Sister Alley Shaner

Becoming the Lord's Hands

So I have some news but first of all I would like to apologize for not writing an email last week. I was sick and so it was a bit of a rough week and we didn't do much.

I have major news though and it may come as a shock to some.

Some of you know that I've struggled with anxiety and some of you didn't. It's something I have struggled with my whole life and will continue to struggle with. Well, after many tears, prayers, and discussions we've decided it would be best if I was transferred into being a service missionary.

This was not an easy decision. I was mad at myself for continuing to struggle so much and feared that if I went home it would mark how the rest of my life would be. Then I read a passage in D&C that changed my thinking: 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings." (D&C 12:49)

This was exactly what I needed and I knew it was an answer to my prayers. I then started the conversation with my mission president and we decided that the next right step for me would be a service missionary. I feel so at peace with this decision and know this is the path that Heavenly Father wants me to take. Someone said to me, "Maybe the Lord no longer needed you as His voice but instead His hands."

So, what does this mean? Well, I'll be coming home next Monday and immediately start my service. I'm super excited but definitely sad to say goodbye to everyone. I've learned and progressed so much and I'm excited to continue that.

I will continue to send out these emails because I will still be a missionary, just in a different way. I'm excited to continue to share my progress and experiences in serving the Lord!

Thank you all!