Happy Easter! What a wonderful holiday. I'll admit it doesn't feel quite the same now, what with living in college with no children about, but it was still wonderful. I got to watch my cousins have their Easter egg hunt, and my stellar roommates hid eggs in the living room for me as well. Not to mention both Easter bunny visits, I feel very lucky indeed. Also, I'm so grateful for this girl here- best sister friends forever.
The last couple weeks have been wild, but with the help of some truly wonderful individuals, I'm keeping my head above water, and with a smile on it to boot. Most of my worries right now are of the "endure to the end" kind of thing, and with the sweet scaffolding of the Lord, along with some angels, I know that things will turn out really well.
I don't publicly/formally bear my testimony all that often. As with many people, I tend to lack the confidence that I have anything to say that they don't already know. In BYU wards there is never a shortage of volunteers, so I usually miss those opportunities. I do try to bear my testimony in my daily conversations with others, and as it's Easter I'd really like to share it here as well.
I know that this- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- really is the true, and only complete church on the earth. This is because we have the authority from God- which means that we have the power of the priesthood, along with an appointed Prophet and other leaders who facilitate Christ's direction and purposes. I have complete confidence in those leaders, and I know that they truly receive revelation to guide us at this time.
I know that the Book of Mormon is the truest book on earth, and have experienced it's unique power to convert and bring men unto Christ. I know that it was translated by Joseph Smith, who also restored the Church to the earth, and was a true prophet.
I know that there is a God, and we are his children. He loves us and is more aware of us than we can realize. Through the power of prayer we can communicate directly with him and receive answers to our questions and comfort throughout our trials. As his children, we all have infinite worth and potential, including the potential to become Gods like he is.
More than anything, I have a testimony of the Atonement. I know that Jesus Christ died, for us, and that he was resurrected- and we will be as well. He descended below all things and has a perfect understanding of us and the experiences we have. The Atonement is infinite in every sense of the word, and transcends time and space. I have felt it's cleansing power from sin, the power to be healed from infirmities, and the magnificent peace in times of sorrow. I've felt the Savior's love, and stood amazed at the perfect charity and mercy that he has shown me. In my darkest hours, he has never forsaken me, but instead has carried me through.
This is my favorite painting of Christ, and one that I have framed in my room to remind me of his ever-present love.
The painting is titled "Why Weepest Thou." When Mary finds Christ's tomb empty, she is overcome with sorrow and grief. Her Lord, who has taught her, served her, and shown her perfect charity, is gone. I can't imagine the loneliness she felt.
Jesus approaches her and asks "Woman, why weepest thou?" She doesn't recognize him at first, but realizes who he is when he calls her by name. Mary's immediate instinct is to go and embrace her Savior, knowing of the perfect love he has for her.
I love this painting because it helps me to realize that Christ has never left me alone. He knows my name, and he has succored me through every trial I've faced. Whenever I feel sad about my circumstances, or lonely, I see this painting and hear him say "Why weepest thou?" knowing that he will sustain and provide for me. Through the power of the Atonement, I know that I can become closer to him. And one day, I will have the opportunity to embrace my Savior.
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
I invite you to trust in him, no matter what wars are currently waging in your life. He knows the way because he is the way.
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