Two women spoke of the joy that accompanies trials at the Women's Conference Friday.

Both Brenda Fawson and Sonja Hansen have experienced trials, and came to BYU to share the peace and joy they found in those trials with hundreds of women.

Fawson, paralyzed and wheel-chair bound, and Hansen, who suffered the loss of a son because of a terminal illness, shared a feeling of peace and gratitude for the trials they have received.

On May 30, 1995, a passing car struck Fawson's vehicle. Upon impact, she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a parked car. Full of pain, frightened and unsure of what would happen, Fawson was rushed to the hospital where she was told she had crushed vertebrae in her back and would be paralyzed.

While lying in the hospital bed, Fawson said a feeling came over her. It was like a voice.

"You have a choice. You can be cheerful and happy with people around you or grumpy and no one wanting to be around you," Fawson said.

Fawson said she chose to be cheerful and happy and that is how she lives her life today.

"Everyone has trials," Fawson said. "But remember, we all have a choice. We all choose how to react."

Fawson said life is full of trials followed by decisions.

"We all have trials - mine are just visible - but we all have them," Fawson said.

Hansen's trial came to her and her family in the form of a son and brother named Rodney. He developed a disease, which left him wheelchair bound and eventually led to death. Hansen shared the peace and joy that accompanied the trials of her son. She said never once did she hear Rodney ask, "Why me?"

When faced with the death of her son, Hansen's focus on life changed, and others became No.1 in her life.

Hansen told of a fellow temple worker who had a severe limp in her left leg. When Hansen asked her why she limped, she replied, "This is my blessing leg." The limb was a result of bone cancer from nearly 20 years ago. It was a blessing to her to be able to work in the temple, Hansen said.

Based on her experiences with trials, Hansen shared what she calls a natural plan in adversity. After a trial, she is left with fear that turns into faith, which then turns into a joy- filled, peaceful state.

"Somewhere along the way, I have lost my fear of the adversity," Hansen said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 5 May 2003