I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we are often called Mormons for short. A key part of our religion is spreading the word of Christ and inviting others to come unto him. To help do my part, I have chosen to serve a mission for the church which entails leaving my home and family for 18 months to serve and to teach. I was called to the Texas, Dallas Mission and I will leave on the 6th of February 2013. Before leaving however, it is customary to give a talk in church called a farewell. I was asked to speak on the topic of the Atonement, and posted here is the talk I gave:
This last fall I took an institute class about the atonement, so when I was asked to talk on it for my farewell speech, I was pretty excited. I thought to myself “Could there be an easier topic?” However, while I was preparing, every time I sat down to think about what to say, I came across a blank. I’ve learned so much, that I’ve finally realized I know nothing.
Have you ever had something- perhaps a food, or a television show- that you absolutely loved? You just thought it was the most spectacular thing ever, but when someone asked you about it, all you could say was that you liked it? It’s simple, in a complicated way.
Why do you like bacon so much? Because it’s bacon, and… it’s good.
Why do you like Harry Potter so much? Because I find Ron to be very attractive… and it’s good…
The best that I- and many people can do is make analogies:
Why do you like Bacon? Because it’s like a party in my mouth.
Why do you like Harry Potter? Because it’s like Brittan smothered in Chocolate.
For me, the atonement is a lot like that. I enjoy hearing people talk about the atonement, I love doing what is right so I can feel the atonement in my life, but when I have to explain it, all I can seem to say is: Well, Jesus did it… and…. It’s….good.
So, to explain it in the best way that I can, I’ve created a metaphorical evening during which we will entertain three homemade analogies: A mother’s hug, a hot bath, and a long road.
We are going to start our evening with our families, because whether you like it or not, your family is the one thing that you will always have in life. This evening with your family has been a good one full of laughter and good times, but as we are not masters of time, night is falling and it’s time to tell your family goodnight. I know that not all families do so, but for this hypothetical situation, you say goodnight to everyone with a hug, ending with your mother.
When your mother hugs you, you know she loves you. Her hug tells you everything is going to be alright, and it tells you that your mother only wishes she could make all the bad go away. You love hugging your mother when something is wrong in your life. It doesn’t matter what’s wrong- whether you’ve done something wrong, or whether you are just being a victim of bad luck- if you need a hug, your mother is always there for you. (Just a warning flag for you if you haven’t caught it yet- this is our first analogy)
A mother’s hug is like the atonement because it is also available no matter the situation. A common misunderstanding is that the atonement is only for sinners, but in reality, the atonement not only helps sinners, but it helps everyone. Christ suffered that he may take all our pains from us. He suffered to take the pains of broken hearts, broken toys, and broken promises. He takes our pains whether we knowingly sinned, or simply made a mistake. All we have to do is turn to him and let him wrap his arms around us. Through the atonement, we can feel the saviors love and have faith that everything is going to be alright.
After saying your goodnights, you find that a hot bath has been drawn for you. It’s got some nice scented bath salts in in, and surrounded by candles and soft music playing a sweet melody. (Here’s the second analogy.) The atonement is like a hot bath. It’s there for anyone to use, and it’s something that everyone needs, but everyone views it differently.
For some people this is a welcomed thing at the end of the day. It can help ease your aches and pains, and it can clean away any dirt that may have spoiled you throughout the day. The people who welcome the bath are those that have felt the atonement in their lives and know how good it feels. It’s easy for these people to jump in the hot bath and soak up the joy. These are the people who live worthy to enter the temple, the people who teach and help others come unto Christ as well.
Other people don’t mind the concept of hot water, but they prefer showers- Not that showers are bad in reality, but for this analogy, pretend like they are less effective than baths- The showers help clean you a bit, but you aren’t completely immersed, and don’t get to feel the full effect of it. These are the people who want to be saved from their sins, but they don’t always want to stop sinning. They will repent occasionally, but they don’t fully live their lives the way Christ would, so they tend to keep faltering. They are kind of half in-half out, only sprinkling their lives in the atonement
Lastly, there are some people who hate this metaphor altogether. To some people- mostly children, dogs, and single men- bath day is something to be dreaded. They may not like water, or maybe the water is too hot for them and it may cause some pain. These are the people who are deeply in love with their sins, these are the people that may dread the atonement. They know that to return to Christ would cause the need to make painful life changes, and it’s just something that they don’t think they can do.
After your bath, supposing you took the opportunity that was presented to you, you head to bed and go to sleep. As you close your eyes a vision comes to your mind. Now, imagine a road- Not any road, but a very specific imaginary road. This road is very long, spanning from one end of eternity to the other. There are no turn offs, no curves, nothing to lead you astray. In your dream you were placed in the very center of the road, pointing in one direction there is a sign that reads “Peace”. In the other direction is a sign which reads “Chaos.” You are all alone on this road, as each person has their own road that they are on. You know it is unlikely that you will ever fully reach one end of the road or the other, but you cannot stay still. Since you’re alone you are allowed to go as fast or as slow in either direction, and you can make as many U-turns as you like.
(You should be able to tell by not, but in case you are still lost, this is our third analogy.) This road is symbolic your life. You would think that most people would want to be in the lane that leads to “peace” but for whatever reason, many people find themselves making U-turns. If you look hard enough, you can always find where you are on this road, because there are mile markers along both ways. On the path to peace you will find the Mile-markers of joy and love, on the way to chaos, you may see pain or loneliness. These are here to help you, to remind you where you are and where you are going.
The purpose of the atonement is to allow all men a change of heart, or a U-turn in the right direction. As long as we are heading in the right direction, Christ will make the rest of the journey for us. At the end of our live his mercy will be extended towards us.
Now your dream has come to an end. Hopefully it’s inspired you with some greater knowledge of the Atonement.
Unfortunately, I never actually finished typing my talk before I presented it. I went this far, and spoke the rest from my heart at the stand. After saying these words I bore my Testimony, saying that I know this church to be true. I know that the atonement really can help an individual in their life, and that I hope all of us may be able to embrace it and be the best people we can be. Although unfinished, I have posted this because many people have asked for copies of my speech. If you wish to use any or all of these analogies in your teaching, feel fee to do so. Also feel free to comment, I love hearing that my thoughts were well enjoyed.
This is the first, last, and only post that you will have directly from me, as I am soon leaving for my mission. If you wish to follow me on my journey, my mother will keep this blog running- she will post updates (possibly pictures) and excerpts from the letters that I send home.
Have a good life, and I'll see you in a couple of years.
Sincerely.
Sister Sara "Ronnie" Sanders
And just for fun, here's a picture of me in front of the Manti Utah Temple, the temple closest to the home I will be leaving to serve my Lord in Texas.
