Alma the Younger

Sometimes people are too quick to think a change of heart is a very short process. Look at Alma the Younger in the Book of Mormon. He was considered a very extreme case of someone living a life full of sin, and went comatose for three days because of his sin. During his comatose state he went though the pains of hell to finally reconcile his soul, wake up, and change his life around. He later became a very influential Prophet.

Alma the Younger was a very extreme case and a wonderful conversion story, but it seldom happens like that. Although, I think some like myself, who have in the past gone through the pains of hell in one way or another for their transgressions (which my own transgressions will remain private), wishes it was that is easy as what Alma the Younger went through. He went through torture for three days, but woke up and never looked back. If only it were that easy!

For most individuals the change of heart required to over come their own demons is a long process. I am not talking about making one mistake and never doing it again. I am referring to the true, deep, continuous transgressions. The first step often takes weeks, months, or years to admit to themselves that they have the problem and that they need to fix it. Once this choice to change is made seldom is it an instant, quick or permanent change. Usually the person falls on their face and commits the same sinful act again and again. Eventually the individual gives up or the feels the sorrows of their failures and pushes forwards. One needs to push forward and not give up! After they keep pressing forward they realize the true nature of their sin as the Holy Ghost floods back into their lives. They go a true change of heart and they must fight off the urge to hate themselves and combat the overwhelming sadness. Depression is common in this phase. The sadness and guilt tears one apart. But eventually, if one holds to the iron rod they will come out on the other side.

The other side is never easily reached or in the exact steps listed above, but it is almost always long and heart wrenching.

The best thing people can do to help an individual trying to change is listen and support with out adding more guilt and more stress. People have to change for themselves, not because of others pushy promptings. Pray in strong silence, note good changes casually, but do not over excite or over correct. As humans, especially women, the natural reaction is to smother one to help them with their problems. But be assured that the one trying help is most affective by keeping a handle on their emotions, listening (but not forcing the person to talk to you), and supporting from a moderate distance.

And remember everyone is different. Some individuals repenting want more or need more support from others while other repenting individuals really just need the space to work it out on their own. Also keep in mind that just because it is something you would need or feel while repenting does not mean another will feel or react the same way.

Going through a change of heart or watching someone experience it is hard, but the Lord has promised us if we stay strong and steadfast we can overcome it and come out on top. And like Alma the Younger, it doesn't matter how much one has sinned and no matter how much one feels like they aren't worthy, they can change and become something amazing.