There are a few things that stood out to me as I read through it this time. So I want to share with you President Uchtdorf's words that resonated with me.
From a General conference address given April 2008 -- link below.
" Doubt, despair, and failure to care for our fellowmen lead us into temptation, which can cause us to forfeit choice and precious blessings."
"The adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in suffocating darkness. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be. Despair kills ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Despair can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward."
"Hope, on the other hand, is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for those who seek for eternal truth in a world of relativism, confusion, and of fear."
"If only we could look beyond the horizon of mortality into what awaits us beyond this life. Is it possible to imagine a more glorious future than the one prepared for us by our Heavenly Father? Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we need not fear, for we will live forever, never to taste of death again. 23 Because of His infinite Atonement, we can be cleansed of sin and stand pure and holy before the judgment bar. 24 The Savior is the Author of our Salvation."
"And what kind of existence can we hope for? Those who come unto Christ, repent of their sins, and live in faith will reside forever in peace. Think of the worth of this eternal gift. Surrounded by those we love, we will know the meaning of ultimate joy as we progress in knowledge and in happiness. No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations."
"Everyone has experienced discouragement and difficulty. Indeed, there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in can uphold us and carry us until, once again, we walk in the light."
"We learn to cultivate hope the same way we learn to walk, one step at a time. As we study the scriptures, speak with our Heavenly Father daily, commit to keep the commandments of God, like the Word of Wisdom, and to pay a full tithing, we attain hope."
"There may be times when we must make a courageous decision to hope even when everything around us contradicts this hope."
"Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us."
"And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in."
"Never surrender."
"Never allow despair to overcome your spirit."
I really love President Uchtdorf! Please remember that no matter what trials we face, no matter what mistakes we've made, no matter how dark our lives seem, there is always hope!
That is the beauty of the atonement of Jesus Christ! Don't let Satan discourage you. If you have a desire to improve your life, take the necessary steps to attain hope -- daily prayer, committing to keep the commandments of God.
Step-by-step as you apply the atonement in your life and work towards salvation, your life will begin to improve. The darkness will turn to light and you will begin to feel true joy and happiness.
As Sheri Dew pointed out to me in a devotional I read recently -- the atonement isn't just for sinners and those who have chosen not to follow God's laws. Of course repentance is real and necessary for all of us. But the atonement also is for those who are facing trials of any kind. We can all rely on Our Savior to help us through this mortal journey.
Never give up! There is always hope!
That's my two cents.
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