Pioneers

Pioneer history is a big deal in my family.

When Andrew got sick and life got harder, my mom would say "this is like pulling a handcart. You just have to keep going."

Many if not all of you have heard of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies. They gave their all for what they knew was true. They gave up fingers and toes, their family members, and their very lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder James E. Faust shared the feeling of one company member:

“‘Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church, because everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives, for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.

“‘I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have gone on [to some point I thought I could never reach, only to feel that] the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.”

I testify that those angels have pushed me before. When I have been in my deepest pain and sorrow, and felt as though I could not make it another step in this life, there have been angels pushing me onward.

Around my neck I wear a little silver handcart. It's a reminder to me that I can keep going. I can be strong like the pioneers. I can wade through the icy rivers and withstand the stinging blizzards of this life. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And I can raise my voice with those who have gone before and shout "All is well, All is well!"