Problem pile

It has been said that if we all threw our problems in a pile, and looked at each other's, we'd grab ours back.

Depending on the day, that statement is totally believable.

Since entering this new world with Talitha, I've had people tell me that their problems are nothing compared to mine.

Funny thing: in the last two days, I've spoken with or exchanged emails with three different people and could say the same thing to them. My problems are nothing compared to theirs.

Seems we each have a tendency to perceive others' problems to be more than we have ever or could ever endure or put up with.

For now, I've concluded that it's simply impossible to compare. There are too many variables to compute and too many apples masquerading as oranges.

There is only one legitimate comparison.

In the following verses of scripture, the resurrected Christ made reference to His unspeakable suffering and how if we will repent, we can escape the jaws of hell that would otherwise exact a terrible price for our sins:

"Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.


"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

"But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

"Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." D&C 19:15-19

So whether the statement up front about throwing all our problems into one big pile is true or not, one thing is certain: Christ's problems included the entirety of the communal problem pile. There is nothing He has not endured. There is nothing He hasn't suffered.

Therefore, as long as we put our complete faith and trust in Him, He will make it possible for us to survive our problems whether newly acquired or recycled from the pile.