We all have much more capacity then we know to love and help one another.  As an example, a mother gives birth to a child and discovers this concept immediately. Although the child can’t speak, the mother is acutely aware that the child perceives the parental figures as part of their “We” and “Us” collective group and vice-versa, because of the constant presence and companionship through:

·        feedings,

·        dressing,

·        comforting,

·        rocking,

·        bathing,

·        cooing,

·        touching,

·        hugging,

·        kissing,

·        diaper changes, and on and on.

Those who have raised children know what I am talking about! Have you observed how a child’s face brightens with glee and eyes expand with excitement when someone whom the child trusts, walks into the room? Their legs become active with movement and arms reach out toward them.  We can all use this paradigm as an example of other relationships that can be transitioned to an effective “We” and “Us” construct.  The inordinate amount of affection and attention a caregiver offers a child can serve as a sampling of how attentive we humans can be to any other person, and how that kind of service, understanding, and love can have a positive effect. The ability is generally innate!

One of the ways God and our Savior accomplish magnificent care upon all the inhabitants of this earth, is through allowing us to experience trials and challenges encountered by every individual.  My belief is that God does not create our trials, but He allows us to pass through these experiences with full support and care from Him, by way of those whom we associate with in our “We” and “Us” collective group. With a fully functional “We” and “Us” construct, we have heightened probability of not only enduring well, but overcoming these trials and challenges and helping others endure their own trials. Life on earth is truly a team-oriented activity.

Although I felt alone and distraught throughout the ten, long and arduous years of my trial leading up to a leg amputation above the knee, I discovered my survival was based on the constant care from others. It was evident that I had not been alone during those years. Many, many people had been at my side and in my
corner throughout the entire ordeal, mourning and suffering with me. This was critical thinking in my awareness of others who were instrumental in saving my life, those who would be in my life in the future, and those who were observing my life from a distance.

Eventually, my focus expanded and grew from simply understanding how my actions affected others to developing a higher desire and commitment to support others as I had been.  I began to evaluate, in the words of Martin Luther King, the “content of my own character”. After much thought and critical evaluation of myself, I determined to develop my character to be more predisposed to focusing on those who are mourning and suffering, not
only during my own trials, but most importantly, their trials. I began to understand the saying that “every person I know has something I know nothing about” and how important it was that I do everything possible to alleviate their suffering. The critical point was to become aware of others and their trials, so I could perceive and empathize with them in their trials, instead of just focusing on my own pain or the “I” and “Me” paradigm.

“Ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth?” How is it possible to study and learn continually but never achieve full understanding? The content of our character, along with how we apply and balance our intellect and emotions, determines our ability to come to the knowledge of the truth and awareness of others.

The more receptive we are to encouragement and the more we learn to trust others, the more confident we will be in tackling our life experiences. One of the greatest struggles in my own life is the tendency to isolate myself and try to accomplish overcoming challenges on my own. With this trial that entered my life that created this new living condition, I learned that was no longer an
option. I have discovered that I could not venture through this trial on my own.  Many, many others have been at my side with enduring encouragement, love, and care, making sure I am not alone. The worst thing we can do is isolate ourselves and think we can do it alone. I have experienced greater happiness, success, and joy in this life, because of others and their Godlike characters.