Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!
Sister to Sister: Messages from the Presidency
Will I ever be able to feel God’s light in my life again?
Sisters, the reason why I wanted to talk about emotional distresses and my own struggles was the hope that if I did, more of us would open up and talk about our challenges. Since I have shared my burden in general conference, I have felt so supported and loved by the sisters of this Church!
Let’s follow our Lord Jesus Christ’s example and reach out to others to share our burdens and to care about theirs, linking us as true sisters.
—Reyna I. Aburto
For all of us who are suffering from mental or emotional distress:
“Black clouds may . . . form in our lives, which can blind us to God’s light and even cause us to question if that light exists for us anymore. Some of those clouds are of depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental and emotional affliction. They can distort the way we perceive ourselves, others, and even God. . . .
“. . . When our minds are suffering, it is appropriate to seek help from God, from those around us, and from medical and mental health professionals. . . .
“If you are constantly surrounded by a ‘mist of darkness’ [1 Nephi 12:4], turn to Heavenly Father. Nothing that you have experienced can change the eternal truth that you are His child and that He loves you. Remember that Christ is your Savior and Redeemer, and God is your Father. They understand. Picture Them close by you, listening and offering support. . . .
“Your struggles do not define you, but they can refine you.”
For all of us who want to help:
“Let us follow the Savior’s path and increase our compassion, diminish our tendency to judge, and stop being the inspectors of the spirituality of others. Listening with love is one of the greatest gifts we can offer, and we may be able to help carry or lift the heavy clouds that suffocate our loved ones and friends so that, through our love, they can once again feel the Holy Ghost and perceive the light that emanates from Jesus Christ.”
Powerful promises of hope:
“Together, we can break through the clouds of isolation and stigma so the burden of shame is lifted and miracles of healing can occur. . . .
“. . . I testify that Jesus Christ will return to the earth ‘with healing in his wings’ [Malachi 4:2]. Ultimately, He ‘shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes; and there shall be no more . . . sorrow [Revelation 21:4].”