I found this talk in the November 2009 Ensign by Elder Neil L. Anderson while preparing to teach about repentance for Relief Society.
It came as a mini miracle (God's way of being anonymous...). I admit it, the topic of repentance is hard for me. I suffer from the "good girl syndrome". I always want to do choose the right, be perfect. I viewed many aspects of repentance as a spotlight that highlighted my flaws, my giant mistakes, my unworthiness. How mistaken was I?
The
text beneath the title of this talk is "the invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to "re-turn" toward God". What a relief! I sin and and turn away from the Lord, ashamed but I have been missing the point! The Lord uses our weakness to call us to repentance; to make us stronger. He uses it to heal us. How I need to be healed again and again.Elder Andersen quotes the scriptures-"Behold [my arms] of mercy [are] extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me." Elder Andersen reminds us that "for most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event." That's exactly how I have viewed my life especially the last few years. He also reminds us that "repentance not only changes us, but it also blesses our families and those we love". What a beautiful thought.
I loved this talk. I humbly acknowledge the Lord reaching out to me; reminding me that He knows me, that He wants me to come back to Him and there is nothing that has been so wrong in my life that I can't return to Him. I have been so inspired by this talk, by the Spirit, by the healing that has already come to me by "re-turning" to my Heavenly Father.
Hugs, my sweet sisters. I hope you find "healing in His wings" (2Nephi something...).
No comments:
Post a Comment