“But note, all good gifts…come from the Savior.
Regardless of the causes of our worst hurts and heartaches, the ultimate source of relief is the same: Jesus Christ.
He alone holds the full power and healing balm to correct every mistake, right every wrong, adjust every imperfection, mend every wound, and deliver every delayed blessing.
Like witnesses of old, I testify that ‘we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities’ but rather a loving Redeemer who descended from His throne above and went forth ‘suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind … , that he may know … how to succor his people.
…I witness to you that through the staggering goodness of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement, we can escape the deserved agonies of our moral failings and overcome the undeserved agonies of our mortal misfortunes.
Under His direction, your divine destiny will be one of unparalleled magnificence and indescribable joy—a joy so intense and so unique to you, your particular ‘ashes’ will become beauties ‘beyond anything earthly.'” –Elder Matthew S. Holland
This.
Every single good thing in my life is from Him. And even the hard things, the terrible things, He has taken the ashes and made beautiful.
As a young girl, my family life took me into difficult situations, three countries, and various abuse. And always, He led me along. I don’t remember not believing in Him. I don’t remember not feeling Him with me. I don’t remember not feeling He cared about and knew me.
Every difficulty He has divinely compensated. Every moment He has walked with me no matter the level or lack of my awareness, willingness, or meekness. He has loved me, and will continue to love me. Always. I know this to my core.
Words don’t even come close to gratitude, but He knows. The way to live joyfully now and in the future–the only the way, the more excellent way–is His way.
With Him. For Him. Through Him.
I know it.
