Monday, December 14, 2009

Safety for the Soul

If Conference had a greatist hits album, this talk would be on it.

If you saw the Sunday afternoon session this last October, you surely remember Elder Holland's talk, "Safety for the Soul," and his powerful witness to the truth of the Book of Mormon. The good sister who taught our Relief Society lesson yesterday quoted it at length, and its been on my mind ever since. It seemed especially apporpriate to ponder on the Book of Mormon in the lead-up to Christmas for a few reasons:
--It's the Prophet's birthday next week (Dec 23)! No better way to say, "Thank you for your life'" than really appreciating what he sacrificed so much for.
--I hope it will remind us to read the Christmas story in the Book of Mormon to our children this year.
--Christmas is about Christ. The Prophet said, "I told the bretheren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding its precepts, than by any other book." To get nearer to Christ, read this powerful witness of Him!
The Book of Mormon saved my life! The Spirit I have felt as I read it, the knowledge of God's love for me, the powerful witness of the reality and infinity of the Atonement and the practical knowledge that allows me to put gospel principles to work in my life has given me a life of purpose and joy. I could not be who I am without this book! I know it is true. The people in this record are so real to me--indeed, I count Nephi as one of my best friends. He's been there for me many times, and he gets where I'm coming from. We understand one another. :) I love to read, and many books have affected my life, but no other book feels like the Book of Mormon. No other book actually gives me power to overcome myself. It is incomparable.
I invite you to share your own testimony of the Book of Mormon this week. I also challenge you to get a copy ( a lovely blue one, in the language of your choice!) and write your testimony in it. Then, make a goal and pray for Heavenly Father to guide you to someone who needs it. Don't be afraid. Just give the greatest gift you have to offer--the truth!

4 comments:

  1. I love hearing Elder Holland speak, no matter the topic. Whenever he speaks, I feel like we're having a conversation, soul-to-soul. I think that's why there are so many apostles: so that every member of the church can feel some kinship to at least one of them. For me, when Elder Holland speaks, I listen, understand, and I know what he's saying is true. It's wonderful.

    This talk was no exception. He spoke with such power! The talk was such a wonderful witness that The Book of Mormon is true. It helped me realize again that I do have a testimony of it. I don't know if I have ever prayed specifically about The Book of Mormon, but when I was in high school I started to wonder if I really had a testimony. I grew up in the Church and basically did what I was supposed to, but I just didn't know if I KNEW the Gospel was true. I remember reading in Joseph Smith--History when he says, quoting Paul, I think, "I knew, and I knew that God knew it and I could not deny it." And that was my answer--I have a testimony, God knows it, and I should not deny it. So from then on, I have never doubted. The gift of the Holy Ghost is such a beautiful and powerful gift, that testifies of truth, and I'm grateful for it.

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  2. Wow!!! What a powerful talk.
    I always end up saying that after I listen to Elder Holland. I also always feel a great contection with the things he is teaching me. Thanks Emily I needed to read this one oone more time. I have read it several times and listened to it even more. I needed this talk to help me get through the week.

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  3. I too love Elder Holland. He seems to teach pure doctrine in a powerful and thought provoking way. One of my favorite quotes is as follows:
    "Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair."

    It is evident to me that the Lord has provided a way to overcome all things if we just turn to Him. One of the ways we turn to Him is through the Book of Mormon. I am grateful for the truth taught in the Book of Mormon and the peace, understanding, and enlightenment it provides me. It is a true book!

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  4. I have to say it to! Wow, what a powerful talk! I am amazed by the power and conviction that Elder Holland has. I also was touched by the quote that Kim quoted. It's a comfort to know that through the Savior and the Book of Mormon there is a safe harbor where we can turn to for advice, uplifting, encouragment or whatever we are in need of! This talk has certainly strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon and has given me a renewed desire to read and really study it!

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