Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Trek Training at Martins Cove

A couple of weeks ago, Brian and I awoke at 3:15 am to embark on our journey to Wyoming for the Martins Cove Trek Training.  We had a ball riding in the Tippet's big SUV and laughing with great friends as we traveled 5 1/2 hours to Martins Cove.

There are so many awesome things that I learned there and I really should take the time to write down all the things I learned, but my time is limited and so I will share with you my favorite part of the trip.

After you leave the cove, there is an area that is dedicated to the young men that came to help rescue the Martin Handcart company.  These young boys carried the people across the Sweetwater River.  These statues depict the young men as they are rescuing these early pioneers.



These pioneers were freezing, hopeless, starving and near the brink of death.



These young men came to save them and basically extended the invitation "Take my hand, get up, you're going to die."  They call it a Forced March.  A forced march is doing what you have to do even though all circumstances are against you. 

Everyone in their lives will have a time where they will have their own Forced March.  There will come a time or multiple times that we will have to "get up" and move forward or we will physically, spiritually, emotionally or mentally die. When everything around us seems hopeless and yet we still do what is right.

Even the Savior, Jesus Christ, had to experience his own Forced March from Gethsamne to his Resurrection.  These moments are meant to be, to make us stronger and to pull us closer to our maker.

"To the Rescue" our prophet has asked us.  I have found that in my personal life that I need to slow down and listen to the inspiration to help others when they are experiencing their forced marches.  I cannot solve their problems, but I can extend my hand and love them.

See this picture below:


90% of the visitors see a young man carrying and saving this little girl.

If you take the time to listen, and pay attention, the spirit will guide you to things that you may have never noticed before.


See the baby in his arms.  Most of us never would have known that this statue had a baby in his arms along with that little girl.

Do not let a day pass by that you are not noticing the trials of those around you.  Listen to the still small voice within you to guide you to those who may need a hand.  Miracles will come of it, this I know because I experience it everyday. 

Do something great today!  You have been blessed with the gift of charity.  Think of someone who may need that gift from you and then act on it!

3 comments:

Ann Marie said...

I was so teary through this beautiful post!

Thank you for sharing it.. for giving me strength... and helping me, loving me and listening through some of my Forced March..

JENNIFRO said...

What a wonderful post. I am so jealous you got to go to that training. This is something I have always wanted to do. What an incredible experience you will have. Those statues are really powerful--so sad. Between yours and Ann's blog--I'm shedding lots of tears tonight!

Heather said...

Wow, what a neat place to see! All of those statues speak a thousand words! What a great post! Thanks for sharing! It makes me even more grateful for the things I have!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails