THE SIMPLE WORDS OF AN ELDERLY MAN FROM PAKISTAN CHANGED MY OUTLOOK ON LIFE the other day as I visited him with the Sister Missionaries of my church.
I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I often work alongside the volunteer Sister Missionaries that have been assigned to serve in the area of my hometown in Texas.
I've met dozens of incredible families who have impacted and blessed my life significantly, thanks to the time that I have spent with the Sisters teaching and serving these Dallas residents. Every person has a story--a reason why they are who they are. Every strong person, I've learned, became strong through experiencing hardship and trials. No one has it easy. And as these families have welcomed the missionaries and myself into their homes, I've listened to their inspiring stories, and I've learned from them.
While most of the families that we teach are often strangers to us and not members of our same religion, we sometimes visit current members of our faith, as well, to check on them and see if they need help with anything if it has been a while since we've seen them at church.
A few days ago, it was this elderly man's door on which we knocked. He did not answer the door, as he was lying in his bed--an old mattress laid on the floor of their very small, crowded apartment living room. His wife greeted us, instead. She, like her husband, is small and fragile, slightly bent at every joint in her body. The couple belongs to our church, and have quite literally taken Christ's name upon themselves as they changed their last name to "Masseh," an Urdu word that translates into English as "Messiah." They did this to separate themselves as Christians in their country of Pakistan-- something which, as the husband explained to us, caused them to be mercilessly persecuted and beaten, but nothing that ever caused them to deny their faith in the Savior.
I listened with awe as Brother Masseh continued to explain that, several years ago, they had fled a life of wealth and their beloved extended family in order to come to America and freely worship Jesus Christ. They now live in what many of us would consider poverty--a cramped, dark, unclean apartment; but to them, it is a beautiful home which they thank God for every day. Sister Masseh expressed how grateful they are for their rich life, reverently pronouncing "thank God" in every other sentence, giving Him all the praise and glory at every opportunity. They sang us a lovely hymn in their native language. So much peace and warmth filled the tiny living room, and I was overcome with love for this sweet couple.
Nearly an hour had passed as we conversed with the Massehs. The Sisters and I also sang a hymn to them, per Brother Massehs request, and we shared a message with them about the importance of consistently reading the scriptures, saying our prayers, and obeying the commandments of God. Brother and Sister Masseh shared their own testimonies with us, and the Spirit of the Lord was felt in all of our hearts. We discussed how we could assist Brother Masseh to feel better so that we could enjoy their presence at church, on Sunday, and Sister Masseh brought out some homemade Indian treats to share. Soon, we had to leave to visit other families in the area, and, after a lovely prayer by Brother Masseh, were saying our goodbyes.
On our way out, Brother Masseh realized that he had not earlier asked many questions to get to know a visiting Sister Missionary, who had exchanged with a usual Sister for the day. He asked her, "Sister: where from you?" She let him know that her home before her Mission was in Colorado. His response was "Sister: I am happy." And that was all.
His simple words really said so much about this incredible man. After everything that Brother Masseh has been through, and everything that he has suffered, he has experienced true happiness because of his commitment to Christ and his testimony of Him. At this point in his life, no matter what anyone or anything does or says, it cannot effect his inner joy and peace. It may seem funny that he felt happiness over something so small, but happiness isn't always just a result of an experience: IT'S THE RESULT OF A CHANGED HEART.
I want that change of heart. I want to more fully feel and enjoy the lasting peace, eternal happiness, and real joy that comes from embracing the Lord's commandments and serving Him and His children. I know that once we find true happiness, no one and nothing can take our happiness away from us, just as poverty, illness, and harsh circumstances have never taken that away from Brother Masseh!
I will one day be able to proclaim, like Brother Masseh, at any moment of my life, no matter what hardships I am experiencing: "Sister, I am happy!"
Love, Laura Anne
