Sara McGill – Highland 15th Ward
Some years ago, our family was living in a different state and going through some tremendous challenges. These challenges persisted for a number of years. Some of them were from choices we made, some just from the process of mortality, and many of them were due to the choices of others. It was a heavy time that seemed to have very few obtainable solutions. It was a challenge to even know what to pray for.
I was feeling particularly sorry for myself one day. Running through my mind on repeat were some poor choices others had made that were having a significant impact on me. I had the feeling that I needed to let go of these thoughts, but my victim mentality was winning the battle. I could not seem to clear my head and I was feeling very justified in my sorrow and anger. While praying out loud, in tears, sharing these feelings with the Lord, I could feel the Spirit whispering “Let it go.” I replied with somewhat righteous indignation “But I am so tired of suffering because of the decisions of others!” Then a whisper entered my mind that went to the center of my being which said clearly, “I know exactly how you feel.”
It wasn’t just the words but the image in my mind of Jesus Christ suffering for MY poor decisions. I was brought up short! His words had empathy as well as quiet loving correction. In that moment, all I could feel was a pleading heart for forgiveness and a desire to “let go” and allow the Lord to do His work with me and our situations. I needed mercy and I wanted to extend that mercy to others. He helped me with both.
The Lord’s Atonement is His testimony to us that He loves us and believes in us. That we can overcome and move on. That there is always a way forward. And that the best is always ahead. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”