President Eyring: The Comforter

Unfortunately it has been a while since I’ve posted to this blog. I don’t have a good reason, just the excuse that it is the end of the school year and the teacher in me is ready for summer. But, like I said, that is just an excuse not a justifiable reason for my lapse. 

Now it is time to start fresh and recommit myself to this blog. The challenge to read and respond to the General Conference talks really has been helpful (when I follow through). I just need to be more consistent in my reading schedule.

Ok, here we go. 

President Henry B. Eying: The Comforter 

Here is a link to the full talk.

This was a very powerful talk for me. I didn’t have to chance to watch Women’s Conference that last weekend in March because I was visiting family out of state. So, this was the first time I read Brother Eyring’s words. 

The spirit behind his message is very strong.

The first part to stand out to me was when Erying said that we “can and must be an important part of His (Heavenly Father) giving comfort to those who need comfort. You can play your best part if you know more of how He answers those prayers for help.”

I don’t know about the rest of you, but sometimes I struggle with negativity. I’ve never been officially diagnosed with depression, but I recognize depressive tendencies in my personality. So, I am most definitely someone who needs Heavenly Father’s help and comfort. While I was reading Eyring’s words I was reminded of the scripture that tells us to forget ourselves and get lost in the work. I think that is part of what Eyring is saying. But, not only do we need the comfort of forgetting ourselves to serve others, we are also responsible for helping others to find comfort.  As President Eyring said, “You promised that you would help the Lord make their burdens light.”

Brothers and sisters, we all know that life has to be challenging. That is how we learn. We may not like that truth, but we can’t change it. Thankfully, and obviously, Heavenly Father addressed this in His plan for us. 

According to President Eyring, “It was the witness of the Spirit of the coming Atonement which saw Job through the tests life is intended to include for all of us. This is part of the great plan of happiness the Father gave us. He allowed His Son to provide, by His atoning sacrifice, the hope that comforts us no matter how hard the way home to Him may be.” 

I will leave you with that: the reminder that, yes, life is difficult, but we are not alone. Our Heavenly Father is watching over us. He has prepared a way for us to make our way home to Him and, in the process, bring our brothers and sisters with us.