Alone, newly married, and pregnant…A little over 23 years ago a silent battle began: a battle that was the beginning of many life lessons…one that hospitalized me multiple times and made life seem unbearable at times for Jake and I. We had not been married long, were living in New Mexico, a new ward for me, and I had not yet established relationships within my new ward. How were they to know that it was just not my personality to be un-noticed (I am loud) or miss church? There was even a point, while I lay helpless in a hospital bed that my husband was told that the baby or myself may not pull through the next couple months. I can only imagine the feelings of Jake, remember we were still newly married, so they possibility of relief was not optional yet as he was still swooning. Yet, I wanted nothing more than to give my unborn child life and to make Jake a father, something he probably now questions. We survived, and who would have guessed that we would do it three more times, despite the advice of different doctors, however each time became a little more bearable. And most days we do not regret our decision.
After the birth of our second child, she became ill and after many tests in the hospital they were uncertain as to why. Days later, we received a phone call that test conclusions led the physicians to diagnose her with salmonella. What? How in the world? But I knew her poor belly hurt and felt relief that she soon would be given medication since they knew what she was being treated for and this would help my sweet, Aubree.
Much like, I wanted to anything I could do to give life unto my first child and ease the pains of my second, our Father in Heaven wants to do the exact thing for each of us individually. He also wants us not to feel alone, like I did for several months in New Mexico. The love that our father in heaven has for us must be incomprehensible that he was willing to offer the sacrifice of one of his children for his other children. And the love, that Jesus Christ has for us that he was willing to live and die for us. Many people often do not grasp the full concept of the atonement of Christ and believe it is merely for the sinner but are we not all sinners. I stand before you today to testify that the Atonement is for the saint and the sinner and equally as important that it is for me and for you alone and encompasses much more than sin.. The Atonement can be divided into 4 basic parts: strengthening, healing, redemption, and resurrection.
Strengthening
As a youth, I recall a video I once saw in seminary. In this video Boyd K. Packer was on a hike in the African savannah during the dry season. His guide had warned him of crocodiles and to not stray from the path. “Crocodiles”, he exclaimed. “There is no water. I see no crocodiles.” His guide laughed and assured him they were there and if they looked hard enough, they would find them. They paused and took a minute to look. Before too long not far away from where they stood, they spotted one lying in the grass lifeless, waiting for some unsuspecting prey to wander too close. It would then be too late as the powerful jaws of the beast would have them bound and trapped.
The adversary, or Satan, doesn’t advertise his presence with neon signs of warning. He lies camouflaged by his surroundings, still, awaiting unsuspecting individuals to wander near his reach that he might ensnare them. On the path of life, we pass through many fields full of crocodiles. These crocodiles don’t have sharp teeth, scales, or long snouts. However, these crocodiles will hurt us, slow us down, and block our way to happiness which lies on the other side of the field. Some of these crocodiles are known as dishonesty, pride, social media, pornography, or anything else that distracts us from God. To help us spot these crocodiles before it is too late the Lord has given each of us our own personal crocodile detectors. It has been with us since baptism guiding our path. It is the Holy Ghost. And it will continue to be with us as long as we follow the guidelines the Lord has set. There are several eternal truths to help persuade the Holy Ghost to be with us at all times. The road ahead is not an easy one, there will be times we may come close to crocodiles. At other times we may even get snagged along the way. The Savior is always there with outreached arms to pull us from its grasp if we will allow him. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that the youth and children that believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” The Atonement of Christ, empowers us, gives us strength to do good. As Latter-day Saints, we know not only what Jesus saved us from but also what He redeemed us for. We must be renewed, refined, and ultimately perfected in Him"
Healing and Redemption
As many of you know, our bishop has a strong testimony that the Book of Mormon is a book of miracles. Several years, about 2012, he began (like most of his journals he starts, a few entries) a Book of Mormon reflection journal. One of the very few entries comes from thoughts in Alma 34:31…”if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about you.” Let me share with you his journal entry along with that passage. “I have wondered how long I must be repentant; how long do I have to be on the path of righteousness before I can begin to feel the redeeming power of the atonement. The answer is explained by Amulek “immediately”. I testify that this is true. As soon as a person takes it upon them repent, immediately the power of the atonement begins to strengthen and heal. And if a person will not cast aside that moment of strength but hold to it as if clinging to a life preserve in a sea of uncertainty, they will overcome their weakness. The love of the Savior will surround them, and the power of God will sustain them. If they should feel the grasp weakening and the resolve slipping, immediately cry for mercy. Do as Peter did when overcome with fear on the Sea of Galilee and cry saying “Lord save me”. And if you failed, do not believe that all is lost, that you are lost. Do not believe that chance has passed you by. Do not forget the atonement and is infinite and the power limitless. Do not forget that God loves you. He sent his only begotten son to lift you up again, so try and try again.”. Healing, redemption, and strengthening comes through Christ. In Alma 7:11-13, we read: "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind... that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people.” He understands perfectly our struggles and can make us whole. Elder Bednar taught: “It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us- that is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us- not only to direct us but also to empower us.” It provides help for us to overcome and avoid bad and to do good and become good. The enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity. The Atonement can not only heal us physically but also emotionally and spiritually.
