The Infinite Power of Hope

As NICU parents, it's easy to feel like the whole world is crumbling around us and that time is standing completely still. That is something we have in common with any parent who has ever had a child in the NICU, whether for four days or four months. Sometimes hope is far from our minds. Tyson and I were grateful to be reminded to be hopeful from the very beginning of Carter's journey. The first Sunday we were in the hospital, we were privileged to have two members of the priesthood and two Relief Society sisters visit us. The brethren gave us the sacrament and the sisters presented a nice message. The message was based on a talk by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf from the October 2008 General Conference. One of the sisters handed this card to Tyson and had him read it aloud:

Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges.

Hope is one leg of a three-legged stool, together with faith and charity. Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. Hope is a gift of the Spirit.

Hope in our Heavenly Father's merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing and gladness.

Hope is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstance. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn.

It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Father.

Hope sustains us through despair.

To all who suffer--- to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely---I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender.

Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.

Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart.

Tyson read this as tears filled his eyes. It was a much-needed message for two parents who felt that all hope was lost, knowing our baby would be in the hospital for at least a month. And it would be the longest and the most trying time of our lives to date. This simple message of hope reminded us that, no matter how difficult the situation, we can rely on the Lord with faith and hope-with an understanding of His atoning love and sacrifice for us. The Lord knows how we feel and have felt. And He knows how all of us feel whenever we feel hopeless.

I hope this simple message will bring comfort to any who are in need of strength. It has helped me immensely. We are so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who watches over us and who has blessed us so much over the last month. We know he has watched over our sweet baby for us and has kept him safe in the NICU. We're grateful for eternal families and for temple work. What a wonderful blessing it is that we can all be with our families again for eternity. He loves us all and wants us to be happy. I hope we can all find peace and hope in our lives during trying times.