"In nature, trees that grow up in a windy environment become stronger. As winds whip around a young sapling, forces inside the tree do two things. First, they stimulate the roots to grow faster and spread farther. Second, the forces in the tree start creating cell structures that actually make the trunk and branches thicker and more flexible to the pressure of the wind. These stronger roots and branches protect the tree from winds that are sure to return.

You are infinitely more precious to God than a tree. You are His son or His daughter. He made your spirit strong and capable of being resilient to the whirlwinds of life."-Elder Anderson, Ensign May 2014

I want to be careful to note that this quote does not mean that god sends abuse to strengthen you. That is NOT true. Abuse is a result of another person's horrible choices. But I do want to stress the last part of Elder Anderson's quote.  He made your spirit strong and capable of  being resilient to the whirlwinds of life that is thrown at you!!!