We are taught that we should NEVER give up on anyone. And I believe that with all my heart. But there do come times in our lives, when we simply, or not so simply, have to walk away. Walking away does not symbolize "giving up". But as I have learned, sometimes for our own salvation, well being or happiness, we must leave a relationship behind. It is never an easy thing to do. In fact, it can be one of the hardest things you may ever do. But it does not mean you have given up on the person you have to leave behind. You can still pray for them, you can still have fond memories and you can still be a good person.
This is something I have struggled with. Because I like to help people. I like to serve my Father in Heaven by serving and loving those around me. By helping them know the love the peace our Savior brings. I cannot expect them to follow my same path. And I don't. I hope that they will feel what I feel, but I cannot make them. I offer advice for things that have helped me in my life, because that is what I have to give. If something has helped shape my life, and made me have true joy, OF COURSE I want to share that. But I understand that we are here to choose our own paths, make our own choices and live our own lives. And though I love to be a good friend, and love those around me, I have had to walk away. It has not been easy, it has been very painful. But through sincere prayer in searching for my answers, I know I made the right choice. But right choices are not always easy.
With faith, I can do hard things. Our Savior loves each of us equally. But he knows we are stubborn and weak mortals. We are not expected to be perfect, that is what is so comforting and beautiful. Our journey may be difficult, but through endurance and much faith, the reward will be worth the long journey. Our Savior puts opportunities in our paths to help or be helped. It is up to us to follow the promptings we are given. And when we are the helper, it is up to us to listen intently to know and understand the things we should do. But sometimes, our help is not invited or welcomed as we hope. But we keep trying, as long as we can. Sometimes we help forever. Other times we must think of our family and their's and our own well being. If it becomes dangerous, dark or starts to bring us down, those are times we get down on our knees and pray for guidance. So we can know if we should Stay or Go. And if the answer is to go....pray, pray for comfort, pray for strength, and do the things the Savior needs you to do. Though you yourself have to walk away, our Savior has not left them. And we can pray for them always. If your answer is to stay, do the same thing and pray.
This is something I have learned. There those who desire to lead us astray, at those times we must listen to the whispering's of the Spirit and trust in the knowledge and love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior. They do know what is best for us. They also know that the journey may be a difficult one. That is why they have assured us that they are there for us.....Always.
Never Give Up on anyone, true, and that includes yourself.
