At the close of all Kingsley Park Ward meetings on Sunday, Bishop Bowen had the congregation kneel in the chapel before offering an amazing prayer to break our fast together. As he shared words of gratitude for missionary opportunities, I received an overwhelming warmth in my heart regarding my son, Elder Bradan Soria. Unclear what the rush of emotion meant at the time, I simply nodded my head in agreement during that prayer and mentally expressed to the Lord that I trust and accept he is in control. My tears flowed.
Later, I went home to offer my own personal prayer, in order to break my fast, and felt inspired to include, "Please bless Bradan as he embarks on his new journey." I stood paralyzed and a bit confused. Tears welled in my eyes. I had no idea why those words came to me so clearly...until I received Bradan's email on Monday.
In his message to me, he mentioned that the missionaries in the Puerto Rico mission were making immediate preparations for the onslaught of Hurricane Irma. My heart sank a bit. I was clueless such a catastrophic storm was headed for the small island (and felt horrible for being so clueless), but I sensed a tone of nervousness in his writing. Bradan had survived a small Texas tornado and several California earthquakes, but never faced a Category 5 hurricane. He requested I read about it and stay alert. I followed up on his request and soon realized that come what may, the inevitable hurricane would thrust Bradan aboard a cruise of new Caribbean experiences; demands of the mission would be slightly altered. That, I understood, is why I prayed specific to him.
Sparing intricate details, this week carried gratitude unmeasured as my son and I both embarked on adventures to unknown territory: he facing an unavoidable natural encounter that will forever impact his perspective, and me with newfound spiritual insight. The Lord knows me, he knows my son, and he guides the meeting of our needs.
While driving home from a Linder Stake Relief Society meeting last night, I reflected on President Petersen's remarks about Mom Moments, and how they can happen at any time, at any place, and for any reason. Once again, my tears flowed and my heart swelled. I had been feeling super inadequate overall as a mother and daughter of God. But in reflection of his words, I thanked my Heavenly Father for the moment I answered the early morning call from Puerto Rico and heard my son declare, "Hi, Mom! I'm okay." Our chat time was limited, but in that brief Mom Moment, he called to me, I replied, "...now go forth and serve," and we shared an unforgettable holy connection, united, even while standing on separate ground.
I am grateful to leaders like President Petersen who give those unclear life experiences true meaning. And for helping me realize you cannot create any divine MOMents without including MOM...