Briana Shuri Boulter Stephen
September 9, 1979-May 6, 2011
"I've reached an all-time low for me. I promised I'd never ask the question 'why' to Heavenly Father, knowing that all trials will serve a purpose in due time. Yet, I cried for over an hour to the Lord the other night, pleading for a miracle for my body to be restored to full health immediately. I questioned why Peter was able to walk on water when I couldn't walk on carpet, why Moses could part the Red Sea when I can't even do my laundry, why, when Lazarus could be brought back from the dead, my left side continues to be limp, why so many were and are quickly healed but not me. I know the Lord can heal me completely in the twinkling of an eye. Not "why me?", but "why so long?" What more do I need to learn?
And then it hit me...we are all in training for greatness. The lesson we had Sunday about having faith in Christ couldn't have been more timely. "We can ... increase our faith by praying to Heavenly Father about our hopes, desires, and needs (see Alma 34:17-26). But we must not suppose that all we have to do is ask. We are told in the scriptures that “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). " This message is an important one to grasp. Why is it important to show works in conjunction to our faith? I believe a large part is for our training -- God wants to prove to us the greatness we all have inside -- to overcome the most difficult trials with His help.
When I prayed for a quick miracle the other night, I had the feeling that I was not going to be granted that desire, but I also had the peaceful feeling that all would be okay. I know I have a tough road ahead of me with physical therapy, but like the saying goes, "I never said it would be easy; I only said it would be worth it.'"
-Bri September 2010
"I had an epiphany today while sitting in the oncologist's office. There's so much talk and paraphernalia about finding cures for cancer. There's bitter talk about why Heavenly Father would allow such suffering. I sat there thinking to myself, No. My heart tells me it's not like that at all! ... Think of the communities and families that have come together to love, serve, and mourn with one another.
Our Father in heaven provides opportunities every day for us to keep his commandments, to follow His ultimate example of serving, loving, caring for His spirit children, our spirit brothers and sisters. I get to experience firsthand on a daily basis how beautiful the hearts of mankind really are.
Turn off the news of contentious politics, crime, and adultery for a bit. You'll find a world of compassion. PLEASE ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE to all those who uplift and show me what leading a Christ-like life is really all about. Loads and loads of LOVE!!!"
-Bri, March 2010
"Just when I think I can't handle anymore challenges, I'm proved wrong, just as when I think I can't be loved or love anymore, my heart continues to swell. It's a wonder my left breast isn't considreably larger than my right as a result. Heeheehee"
-Bri, November 2010
"Though it's not what I want or am praying for, we could all know with thousands of fasts and prayers that it really was God's will and my time to work elsewhere. (In fact, it's a little morbidly exciting to ponder what it'd be like -- if I can spy on you all. The Lord knows I love reality tv and would like to be a fly on your walls. Hahaha."
-Bri, October 2010
"I think maybe the stroke was Heavenly Father’s way of saying, “Slow down. You have more to learn. Don't be in such a rush to do what you want to do.” I know I need to start each day asking God, "Okay, I'm here and handicapped. What would you like me to learn and do today?"
-Bri, August 2010
We love you and miss you, Bri. We look forward to the day we will meet again.
Love,
The Boulters
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