What If Their Story, Was My Story?

Imagine this: You are a 29 year old mother of two children. You dropped out of high school when you were in 10th grade and pregnant with your first child. It was at that point that you began to receive welfare assistance. You live in the very same neighborhood you grew up in as a child, in Philadelphia. It worries you to be here because it so full of crime and poverty. You don't want your children to follow your example and end up as you have. However, you struggle to maintain a job partly because of the problems your seven year old daughter Audrey is having. She has many behavioral issues. You are constantly being called to the school because she won't show her teachers respect nor will she do her schoolwork. Not only that, but you can't find any care centers or babysitters to watch her because she is so ill-behaved. You want so badly to get off of welfare and be able to maintain a job, but you also know the importance of being at home with your daughter so you can teach her and help her overcome some of her problems as best you can. What do you do?

Now, I know this can be a touchy subject, so bear with me. I am going to approach the topic of poverty from Christ's standpoint. This past weekend we had General Conference. We were able to listen to the Prophet and leaders of the church. A few of the talks focused on our part as disciples of Jesus Christ, in helping those around us. They were specifically talking about refugees around the world, but this could apply to anyone in need. I loved the phrase a few of the talks referenced, which is also the title, "What if their story, was my story?" How would you feel if you were in the mother's position in the story (a true story by the way) above? What could possibly be a good solution for this mother? Or, you could even put yourself in the child's shoes. I don't know the answer, but I know that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to help those in need. 

I have been working on a school project about poverty and low-income families. This is a very controversial topic because it seems there will never be a sound solution in helping all those who need it. Of course, you always get a handful of people who abuse the system as well which usually negatively impacts how many of us view welfare and how our tax dollars are spent.

So what is poverty? "Poverty is the state of being poor and the inability to provide for basic needs on a consistent basis" (Goldsmith, 2013). Those who are most likely to fall into poverty are those with children in the home, especially single mothers. In 2015, single mothers made up 1/3 of those in poverty. This is a problem because there are many negative impacts on a child if they are in persistent poverty early in life. These problems include but are not limited to behavior issues and negative cognitive development. This is what causes "poverty to breed poverty" (Poverty, 2015). Poverty is a generational cycle. I believe it is this way because of the negative impacts poverty has on children. When children aren't able to learn to their fullest capacity, and have negative impacts on their cognitive growth, it drags them behind. This does not mean there aren't many people who have been able to climb out of poverty and become great people who are very intelligent. However, research does indicate poverty hinders a child's learning ability and growth.

 I was curious to see what people believed about poverty after doing some research. I was able to find 54 people (through Facebook) from all over the country, with different genders, ethnicity, and locations to take this survey.  Here are my results:

 I provided multiple choice questions with answers I had heard or found most often. This question was a heated topic for many people. The "other" section had answers ranging from mental illness to women flooding the job market, to problems with capitalism. However, one of the number one causes of poverty is the rise and fall of the economy. I found it so interesting that no one picked that one when my research indicated this to be a huge factor. For example, before the recession in 2008 and 2009, many people had been climbing out of poverty and were well on their way to being self-reliant. However, when the recession hit, it cause those same people to fall back into the level of poverty. Other causes of poverty include mental illness, disability or disease, or being laid off.

This question was also fascinating to me. I think there are so many people in the world who do so many things to help those around them. However, how many times have walked past someone who needed help, found ways to slip out of paying some of your taxes, or have just been too busy to notice anyone but yourself? I know we all fall into these traps at one point or another. However, to me, when someone chooses the first answer, "aid and programs are needed to help people work to become self-reliant" opposed to "the government needs to help them", it is telling me that it's not just the government's responsibility. It's also OURS. We are to help others around us as well.

  "...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31) 

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When we saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the Kings hall answer and say unto them, Verily I saw unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
(Matthew 25: 34-40)

As stated earlier, this generally is a multi-generational issue. This means that it is a cycle that seems unbreakable at times for those in poverty. People sometimes feel there is no way to get out of that cycle, and then they lose hope. They accept that that is just the way their life with bee. It doesn't have to be that way though. We need to reach out and help others as they struggle to get on their feet again.

 I love this picture. The Savior loves children. I think one of the greatest ways we can help overcome the effects of poverty, is in the way we influence children and their families. We can't beat poverty, but we can make a difference in someone's life. By influencing children, we can give them the hope and motivation and aid that is needed to escape poverty. When a mother or father is putting all their effort into trying to stay afloat, and provide for basic needs, they don't have time for their family, and lack the time needed to teach them of their Savior and His gospel. As we help those around us, we will be able to help families grow closer to the Savior and also have time to be with their families. This will help reduce the negative effects that take place in a family as a result of poverty.

Use your skills, talents, and things you have been blessed with from God, to be an instrument in his hands. I love the way the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is there to help all those in need. Not only do they help, but they provide families with skills needed to become self-reliant. They truly aid and strengthen them as they strive to become self-reliant and are then able to provide for their families and then help others who were just like them. This brings us back to where we started: What if their story, was your story?

