This past week I had a pretty rough day and even though I knew of the love of my family and friends, as I sat alone, pondering, this feeling of complete loneliness came over me. Immediately following that feeling, the Savior and the words “I am with thee” came to mind. I looked up the scripture that these words belonged to, which is Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” I know that those words were not my own as I felt a tremendous peace wash over my soul. I did not pray for peace or comfort. It just came, but I know it came because He was/is so very aware of me and of all of us. It was sure sign to me that I was not alone, and that Christ really was and is there with me. He did “walk the path utterly and completely alone”, so that we would not have to. I felt and know that He did help me, He did uplift me, and He did strengthen me. This scripture was a huge blessing to me and I hope it can be to all of you as you face challenges throughout the course of your life. I testify of the Savior; that He is with you always. “His hand is outstretched still” and He is only waiting for you to take a hold of it. I plead with you to so. I say that in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I ran into the scripture, Mosiah 4:19, this past week. It says, "For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?" This scripture really stood out to me for a few reasons, but I would like to write about one that has been heavily impressed upon my mind. I love that this scripture asks the rhetorical question, "..Are we not all beggars?". This shows that, whether or not we have the same temporal social status, whether or not we are "rich or poor, black or white, bond or free, male or female"(and so on) that we are all the same. We have been created equal by God. He loves each and every one of us the same. He is the God of us all and we are all heirs to his blessings. Because of these things, I know that it is so important that we become a unified people. Let us not label each other or define one another by worldly ideologies or statuses, instead let us look through the lens of Christ and see each other as he does. Let Him be the judge and let us be his servants, disciples, and ministers. I know that as we strive to develop this heavenly unity that we will be blessed beyond what we can imagine. As with everything else in the gospel, unity will bring us joy. We will be better able to strengthen others and to be strengthened ourselves. We will become a Zionic people, full of His light. I exhort everyone to do their part to become a unified people. It will bring those blessings which I have mentioned and many more beyond what we can even comprehend. This scripture means so much to me for all of these reasons. Let us listen with our hearts and minds to the beautiful messages which it teaches.

In class this past week, we talked about the atonement, beginning in Gethsemane and ending on the cross. In discussing these sacred hours, my heart and soul was struck by several things. Our professor specifically mentioned the significance of John 19:30 which says, "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." Our professor pointed out that no mortal being could've taken Christ's life. It was completely and entirely Christ's decision when He would "give up the Ghost". This is very significant because, despite His excruciating suffering, He chose to live for each and every one of us. He chose to live until His work was finished, so that all of us would have the opportunity to become as He is and be saved. I cannot even begin to understand how much love He has for us. That ultimate gift, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, was paid heavily for by Him. He experienced such depth pain that is unfathomable for all of us. Before this lesson I had not thought about the profundity of this, but as we discussed it, I became ever more grateful for my Savior. I cannot express such gratitude. This sacrifice means the world to me. It has already influenced how I live. I strive every day to more fully come unto Him and exemplify Him. I would invite anyone who will to come to understand the Savior, study His life, and come to know Him even better than you do now. I know that such a depth of understanding will fill you with a love and gratitude that you have never before felt for Him who has given it all for you.