From Handcuffs to the Calling: When Reality Hits You Hard

There are moments in life—moments that feel like a blur of adrenaline, sirens, and panic—where the comfortable illusions we build around ourselves are violently stripped away. You think you can outrun the consequences, that the adrenaline will keep you afloat, that the moment will pass like a bad dream. But then, something stops you cold. Something forces you to stop running.

I was listening to Elder Schumann-Curtis share his story recently, and my heart really sank back into the chair. He described the feeling of those handcuffs clicking shut—the moment everything became terrifyingly, wonderfully real. It wasn't until those steel cuffs smacked on his wrists that the true reality of his life, and the reality of the Savior’s power, sank in.

The Power of the Stop

It’s a powerful reminder, isn't it? We are so good at running—running from accountability, running from uncomfortable conversations, running from the hard work of discipleship. We build these little bubbles of normalcy, and sometimes, the universe, or sometimes our own poor choices, smack us right out of them.

Elder Schumann-Curtis went from a place of youthful recklessness, caught up in the wrong crowd, to a point of true crisis. But what I love about his testimony is that it wasn't the handcuffs themselves that saved him; it was the subsequent moment of profound vulnerability—the prayer, the realization, the choice to change direction.

He was confronted with two paths: the path of continued sin, and the path of repentance and refocusing on God. That moment of clarity, that vision, is what changed everything. He didn't just get out of trouble; he fundamentally re-routed his life toward building a godly foundation.

Discipleship is a Re-Routing

For us as disciples of Jesus Christ, that "re-routing" is what we are constantly doing. Whether you are in the MTC, or you are a seasoned returned missionary who has seen it all, or if you are just trying to keep the cogs turning in your everyday life as an Internet missionary—you are making a directional change. You are choosing to walk the path of Christ, even when it’s inconvenient or scary.

It takes courage to admit, "I was running in the wrong direction." It takes humility to kneel down on that bed, as he did, and genuinely ask for help and forgiveness. That willingness to be vulnerable is the first step toward receiving the Spirit’s guidance.

If you are feeling that pull—that whisper that tells you, "There's a better way," or "You can do more"—don't ignore it. Lean into it. Reconnect with the fundamentals. Re-read the scriptures. Talk to your Bishop or your local leader. Let the Spirit guide you to where you need to be.

A Little Mission-Prep Thought

When we think about missionary discussions, we often focus on the *answers* we need to give. But I’ve learned that sometimes, the most powerful preparation is simply being willing to *be* in the moment, even when you feel unprepared. Be willing to be honest about your own journey—the times you stumbled, the moments you felt lost, and the grace that pulled you back. That vulnerability is magnetic.

Elder Schumann-Curtis even went from being detained by police to applying to be a police cadet! It shows that when you commit to the change, the Lord can orchestrate the circumstances to make that change possible.

I invite you to watch this testimony. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how chaotic the external circumstances get, the reality of the Savior is always available to anchor us.

Join the Work

If this testimony resonated with you, I encourage you to keep that momentum going. We are all in this together, building Zion, one disciple at a time. If you’re looking for a place to deepen your study, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces, or jump into a Bible Study Group. If you’re just starting to ponder the hard questions, don't hesitate to use Davee; he's ready to walk you through those tricky investigator questions.

For those who want to keep the momentum going this week, join our free weekly Disciple Challenge! It’s a low-stakes, high-reward way to keep the Spirit close.

What are your thoughts on moments of crisis leading to clarity? Share your experiences below!