8 years ago when our
son was 16 years old, our church leader recommended we check out the Sons of Helaman
program. Our son's struggle with unwanted patterns of behavior
started at 11 and we discovered his need for support when he was
13. We were devastated and afraid when we realized how far things
had escalated and were shocked to find out that our noble, good son was in the
bonds of addiction to masturbation and pornography.
The shame I felt as
a mother was overwhelming. I was tormented with thoughts of blaming
myself for his addiction. I had so much to learn about my son,
myself and especially the power of the Savior and his atonement.
I’ll never forget
the day my son came home from attending his second week in group. He
yelled, “Mom!” from our back entry. As he was not a young man to do that,
I wondered what had gone wrong at group. When I came upon him he was
bent over, visibly shaking with emotion - trying to compose himself enough to
communicate something to me. I stood there waiting and wondering,
not knowing whether to be worried or hopeful. Finally he gave up and
with ferocity and emotion I had never seen, he put his hands on my shoulders
and said; “Mom, I am not the enemy. I have an enemy and he’s afraid
of me. He knows I’m awesome. He’s trying to take me out
so I can’t become the man I’m supposed to be. I’m not a pathetic
loser! I’m not my enemy…he is! He’s going down!!”
It was this shift in
my son and the intense honorable efforts of his personal call to arms that
inspired a shift in me. I began to realize as a "Mother Who
Knows", I too had an enemy who was trying to take me out and decrease my
confidence. I too, could stand with ferocity right along my son and
say; “You messed with the wrong mom!”
Karen is very passionate about
sharing the message that we are all warriors for truth and freedom…heroes for
ourselves and those around us. Our joy and personal power skyrockets
once we have the knowledge and tools to remember who we are. We are in a
war against the darkness of this world. Despite the wounds we will all face and
the losses we feel; our cause is glorious! We can claim our noble
birthright to stand as a Witness.
Through the grace of
our Savior and Champion Jesus Christ we will win! As women and
daughters, we are God's secret weapon. Even in our relentless
weakness we are fierce protectors. We fight and bear pain with those who
are wounded in a way no one else can. Our ability to believe and have
hope in darkness and hold on till the light comes, makes us formidable targets
in this war.
As women, we
know we are not the Savior in this war, but rather "atmosphere
angels" who can change the very tide of the battle. We know where our
power and strength comes from. We are safe, strong, peaceful and protective
warriors.
We call all those we
love to arms for this great cause of truth and freedom for our families.
Presenting March 4th ONLINE A Reason to Stand.