Skin Stories: Striving to "Become"

One principle stands steadfast and true: we will receive trials.
They will come, and they will go, kill us quick or help us grow,
But when we choose to change our view, there comes a power to me and you,
If we look up and realize, each little blessing in disguise,
Wasted time would not occur, and each move we made would be more sure,
Although attitude may not be “everything,” many more happy moments it could bring,
So the next time you feel it’s hard to stand, and are worried about where you may land,
Trust the Lord and the things He'll give, for this day, my friend, He let you live.         

 The first day of January this year I noticed a few odd spots on my leg. They went away after two weeks or so, and I didn't think much of it. Later I developed the same spots again on my leg, then on my forehead, moving down my nose, cheeks, next to my lips, and starting down my neck. By the time I was able to be diagnosed and start medication I had the condition for a month and a half. I started medication that was supposed to take weeks to heal me, and three days later had made unbelievable strides.
Heavenly Father taught me one of the most amazing lessons I will ever learn. Trials are amazing, even the unique ones. Apart from striving to continue feeling beautiful I was dealing with constant discomfort, sadly when smiling, and even pain, specifically where I had gotten stitches in my leg from a piece of skin the doctors took for biopsy and the larger spots that continuted to grow on my face. The worst fear, which I did my best to contain, was being completely unsure of what was exactly going on. I had no idea how serious my condition was, and the medication I was placed on was a chance, potential for serious damage if my body reacted allergically. An unbelievable test of faith occured.  

Each day was a battle to continue to be a light and shine with a positive attitude. I experienced unconditional love and concern from friends, fiesty progression from my mother, adoration and constant uplift from my wonderful boyfriend, Braedon, a blessing from two young men, worthy priesthood holders, and in the end, an appreciation for modern medicine and most importantly, my beautiful, healthy skin.

One day during an institute we were discussing a talk by President Thomas S. Monson called "I Know that My Reedemer Lives!" I gained beautiful insight on my Heavenly Father and his love for us through the trials placed in our path. Brother Peterson told the class that He loves us enough to give us trials, and then he looked directly at me and said, "He loves you enough to give you this trial." The moment I got home I took this picture, smiling as much as possible without pain from stretching my skin, and swore I'd use this trial to lift others someday.

My friend, you are going through something uniquely difficult in your life. You know your pain, but so does your Redeemer. He has felt everything you are feeling. I promise you that if you work with all your might to not only endure, but grow through this pain, you will be blessed more than your mind, body, and soul can fathom. You have every power to "become" through your Savior and Heavenly Father's love for you, and through crawling into bed every night knowing you had the best day you could have, because you chose to.

I testify of these truths, and am grateful for these trials, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Truly, with all my love and wishes for your well being,
♥- Trinity Vanessa





One week later, completely healed, with a new appreciation for life.