As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. - Mark 5:36.
I was baptized into the Church at age 12. By age 16, I very much wanted to have my patriarchal blessing, but I was very nervous about it. No one in my immediate family had had their blessing, as I was the only active member, so I didn't feel I could share my feelings with them. I had fasted on the day of the blessing because I so wanted to know that the blessing was coming from Heavenly Father.
My good friend was going to pick me up and take me to get the blessing, but before she came, I got down on my knees and fervently prayed for Heavenly Father to calm my troubled heart, to give me peace, and an assurance that He was in charge. My hands shook as I tried to hold them together during the prayer and tears dripped onto my bed.
I finished my prayer and felt impressed to pick up the scriptures on my bedside table. They belonged to my mother and had the words of the Savior written in red. I turned to the fifth chapter of Mark, and the only words in red on the page were: "Be not afraid, only believe." I had never had any words "jump out" at me nor be so meaningful.
I was able to leave for the blessing with a sweet assurance that this patriarchal blessing was from God and that I had nothing to be afraid of.
The patriarch was so kind and, through him, I received a wonderful blessing from a loving Father that has led me through my life and helped direct my paths.
