Safety for the Soul

My thoughts on Elder Holland's talk "Safety for the Soul"

"The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth."

"Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days “men’s hearts [shall fail] them.”"

"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."

The Book of Mormon helps us from being deceived, helps us keep our spiritual heart in shape and provides ways for love, healing, help and hope. It truly is our safety line in these days of despair and ugliness.

I find it kind of soothing that like I Joseph and Hyrum turned to the Book of Mormon in their time of hopelessness to find that hope. I have never found so much solace and comfort in the Book of Mormon--even through the warring chapters--as I have had since being diagnosed with cancer. I find such great hope in reading about other who have struggled in worse conditions than I (I have my family surrounding me) and as they have held true to the truth and fast to the Iron Rod their families were blessed. I think of the Book of Mormon promise: that as long as you are faithful you will prosper in the land and how that applies to me today. Prosper isn't just about what is in our bank account but more. Am I righteous and faithful enough to call upon the blessings of the Book of Mormon? He said those who possess the land will be blessed if they are righteous. I know I need those blessings now. I know I need the hope of the plan of salvation. I need to know that I'm loved, listened to and watched out for. I need to know or my heart might fail me. Therefore I continue to read. I continue to ponder and search the words of truth and happiness.

I have an old friend who has since given up her membership in the church. She said that she has "found" Jesus. My heart ache for her. I see the words she writes daily in her blogs and emails but there is a lack of conviction and sincerity behind them. There is just something lacking. On the other side, the communication I have with another faithful sister isn't lacking that happiness. That hope that comes from knowing that Chris lives, and that the plan of salvation is about family and the sealing of that family.

I was once challenged to read the Book of Mormon and color everything with the word family. How my heart broke for those in families who gave up that bond and rejoiced when I saw others in the book give up wickedness for family. The gospel is all about family.

The Book of Mormon is that safety line that if used and followed will keep us tight with the Rod of Iron and safe from "heart attacks".