Living the Principle of Faith

Faith #3 -


Before my brother, Elder Tyrell Nihipali, left for his mission, he had a talk to give at church. The story he shared is one that my mother constantly reminds us of when we were living in Hauula 2nd Ward boundary.

We lived in the Punalu'u Valley where our running water was from the river, our shower was outdoors and we practically cooked outside the house by fire or by a cast iron burner that was used for camping. When I was born, my mother wasn't always feeling good in the mornings. So as we got older my mom required help getting me ready for school and my sister Moani. We had a white astro van back then and my brother, Tyrell, and sister, Karen, would always help get Moani and I dressed for school.


It was hard for my mom, but before leaving our little house, my mother always had us say our prayer as a family. We would say our prayers in the car and Tyrell, Karen and my mom would each take a turn. If my mom was feeling the worst she would be the one saying the prayers.


My father would always leave early before we did because he worked at 7:00 am. But we never had to leave until a few minutes later. And even if we were late in getting in the car, we still had our prayers. Prayer has great importance in my life and the lives of my family. Our prayers as a family has allowed all of us to be so grateful with just being able to meet our financial obligations, we have been able to rely and not be afraid to ask fervently for help for whatever we stand in need of. Exercising the principle of prayer has strengthen my faith and the faith of my family members;


My father often reminds all of us that our lives are not your typical family life. And he's right. Prayer has been the soul source that provides us comfort, peace, patience, strength and endurance.