Stand Up for What You Believe In

To approach the king uninvited was to risk execution, even for the queen. I never thought of it as bravery; I just had to have faith that God would help me. Everyone faces trials and situations that don’t go as planned. It’s hard every day. For me, survival is about two things: courage and faith. As Anne Marie reflected, “I knew that death was a possibility.” Maria felt compelled to act, saying, “I just thought, ‘I have to do something.’” Desirae, in turn, looked up to the heavens and prayed, understanding that sometimes we face situations where the only option is to push forward.

In August of 2011, Anne Marie was diagnosed with a condition that changed her life in an instant. She commented on how just one brief moment can alter everything. Maria experienced a similar challenge when her company decided to take actions that conflicted with her beliefs. She said, “So, I thought, ‘Okay, well, I need to stand up for what I need to stand up for and do what I need to do.’” Desirae faced a devastating loss when her husband was hit by a car and never returned. She described it as “probably the scariest moment of my life.” These experiences highlight the various trials we encounter.

Desirae noted, “You don’t ever realize how strong you are until being strong is all that you have left.” Brave actions often come with fear, but as she said, “Brave is just acting in faith.” Facing challenges may feel overwhelming, but with faith in God, one can find the strength to persevere. Anne Marie chose to quit her job, understanding that “we don’t know what the Lord is trying to teach us, but if I really trust Heavenly Father, it really doesn’t matter what I don’t understand.” Ultimately, Maria found peace and recognized that God’s plan, though different from her own, is always better. Trusting in the Lord and standing up for your beliefs may be difficult, but turning to the scriptures and having courage and faith can lead to growth and strength.