President Monson

(black text is the original talk; all yellow highlights are things I am commenting on;All blue text are my thoughts and are my opinions only and do not represent the official position of the speaker or the church.)

We Never Walk Alone

By President Thomas S. Monson

You will one day stand aside and look at your difficult times, I have always felt that one of the truest phrases in scripture is "and it came to pass"...time stands still for no one and you will realize that He was always there beside you.

My dear sisters, the spirit we feel this evening is a reflection of your strength, your devotion, and your goodness. To quote the Master: 

“Ye are the salt of the earth. …This phrase is a sermon in itself. For more insight, read this talk. Salt represents purity, honor, friendship, hospitality, healing, and much much more! Ye are the light of the world.”¹ not a light in and of yourself, but a light that reflects the light of the Savior - who is the light of the world.

As I have contemplated my opportunity to address you, I have been reminded of the love my dear wife, Frances, had for Relief Society. During her lifetime she served in many positions in Relief Society. When she and I were both just 31 years of age, I was called to be president of the Canadian Mission. During the three years of that assignment, Frances presided over all of the Relief Societies in that vast area, which encompassed the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Some of her closest friendships came as a result of that assignment, as well as from the many callings she later filled in our own ward Relief Society. She was a faithful daughter of our Heavenly Father, my beloved companion, and my dearest friend. I miss her more than words can express. Three titles we should all strive to be known as: Faithful daughter of God; Beloved companion; Dearest Friend.

I too love Relief Society. I testify to you that it was organized by inspiration and is a vital part of the Lord’s Church  Whenever I hear a statement like this I am reminded of two other statements: (Pres. Spencer W. Kimball) “There is a power in this organization that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God—nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of Relief Society." and (Sis. Julie Beck) "Notwithstanding the important relief efforts of the past, the greatest and most important work for the women of this Church still lies ahead. The earth must be prepared to receive the Lord Jesus Christ, and we must help with this preparation in the midst of wars, turmoil, natural calamities, and an increase of evil. There has not been a time in the history of the world when a full-scale relief effort was more needed. Because we are disciples of Jesus Christ and we have made covenants with Him, we are already committed by covenant to participate in that relief effort." here upon the earth. It would be impossible to calculate all the good which has come from this organization and all the lives which have been blessed because of it. ...and will yet be blessed by it!

Relief Society is made up of a variety of women. There are those of you who are single—perhaps in school, perhaps working—yet forging a full and rich life. No shame here...Some of you are busy mothers of growing children. Still others of you have lost your husbands because of divorce or death and are struggling to raise your children without the help of a husband and father. Some of you have raised your children but have realized that their need for your help is ongoing. There are many of you who have aging parents who require the loving care only you can give. Did we miss anyone? No mention of the married woman with no children....

Wherever we are in life, there are times when all of us have challenges and struggles. Although they are different for each, they are common to all.  Make peace with the doctrine of "opposition in all things".

Many of the challenges we face exist because we live in this mortal world, populated by all manner of individuals. ..with agency that God will not violate...At times we ask in desperation, meaning "without hope; about to give up"“How can I keep my sights firmly fixed on the celestial as I navigate through this telestial world?” More a statement of what should be your question, not what probably is your question.  Keep your perspective "big"; your vision of your life focused, fixed, unable to be moved off of an eternal life; realize this life is a journey through a fallen world.

There will be times not "might" but "will" when you will walk a path strewn with thorns and marked by struggle. ...in a conference talk that follows we will be taught to strive to change ourselves, not our circumstances (Bednar) There may be times when you feel detached—even isolated—from the Giver of every good gift. You worry that you walk alone. Fear replaces faith. Remember this is a Prophet and Seer talking... He tells us things in advance of our needing it. This is a clear warning to be prepared for what lies ahead..."thorns" (ouch) and struggle of such a nature that many will feel God has abandoned them and lose faith because their fear will be so great. ("men's hearts shall fail them...) He is talking about someone who has known God's goodness and has had faith. Be on guard. Recognize these emotions in yourself when they come. Remember that a prophet warned you about such a day and gave you reassurance to see you through it.