Resurrection
Twenty-four years ago, my sweet husband had a plan, a plan for the best proposal known to man or so he thought. The entire day as we began our journey to the desired destination, he was a bit unkind, in like he did not talk to me or would answer with one word like “yes or no”. This was all a part of his plan to ensure that I would not suspect what was coming. After several hours of this relentless, rude, and thoughtless behavior, as the car came to a rolling stop, I opened the door, got out, sat on a rock on the side of the road, and demanded to know what his problem was before I got back in that jeep with him. Jake recalls: “Despite my pleas to get back in the car, she said, “I am not getting back in the car until you tell me what is going on!” Man, this woman is stubborn. To my shock, my perfect plan was being unraveled. So, at the place and time of Renee’s choosing, I knelt on one knee and asked her to marry me. After she said yes, it took her about half a second, I started to tell her my plan. I even took her to the place where the perfect proposal was to take place. My Eagle Scout project sat in the middle of the hot desert, in a pit, next to an oil pump, among the cow pies.” Life can be like Jake’s proposal plan at times. Sometimes we may think we know the path, but we may not be able to foresee all the twists, turns, or challenges that may arise. In fact, the only perfect plan is the plan designed by our Father in Heaven.
This plan was presented to us when we lived with our Father before we were born. As part of the plan, we would come to earth to receive a body and to learn to apply the atonement in our lives. Only by doing this could we become more like our Father and obtain everything that He has. After our time on earth, our spirits and mortal bodies would separate through death. Our spirits would then await the time of resurrection
Despite being part of the plan, death rarely seems to be a happy occasion. It can strike anyone at any age. Sometimes death calls upon a caring grandparent, a young mother, or a best friend. It may even remove from the home the sound of a young child’s laughter. It may leave in its wake thoughts of memories never created, times never enjoyed, and dreams never achieved. Through our Savior, the Atonement, provides resurrection to all and everlasting life to the deserving.
Because Jesus Christ died and raised again, each person that has ever lived with have the opportunity to be resurrected, to live again. The resurrection breaks the bands of death. The most glorious moment in history happened on that first Easter morning. The tomb was empty! The angel declared to the women at the tomb: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here but is risen.” (Luke 24:5-6)
This was the fulfillment of prophecy, a moment that changed the world forever. Christ conquered death, and because of Him, we will all rise again. The Book of Mormon confirms this truth. In Mosiah 16:7-8, Abinadi declared: “If Christ had not risen from the dead... there could have been no resurrection. But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.”
Because of Jesus Christ, we do not need to fear death. Families can be together forever. Loved ones lost will be reunited. Easter is a celebration of life—eternal life.”
As we begin to reflect on Easter in the upcoming weeks, may we note that Easter is more than just remembering—it’s about living in a way that reflects our gratitude for the Savior’s gift. May we each find way to continually honor our Savior this year. Here are 3 small ways we can start:
1. Strengthen Our Faith in Him – We can deepen our faith through scripture study, prayer, and trusting in His plan. As we read in 2 Nephi 2:6: “Redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah.”
2. Repent and Rely on His Atonement – Easter is a reminder that through repentance, we can start anew. Isaiah 1:18 teaches us: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
3. Share His Love – Christ served selflessly, and we can do the same. Small acts of kindness, forgiveness, and love can help us become more like Him.
Easter is a time of joy, hope, and renewal. Because of Christ, we will all rise again. Because of Christ, we can find peace in this life and eternal joy in the next. I testify that Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, and our greatest source of hope. This Easter, may we rejoice in the reality of His resurrection and strive to follow Him more fully.
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