Question
Gramps,
My son-in-law just got diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. They have chosen to live with hope and believe in miracles. He is just a young man and his patriarchal blessing says as he grows older he will have many opportunities to serve together with his wife in the church and be an example to his children and grandchildren. I don’t believe we grow older in heaven, and so this gives me hope in that miracle. I don’t understand why else it would have that particular wording. Thank you.
Wendy
Answer
Wendy,
These scenarios, events, in our lives create a conundrum that is unique to ourselves. These blessings are based on our faith and worthiness as we act in faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ; however, although I will share some thoughts, please understand these are my thoughts and my thoughts alone as I have no right or privilege to interpret your son-in-law’s patriarchal blessing and its meaning.
Here is one thought from Elder John A. Widtsoe who said:
“It should always be kept in mind that the realization of the promises made may come in this or the future life. Men have stumbled at times because promised blessings have not occurred in this life. They have failed to remember that, in the gospel, life with all its activities continues forever and that the labors of earth may be continued in heaven. Besides, the Giver of the blessings, the Lord, reserves the right to have them become active in our lives, as suits His divine purpose. We and our blessings are in the hands of the Lord. But, there is the general testimony that when the gospel law has been obeyed, the promised blessings have been realized.”
President James E. Faust had this to share about his father’s patriarchal blessing,
“This was well illustrated in my father’s patriarchal blessing. He was told in his blessing that he would be blessed with “many beautiful daughters.” He and my mother became the parents of five sons. No daughters were born to them, but they treated the wives of their sons as daughters. Some years ago when we had a family gathering, I saw my father’s daughters-in-law, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters moving about, tending to the food and ministering to the young children and the elderly, and the realization came to me that Father’s blessing literally had been fulfilled. He has indeed many beautiful daughters. The patriarch who gave my father his blessing had spiritual vision to see beyond this life. The dividing line between time and eternity disappeared.”
President Heber J. Grant told of the patriarchal blessing he received:
“That patriarch put his hands upon my head and bestowed upon me a little blessing that would perhaps be about one-third of a typewritten page. That blessing foretold my life to the present moment.“
So, indeed, a miracle may be in your son-in-laws life after much prayer and fasting, a trial of faith, but that is something that is between your son-in-law, your daughter, and anyone else they bring into a close prayer and fasting circle that seeks to know God’s will for your son-in-law, and to exercise faith in promised blessings.
I wish you and your family the best. Continue to exercise faith, hope, and charity.
Gramps
p.s. All quotes come from this source
