violent events). In February 18, 2012, she married Matthew Gilmour and is now working as a commentator for ABC News.  

I have always admired those who face their trials with courage, refusing to surrender to the buffetings of life, for they are the masters of their own destiny. By Linda Sumer Urza, One fine day

OH, THE STORIES WE TELL OURSELVES

Occasionally, I've heard statements condemning religion for being the evil contributor in the destruction of the world; what foolish stories we tell ourselves.

Most people are familiar with the Ten Commandments and understand that they were given to assist mankind in promoting righteous endeavors.  It has been said that if everyone obeyed only half the commandments, the world would become a better place in which to live. It is not the practice of religion that kills the innocent and plunders the earth with evil intent, it is the lack there of.

Since the beginning of time, people have rationalized their behavior by not taking responsibility for their actions.  Some have even blamed religion collectively for the adversities of life. This is like blaming the automobile industry ever time a person is killed in a car accident.  I've been around long enough to see the cause and effect of my own actions and understand how my decisions affect others.  This life is all about personal choice and accountability: good begets good, ignorance begets ignorance, and evil begets evil.

There are those who believe that they "don't need to go to church to draw closer to God," which is much like saying that they don't need nourishment to sustain life.  How can one profess to be on "the team" when they never show up for practice?

Christ left behind His perfect example for all to follow; an example free from guile, hatred, and bigotry.  He did not force anyone to adhere to his teachings, quite the contrary, he invited them to "come follow Him" and taught the principles of loving without boundaries and forgiving without conditions.  I shudder to think what would become of this world without the collective majority of christians, who constantly strive to live God's laws.

Easter is the celebration of the Savior's resurrection and is considered one of the most important moments in earthly history. The announcement of "He is risen" signaled that death had been conquered and the Atonement accomplished.  Jesus' resurrection is the marvelous witness that eternal life proceeds the pain of death... a truthful story worth sharing with others.  Written by Linda Sumer Urza, One fine day.

REAL HEROS WEAR DOG TAGS

The U.S. soldier who gave his own life to save an Afghan girl last week, displayed a compelling act of heroism.  Sgt. Dennis Weichel, 29, died in Afghanistan after rushing in to save an Afghan child who was in the path of a military vehicle barreling down a road.  Weichel, a Rhode Island National Guardsman, was riding along in a convoy in Laghman Province in eastern Afghanistan when some children were spotted playing on the road ahead. The children were picking up shell casings lying on the road to recycled for money. Weichel and other soldiers got out of their vehicles to get the children out of the way of the oncoming convoy of trucks. The children were moved to safety, but the young Afghan child darted back onto the road to pick up more casings.  Weichel spotted the girl and quickly moved to get her out of the way.  He succeeded, but not before he was hit by a heavily armored truck.  The little girl was safe, but Weichel died of his injuries.


Lt. Col. Denis Riel, a spokesman for the Rhode Island National Guard, said Weichel embodied values that can’t be taught. “I have heard nothing but incredible stuff about this kid, selfless beyond our core values that we live up to,” Riel said.  “As I hear more from family and others, he was the living embodiment of the Army’s core values: courageous, selfless and loyal.  All values we expect from our soldiers.  We mourn all combat deaths, but this one is a significant loss.” 


Last December, Sgt. Dennis Weichel, was one of the soldiers spotlighted on national television when he surprised his own children, by showing up unexpectedly at their school.  He was able to spend a few days over the holidays with them before deploying to Afghanistan.  "There is nothing that means more to me in the world than my children." He said holding his children in his arms.  The story of his life has touched the hearts of many across the world and Sgt. Dennis Weichel will always be remember for his courageous sacrifice in the line of duty.  Real heros don't wear capes, they wear dog tags. Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day