I challenge you to do one extra thing each month in order to help a family in need. I love this music video. The actress was a woman who was in poverty, received help and aid, and now is able to provide for her own family.

Comments and questions are welcomed below! 

A Life of Love- Why Death Isn't A Bad Thing

This is my little great-grandma, June Rockwell. She passed away a few weeks ago and I was lucky enough to travel to her funeral. Her funeral was a wonderful occasion for my family because it brought so many of us together that rarely get to see one another. It was so much fun and we all had a great time reminiscing our sweet grandmother. 

Why were we able to be so happy at such a sad time? 

Death does not have to be a sad thing. On the contrary, I was very happy for my grandmother when I heard she had passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was 91 years old and her husband died 5 years ago. She has missed him terribly but still was a spunky woman full of life. However, her health declined rapidly these past few months and I was grateful that she was finally able to be reunited with her spouse and her daughter (my grandma, who passed on when I was 6) after living such a fulfilling and long life. I am going to miss her, but am grateful that she no longer suffering physically.

Death is not the end! 

God has a plan for us. We are not alone. He loves you, and He loves me. He wants us to return to live with him again. Yes, RETURN. We lived with God before we came to this Earth. God created this Earth for us to come and gain experience for ourselves so we can become like Him. He wants us to have bodies and to rely on Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. We must have faith and keep the commandments. We must follow the Savior's example and strive to be more like him. We all will have to die physically for a time, but our spirits live on! My grandma is very much alive and is happy that she is able to be with her family. We will miss her here for a time, but we too will be united with her and all our loved ones again. Because of Jesus Christ, we will get our bodies back and we will have the opportunity to live with Him if we accept Him and do His will. Check out this awesome video that explains in more detail why death doesn't have to be a sad thing!

I want to share with you the legacy that my grandmother left behind. My grandma had an amazing life full of refining moments and experiences that have caused her to be the strong woman that she is. I could spend hours rehearsing stories about her life, but I want to focus on the one thing that I've always admired about my grandma. That is her love, and more specifically, her marriage. My great-grandparents lived far enough away that we only saw them once or maybe twice a year, if that. However, every time my family visited, I could feel the love that they had for us.


As I grew older, I started to recognize the great love that my grandparents shared as well. This awareness grew even more after my great-grandpa died five years ago. I wish I could relay to you the feelings that I felt whenever my grandmother talked about their love and stories from their life. My grandmother had dementia that just got worse and worse every time I saw her, so she often told the same stories again and again. However, I never got tired of them, especially the ones about grandpa. She had so much emotion and love for him every time she talked about him. She could NOT wait to be with him again. I have always wanted a marriage and a love like theirs. I have kept that with me for years and it has always been the goal of mine. Because of Jesus Christ, and promises she made to God and her husband when they were married, she knew she would see him again. 62 years of marriage was not broken, even by death.

I was lucky enough to find the man of my dreams, much like my grandma did. My grandma was able to travel to our wedding, which I am so grateful for! Even though her dementia had gotten so bad that she often didn't know who I was, I was so grateful that she was able to be there for that special moment as I was able to follow in her foot steps. I hope to continue to grow in my marriage and have a love as strong as theirs. 

Because of Him

I am so grateful for my grandma's example and her testimony and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Even when she forgot so many things for the past few years, she never ever forgot who made all things possible. She never forgot her sweet husband or the knowledge that she would be with him again. She never forgot she was a daughter of God. The mind may forget, but the spirit never does. 

(Feel free to comment below on things you have learned from your grandparents!) 

Meet Kaylee

Meet Kaylee. She is your typical spunky, hilarious, and stubborn teenager. However, there is something different about her. I met Kaylee just a few months ago and was able to take part in something that has changed Kaylee's life and the life of all those who follow her as well. She is creating her own legacy.

Kaylee recently strengthened her relationship with God. She had to make changes to bring her life closer in harmony with Christ's teachings, but as she has done so, she has received strength and blessings. Let's hear what Kaylee had to say about her experience.

"When I was first introduced to the church I was very optimistic towards the religion. I didn't think it was possible for anybody to see both Jesus and God. Totally unrealistic. Well, when getting taught by the missionaries, I started to have this warm friendly feeling like I was safe and I just felt at peace. We got taught so many things with the missionaries. Well, for me, it was really difficult to give up my tea. I would literally drink tea twice or three times a day. When I got asked to not drink tea, I felt like I was giving up my life. But then I thought to myself, if God gave up his only son for future souls, then it's really pathetic and unfortunate if I can't give up tea. So I just started slowly and went down to one cup a day, then one every other day, then soon enough I just stopped drinking it.

