Trading Soles For Souls

Sister Richardson's Super Split Second

Hello, beautiful people! I hope you had a wonderful week because I sure did! Actually, I've had a wonderful year and a half, and I truly cannot believe I'm writing my final email to all of you.

It feels like just yesterday, I was sitting in my kitchen brainstorming horrendous, alliterated titles for what would become my weekly split seconds.

First, I want to thank each of you for following along on my journey, for sending me words of encouragement, and for offering many, many prayers on my behalf. I've truly felt your efforts lifting me and encouraging me through the ups and downs of my mission, so THANK YOU!

A few weeks back, I was putting on my shoes to walk out the door. I knew the rubber soles had cracked in a few places, but I wasn't too concerned. However, as I looked down, I realized the extent to which I had worn them out, and I was shocked. One shoe had a chunk of rubber missing, and the other wasn’t much better—the top had partially separated from the sole. To say my shoes were trashed would be an understatement. Even still, they worked well enough, so I pulled a classic, cheap missionary move, strapped them on, and got on with my day!

As I walked out the door in my busted shoes, I couldn’t help but think about how they came to be in such rough shape. My mind was flooded with memories of all the good I had done in those shoes—the people my companions and I had ministered to, and all the love I was able to spread because of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

It was in that moment that this precious truth dawned on me:

In doing my best to faithfully serve the Savior each day, He in turn gave me the opportunity to find and teach those who were desperately searching for Him.

One sole for another soul.

In giving of my soles, I’ve gained so much more because that is exactly what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. It’s a gospel of hope, redemption, and pure joy. Yes, we are sometimes asked to give up certain habits or ways of living to follow the Savior’s example. BUT we are never asked to do so without a wonderful blessing in store. Just as the soles of my shoes were traded for the souls of God’s children, I know your righteous sacrifices are returned to you in ways perfectly fit for your situation.

These past 18 months of my life have definitely challenged me and forced me to sacrifice in ways I didn’t even know were possible. As I’ve done so, though, I’ve received a continuous and unending flow of blessings! I’ve grown in my understanding of who Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are. I’ve come to treasure the Book of Mormon and the teachings of God’s representatives. I’ve come to better understand my divine potential and the unique gifts and talents God has given me to use for good! I now have a better idea of who I want to be and what I need to do to get there. I’ve made lifelong friends and formed lasting bonds. I’ve truly been changed time and time again by living the teachings of Christ and inviting others to do the same!

Matthew 16:27 promises:

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to lose myself in the service of my Savior. I’m obviously sad that this chapter of my life is ending, but I know it was never intended to be the highest point of my life. I’m confident that God has many more adventures for me, and I’m excited to explore them with the skills and knowledge I’ve gained here in Virginia. As I approach a new season in life, I’m comforted by the knowledge of my Savior’s love. He truly has become my best friend, and I know, just like any good friend, He’ll be there to hold my hand through the ups and downs of life.

I want to leave you with my testimony. I know that my Savior lives. I know that His pure love for each of us motivated Him to redeem us from life’s pains. I know that the surest way to find joy is by faithfully following His example, changing when we fall short, and doing our best to make and keep sacred promises with God. We are all God’s children, and I know that this life is a time for us to be molded into more so that we can one day receive infinitely more. I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

If you’ve enjoyed reading my Split Seconds, I think you’d enjoy hearing them live too! You can do just that by visiting my church this Sunday, October 27, at 4225 N 56th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018, at 10:00 AM. I’ll be sharing a little more about my mission experience, and I would absolutely love to see you there! I love you all and am excited to see you in just a few days! Until then, keep on keeping on!

Also, James is getting baptized on November 16! He’s so awesome! Keep him in your prayers.

Much love,
Sister Richardson







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