“When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word power. The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls.” President Russell M. Nelson

I love the feeling of starting a new year. It feels full of hope, excitement, possibilities; a clean slate on which to create, to live, to become whatever we choose. Plus, the number 2020 is just fun. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints celebrate an anniversary this year, as well. We gratefully look back to the year 1820, when Joseph Smith, a 14-year-old boy, knelt in a grove of trees to wholeheartedly ask God about truth. In that sacred grove, he experienced what we refer to as “The First Vision,” where he saw and heard God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, tell him that the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ wasn’t on the earth anymore, but would be restored in its fullness, as it was in the days when Christ walked on the earth. We rejoice in gratitude for all we’ve been given because of the faith and courage of Joseph Smith and the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ we’ve received since that first vision.

One of those gifts is a book of ancient scripture, The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. This year for Sunday School, family worship, and seminary, we are studying this book, after studying The Holy Bible, New Testament last year. Together, these testaments combine to bear a powerful witness of the divinity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’ve read them both, numerous times. I love to read wonderful books over and over. They become familiar, comforting friends to sit with and enjoy. I read or listen to help me feel calm in anxious times, to feel companionship when I’m lonely, and to make me smile when I’m sad. Reading the scriptures does all of that, plus it brings the Spirit into my heart and mind, providing peace, answers to questions, and much-needed wisdom to navigate this life.

Twenty years ago, just before the Palmyra Temple was to be dedicated, I wanted to renew my testimony of the prophet, Joseph Smith, the restoration of the gospel, found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and The Book of Mormon, even though I’d had a testimony of the truthfulness of these things for many years. I spent time in the temple, read Joseph Smith—History, an account of how it all came to be, and prayed and fasted for a stronger testimony of the truth. When I attended a broadcast of the dedication of that beautiful temple, in a location that is sacred and loved by members of the church everywhere, I was humbled and overjoyed at the outpouring of the Spirit I felt, confirming to me, once again, that Joseph really did see our Father and Jesus, that the church and The Book of Mormon are true, and that we are led by prophets still today. I witness to these truths. I’ve had this testimony strengthened many times, in many ways, through years of living the gospel, praying, studying the scriptures, and allowing the Lord to lead my life.

As this year started with a sad and heavy challenge of helping my mom, and our entire family, face Mom’s cancer and the pain and struggle that come with that reality, I look back to the past months and see the hand of the Lord, preparing me, strengthening me, and cradling me. A favorite scripture in The Book of Mormon is Nephi’s response, when asked by the Lord to do a seemingly impossible task, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” I’ve always felt strength from this scripture, believing God will help me, but lately it’s taken on deeper significance to me.  It says He shall prepare a way.

The months leading up to the life-changing battle of mom’s illness were filled with the love of God, poured out in diverse ways, to prepare me for the fight ahead. He led me to work in the temple, bringing more joy and light than I can express. He guided me in buying a new home, filling my heart with the knowledge that He is aware of me and cares about the details in my life. In fact, I had just finished signing the house papers when my sister called to tell me Mom’s MRI showed possible cancer. He blessed me with the priceless gift of having my youngest son return to live in my home, to strengthen, help, and comfort me during this difficult season. He gave us the sweet anticipation of a new tiny member of the family, due to arrive at my oldest daughter’s home in May, reminding us of the eternal circle of family. He was even preparing a way years ago as He sent me each precious child to be a comfort and a blessing to me every single day. As I ponder on these gifts, many more flood into my heart and mind, causing tears of gratitude to spill down my cheeks. Truly the Lord prepares the way. He knows what’s coming and loves us enough to give us all we’ll need. I know He grieves beside me when I don’t think I can bear to see the pain my mom is suffering. He’s felt the grief. He’s carried it for me and carries it with me.

I’m truly thankful to have the fulness of the gospel on the earth today, with the knowledge that we are beloved children of God. Knowing His plan, that this life isn’t all there is, and that because of Jesus, we can all live together again, I can take care of my mom, help her through her last battle, and send her peacefully, even joyfully, to be with Jesus, Dad, and other family members, to wait for the rest of us to complete our journeys.

“Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair. That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.’” Jeffrey R. Holland