The Bright Side of a Dog Bite

The Bright Side of a Dog Bite

By Tara Stringham

In the summer of 2009, I was bitten on my face by my friend’s dog. Unfortunately, the bite split my lip open, and I had to get stitches.

Following the injury, I was very downhearted. I allowed adversity to take over my thoughts, and I felt like my whole life had been ruined. I was self-conscious about my lip and didn’t want to go out in public at all. In my mind my plans for piano, volleyball, church, swimming, and school were crushed by my injury.

But whenever I prayed, received priesthood blessings, talked with my parents, or had visits by my family and friends, my spirits were lifted and I felt happiness at a time of sadness. I soon realized that if people were thinking about my injury, they were feeling compassion.

This experience helped build my character, and I learned not to be as worried about what other people thought about me. I was also blessed because my injury helped me realize that I should think less about myself and start caring more for others. My spirit was greatly strengthened during this time.

I learned that adversity is a part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us. If we look for the good and not the bad, we can overcome adversity, become a better person, and let the experience strengthen our testimony.

So I came across this talk today and it hit me like a ton of bricks....and puppies.  I often find myself consumed by what other people think of me and it holds me back from sharing the full love of the Gospel.  Tara Stringhams story has opened my eyes and helped me realize I am on this earth to serve the Lord and, only he can judge me!  As I read the scriptures this morning one stood out to me from St. John 21:15

"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs."

What I take from this is that the "lambs" are the children of the world and for us to truely love Christ we need to share(feed) the gospel with our fellow man. 

We all have a greater purpose in this life and when we find it even if it's just a glimmer of it we can be truely blessed and enjoy the happiness of this life.