My mom got baptized a little bit before me and I felt the spirit so much during her baptism. That's what made me want to get baptized sooner. My mom got baptized on December 20th, and I got baptized January 21st. Of course I had my questionable moments and then I'd want to back out, but in the end I did it because I knew that I'd receive the greatest gift of all... The Holy Spirit."

What an amazing testimony Kaylee has. She understands sacrifice. She understands that sacrifice doesn't need to be a burden, but that it can be a blessing! Some of you out there probably think she is crazy! Who says that sacrifice can be a blessing!? However, when we do things that God asks us too, even when they seem hard, we are always blessed. God's plan for us is always better than the plan that we have for ourselves. She did the work to know for herself what God wanted to do, even though she was skeptical in the beginning.  The point isn't that she gave up tea. The point is that she was willing to put aside what she wanted, for something much grander. Something that God wanted her to do so that she could receive something that would bring her more happiness, which in this case is the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

 I was lucky enough to be a part of this experience and to watch as her understanding of the gospel evolved. I remember specifically one study session. She was learning more about her purpose in life and the plan that God has for her and her family. She explained to us that it made so much sense to her. She was so happy she was learning about this now so that she could teach her future family. She understood and could see the blessings that come from knowing this plan.

So what will her posterity remember when they think of Kaylee? They will think of the legacy of sacrifice. They will see there is happiness and blessings that come from following God. They will be forever changed by her legacy.

What kind of legacy are you leaving behind?

"We find that 'sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven!' And in the end, we learn it was no sacrifice at all."

-President Spencer W. Kimball

Strength Through the Ages

Hello everyone! My name is Tenesia. (I know. It's a hard name, and you probably didn't think I was going to be white. Surprise! But in case you were wondering, it's pronounced ten-ee-see-uh).

You may be wondering what this blog is all about. As I have been serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have learned many lessons. However, one of the things that has stuck out the most to me is how much I can learn from the people around me. We all come from different backgrounds, families, countries, and cultures and there are always good things that I can learn from everyone that I meet. I want this to be a place that people can turn to to find similarities, strength, inspiration, and knowledge from people all over the world. We are all brothers and sisters! We need to share the knowledge and the happiness that we have with others.

Each of us are shaped by the people around us and the experiences we have. We can draw from one anothers experiences and stories to help us in our own lives. Not only do people help us, but of course we are also part of someone else's story.We play a part in shaping their lives as well. Your life and the way you live is what will create your legacy. You, yes YOU,  have important lessons and gifts to share. We all do. I want this to be a place where your life or the legacy of a loved one can be shared to help shape the rest of us for the better! So without further ado....

                     MEET POLLY ANN CHILD RICHARDSON

This is my great, great, great, great grandmother! She was born in New York in 1821. 

She is one of the strongest people that could have possibly lived. Why? Because she was a pioneer. She was persecuted for her religion and dedication to God. She was persecuted from a young age and traveled from home to home before settling in Utah many years later. She endured more physical tribulations than one could think possible. She suffered from extreme weather conditions, walking thousands of miles, the feeling of hunger regularly, and the pain that comes from burying two children as they traveled across uncharted territory across the United States. I can hardly even imagine the pain and suffering that she, as well as thousands of others, faced in order to find a safe home where they could worship God as they pleased. Can you imagine how hard that would be? I had an experience that gave me just the tiniest insight of the tribulations and hardships she must have faced. 

When I was a teenager I was able to be a part of a trek. Many of you probably don't know what a trek is. It is when we re-enact and experience things the pioneers went through while crossing the plains. Our trek consisted of traveling with handcarts for a week. We experienced some of the same things that the pioneers experienced many years ago. We wore skirts and bonnets (the girls anyway) and pushed the handcarts that had our supplies in it for the week. We camped each night in a new destination and were able to learn more about the things that those people encountered. We left our homes and all the fun things behind. (Yes, as a teenager, it was amazing that they got all of us to leave the comfort of our homes and cell phones!) It was a humbling and eye opening experience for me. I know our trip was still a peace of cake compared to what their journey was, but man, I sure was happy to be home and shower and enjoy a nice, warm bed! The coolest part for me, was that we each represented someone that crossed the plains as we made our own little journey. I was able to represent my great, great, great, great grandmother, Polly Ann Child. 

I now have the tiniest glimpse of some of the hardships that she had encountered for many years. Because of her strength, it inspires me to continue to push forward even when things are hard. I may not have the same challenges as she does, but I can emulate her strength and find ways to push through, just as she did. There were times on that trip where I didn't think I could take another step. The path was rocky, the cart was heavy, and I was sunburned and blistered....and it was only one week. Imagine how it must have been to do that for months and years! Yet, she continued to look to God and always had faith that everything would work out. I want to follow her example and be able to gain the kind of strength that she had. She has left me with a legacy that has changed my life forever. Now I hope to be able to leave behind a legacy to change the lives of my posterity as well.

                      Psalms 27:1                            "..The Lord is the strength of my life.."