When"when" not "if"... you find yourself in such circumstances, I plead he is a "seer"; this is a word filled with emotion for one who has "seen" that day...  with you to remember prayer.Got that? Pray! Pray! Pray!I love the words of President Ezra Taft Benson concerning prayer.  Pres. Eyring taught: "One of the keys to recognizing those warnings is that they are repeated. For instance, more than once in these general conferences, you have heard our prophet say that he would quote a preceding prophet and would therefore be a second witness and sometimes even a third...The Apostle Paul wrote that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established”. One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time."

Said he: “All through my life the counsel to depend on prayer rely on it, trust it has been prized above almost any other advice I have … received. Considering who he was, his station in life and his age when this is said, he's surely received tons of advice...yet this counsel to "depend" on prayer is almost at the top of the list! It has become an integral"essential; indispensable"part of me—an anchor, a constant source of strength, and the basis of my knowledge of things divine... Is prayer an anchor for you? an indispensable part of you? a constant source of strength? the basis for for spiritual knowledge? If not...make this your goal!

“… Though reverses come, reverses may be coming... in prayer we can find reassurance, for God will speak peace to the soul. That peace, that spirit of serenity, is life’s greatest blessing.”² What is the reassurance that brings this peace while in the storm? Watch this mormom message to see/feel/understand better what "this peace" is.

The Apostle Paul admonished:

“Let your requests be made known unto God. Pray!

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep cause to remain or stay your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”³ Don't expect to understand "how" the peace comes...it passeth all understanding; but you can trust that it does because the source is Jesus Christ and with Him you can do and feel all things! And where does Christ speak to us? In the scriptures!

What a glorious promise! Peace is that which we seek, that for which we yearn. This peace is not dependent on outward circumstances. It is fully and completely an inner thing. It is a gift from God.

We were not placed on this earth to walk alone. First and foremost, God is always with us...then we have our family and friends and neighbors  What an amazing source (God)of power, of strength, and of comfort is available accessible to each that means you of us. He who knows us better than we know ourselves, He who sees the larger picture and who knows the end from the beginning, has assured us that He will be there for us to provide help if we but ask. We have the promise: “Pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good.”⁴ The "help" may not always look as we had planned either, but it is surely there.

As our prayers ascend heavenward, let us not forget the words taught to us by the Savior. When He faced the excruciating agony of Gethsemane and the cross, He prayed to the Father, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”⁵  We can pray this because we trust His will more than our own; because He knows us; sees the larger picture; knows the end from the beginning... Difficult as it may at times be, it is for us, as well, to trust our Heavenly Father to know best how and when and in what manner to provide the help we seek. Counsel for our near future. It will be difficult, but trust we must... especially when the help isn't how we want it or when we want it or the manner we wanted it. A perfect example of this is shown in the new movie, The Saratov Approach. Go see it if you have the chance and you will know better what the prophet is asking. 

I cherish the words of the poet:

I know not by what methods rare, we don't know how...

But this I know, God answers prayerTrust this...

I know that He has given His Word,God cannot lie...

Which tells me prayer is always heard, always....

And will be answered, soon or late. Not always when we want...

And so I pray and calmly wait. patience, endure to the end...

I know not if the blessing sought

Will come in just the way I thought; He knows best; not my will...

But leave my prayers with Him alone,

Whose will is wiser than my own,He knows you...

Assured that He will grant my quest,but thine be done...

Or send some answer far more blest.⁶"this...or something better..."

Of course, prayer is not just for times of trouble. Though we are best at it when we are in need...We are told repeatedly in the scriptures to “pray always”⁷ and to keep a prayer in our hearts.⁸ The words of a favorite and familiar hymn pose a question which we would do well to ask ourselves daily: “Did you think to pray?”⁹ Did you?

