I AM AmerICAN!

When you truly believe in something, it becomes a part of you. We as Latter Day Saint women believe that we are daughters of God with a divine purpose and mission to fulfill in this life and that part of that duty is to help our children and families to return to live with our Heavenly Father eternally again someday. Because we know WHO we are, we believe that this CAN be done.
Along with our passion and love for the knowledge of WHO we are, comes the inspiring duty of fulfilling other obligations of ALL that we are. We are mothers, we are daughters, we are sisters, we are friends. We are teachers, we are leaders, we are examples, we are missionaries…and the list goes on and on. But, at this particular time of year, we remember more of our heritage and our freedoms, and we remember, “I AM AmerICAN.”
I AM therefore, I CAN. Have you ever thought about all of the amazing men and women that love our country and have devoted their careers and their lives to the protecting and sustaining of this freedom that we all so enjoy here in America? As I have thought about the countless number of sacrifices that have been made, it has helped me to contemplate what more I might be able to do to help support this wonderful cause of freedom. I know that when wars are raging and danger and pestilence have come to lands far from home ,we cannot just drop everything and run to the aid of, or rescue everyone, like our inner souls may desire to. When we see or hear news of death and devastation, we naturally long to reach out and comfort and help those in need. Unfortunately, we can’t all just go buy an airplane ticket and leave our families to “come to the rescue” and help “hands on” in the area of need. BUT, what we CAN do if we think about it, is just as important and is every bit as needed right here at home.
I AM a neighbor who can help serve someone in need. From an elderly person to a single mother, to someone with a husband stationed far away from home, I CAN come to their aid and rescue and help in times of need. I AM a friend who CAN relieve an exhausted mother for a moment of rest. I AM a wife that CAN encourage my husband and build him up to know how much he is loved and appreciated. I AM a mother who CAN teach my children gospel truths and live an example of what a truly grateful heart can truly do for society and their community.
There are so many things that we CAN be. I AM AmerICAN, therefore I CAN make a difference in the lives of others. In Relief Society, we are taught self-reliance principles and skills. When we are self-reliant, we use our blessings and resources to prepare for and avoid problems. Self-reliance, however, is enhanced as we pray for the courage to meet with faith the challenges that will surely come. As we think I AM therefore I CAN, we may think, I AM self-reliant therefore I CAN keep my covenant to help care for others as well in times of need. Sister Julie B. Beck said that, “providing for ourselves and others is evidence that we are true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
I know that I AM a daughter of God and that I CAN help strengthen the testimonies of my sweet family and friends that I so dearly love. May we all pause and reflect on all that God has blessed us with and enjoy a happy, inspiring, and memory filled 4th of July!
–And remember- I AM therefore I CAN!