Easter

I had a lot of scattered thoughts during church which I'd like to share. Many of these thoughts have come from others -- from Apostolic testimonies during General Conference -- which have weaved in and out of my brain today.

We were talking about how belief in Christ's atonement and resurrection helps us tackle the issues of every day life: temptation, pain, sorrow, loss of loved ones, loneliness, etc. I think the reason why is because we know that someone, Christ, knows exactly what we face and that gives us strength and comfort. In Elder Jeffery R. Holland's talk this past week, he spoke on how because Christ overcame all the powers of darkness and resurrected we need not ever feel alone. That is a beautiful understanding to me -- sometimes we do feel lonely, as if no one could ever understand what we are suffering, but we need to always remember that Christ does. That knowledge alone offers some relief in my mind. It's hard to suffer, but it is nice to know you're not alone on top of that.

One of my absolute favorite talks on the resurrection is from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, called "Sunday Will Come". He talks about how the Friday when Christ was crucified must've been the darkest Friday that has ever been -- the Son of God lay nailed to the cross and the apostles then must've thought their hearts would literally break. But then Sunday came. Because Christ burst the bands of death, and conquered the powers of hell, we too can have hope in our own lives. Hope that there is life beyond the grave. Hope in eternal families. Hope in any blessing we desire in this life, but for whatever reason we're asked to suffer through without it.

Patience and hope are only possible because of the atoning sacrifice and RESURRECTION of Christ. If the resurrection had not happened, our faith would, as Paul says, be vain. But Christ did rise! Because He lives, we all will live again. Because He lives, we can trust that He will see us through whatever struggles we are asked to wade through. Because He lives, we can hope in the life to come and know that whatever blessings we had to wait upon in this life can be ours in the next.

My heart particularly goes out to couples who desire to conceive, but are unable to do so. Though I did not have to wait long in the scheme of things, I struggled with doubt after my miscarriages that I would actually have a viable pregnancy. Another talk in General Conference particularly helped me from Elder Condie: He shared the story of Rachel wanting to conceive and being given the trial to wait and wait and wait. And then "God remembered Rachel". At the end of his talk, Elder Condie says: "Just as God remembered Rachel, God will remember you." That touched me. I did not know at the time that I would have a baby within the year. I did take comfort though, that God does keep His promises, and because of Christ's atonement and resurrection, those blessings can be ours beyond this life.

I pray that I can always remember the hope that Christ's resurrection made possible -- not for this life only. I hope with that knowledge I can face whatever trials or lessons I need to, so that I can one day return to live with my Heavenly Father, and Savior again...not alone, but with my eternal family.