The Atonement

My happiness and peace

seemed forever gone,

leaving only regret—

until I saw the blackened earth.

One bad decision and a forest

was destroyed—

or would have been

except for the saving grace

and promise of new life

evidenced in small green shoots

pushing through the ashes.

By Lisa Jan South

I love this poem! I think it describes something each of us experience in life. We make choices that we may regret or decisions in which we feel that our "forest" has been destroyed. That our life is "blackened" and there is no hope. "Happiness and peace are forever gone." We feel there is nothing that can fix or solve our mistakes. There is however, someone and something that can! Jesus Christ and his atonement. Our Savior Jesus Christ can heal any wound, lift any burden and strengthen any weak or discouraged soul. The atonement he provided for each of us is infinite and eternal! When we have faith, hope and rely on the Savior's atonement we are able to see the "green shoots" sprout forth in our lives. When we apply the atonement in our lives and repent, we are once again filled with happiness and joy! The prophet Alma, from the Book of Mormon, describes it best I believe:

    "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
     And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

     Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."

    It's my testimony that the cleansing affect of Christ's atonement is real! That it is available to EVERYONE! I love my Savior and all the He did, not only for me, but for YOU personally as well! I Love You :)