Lin Muir was our guest teacher today for the lesson "The Infinite Power of Hope" given by President Uchtdorf in conference. We listened while she played the tender and terrifying story of Pres Uchtdorf's mother losing and then finding her children in a refugee train heading out of Czechoslovakia. He wondered how she was able to have hope. Since she was not a woman to "sit and bemoan tragedy" we began the discussion by noting that hope is an action and not just a wish.
Lin directed us to the visual of a 3-legged stool comprised of faith, hope, and charity. These elements offer stability and optimism. Hope is a gift of the spirit and can be prayed for when we don't have the "oomph" to think positively. We can hope for things, and hope in things - but these desires must be founded on Christ, who is the object of our greatest hope for eternal life and salvation.
President Uchtdorf's talk ended with advice for those who are discouraged - "never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart. Of this I testify and leave you my blessings in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
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