Allied"partnered with; joined with for a common cause" with prayer in helping us cope in our often difficult world is scripture study.  Coping skill!  The words of truth and inspiration found in our four standard works are prized possessions to me. I never tire of reading them. Can you say this? I am lifted spiritually or this? whenever I search or this?the scriptures. These holy words of truth and love give guidance to my life or this?and point the way to eternal perfection.

As we read and ponder both are necessary the scriptures, we will experience the sweet whisperings of the Spirit to our souls. We can find answers to our questions. personal revelation We learn of the blessings which come through keeping God’s commandments. to foster greater desire We gain a sure testimony of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of Their love for us. When scripture study is combined with our prayers, we can of a certainty know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Does this mean that these same blessings do not come with scripture study without prayer, or prayer without scripture study?

Said President Gordon B. Hinckley, “May the Lord bless each of us to feast upon his holy [words] and to draw from [them] that strength, that peace, [and] that knowledge ‘which passeth all understanding’ (Philip. 4:7).”¹⁰

As we remember prayer and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter.  How does this look? He will now show you...

May I share with you the account of how our Heavenly Father answered the prayers and pleadings of one woman and provided her the peace and assurance she so desperately sought? notice he used "desperate" again...

Tiffany’s difficulties began last year when she had guests at her home for Thanksgiving and then again for Christmas. Her husband had been in medical school and was now in the second year of his medical residency. Because of the long work hours required of him, he was not able to help her as much as they both would have liked, and so most of that which needed to be accomplished during this holiday season, in addition to the care of their four young children, fell to Tiffany. She was becoming overwhelmed, and then she learned that one who was dear to her had been diagnosed with cancer. The stress and worry began to take a heavy toll on her, and she slipped into a period of discouragement and depression. She sought medical help, and yet nothing changed. Her appetite disappeared, and she began to lose weight, which her tiny frame could ill afford. She sought peace through the scriptures and prayed this is the formula he just taught us....for deliverance from the gloom which was overtaking her. When neither peace nor help seemed to come, she began to feel abandoned by God. He has warned us twice that this feeling may come...Her family and friends prayed for her and tried desperately to help. They delivered her favorite foods in an attempt to keep her physically healthy, but she could take only a few bites and then would be unable to finish.

On one particularly trying day, a friend attempted in vain to entice her with foods she had always loved. When nothing worked, the friend said, “There must be something that sounds good to you.”  Questions open doors...

Tiffany thought for a moment and said, “The only thing I can think of that sounds good is homemade bread.”  "I don't know" is not an acceptable answer...you must be specific...

But there was none on hand.

The following afternoon Not immediate, but soon...Tiffany’s doorbell rang. Her husband happened to be home and answered it. When he returned, he was carrying a loaf of homemade bread. Tiffany was astonished when he told her it had come from a woman named Sherrie, whom they barely knew. She was a friend of Tiffany’s sister Nicole, who lived in Denver, Colorado. Sherrie had been introduced to Tiffany and her husband briefly several months earlier when Nicole and her family were staying with Tiffany  remember, having to entertain guests was one of Tiffany's earlier burdens...but God promises ALL things shall work together for our good. "Wait," He says, "I will show you something..."for Thanksgiving. Sherrie, who lived in Omaha, had come to Tiffany’s home to visit with Nicole.

Now, months later, with the delicious bread in hand, Tiffany called her sister Nicole to thank her for sending Sherrie on an errand of mercy. Instead, she learned Nicole had not instigated the visit and had no knowledge of it.

The rest of the story unfolded as Nicole checked with her friend Sherrie to find out what had prompted her to deliver that loaf of bread. What she learned was an inspiration to her, to Tiffany, to Sherrie—and it is an inspiration to me. Will it be an inspiration to you as well?

On that particular morning of the bread delivery, