Our new Relief Society President, Sister Julie Kirk, gave a beautiful lesson today on Hope by Elder Steven E. Snow (April 2011 Conference). Julie opened a fortune cookie and read the five fortunes contained inside, which began a discussion on the difference between wishful thinking and the hope that we may have in the sure promises of The Lord. For example, we may hope that our favorite sports team wins or that the weather stays nice, but this hope doesn't sustain us through difficult times. The sisters discussed how hope is trusting in The Lord, casting our burdens at His feet, and taking upon us His yoke. We were reminded that He said: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matt 11:29-30). Nephi tells us in The Book of Mormon: "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men" (2 Nephi 31:20). Elder Snow reminds us: "This perfect brightness of hope of which Nephi speaks is the hope in the Atonement, eternal salvation made possible by the sacrifice of our Savior." And, my favorite quote from Elder Snow's talk: "It is my prayer that our hopes will lead to the fulfillment of our righteous dreams."
I have a testimony that the Lord provides a way for us to have hope. I have had many times in my life when despair has been replaced by hope as I have fervently prayed and then have allowed the power of the atonement to heal my spirit. This process not only provides me with much needed hope, but also reminds me of who I am, what my Savior has done for me, and then provides me with a more exact direction for my purpose in life.
Thanks, Julie, for the renewal of hope and for the fortune cookies! :)
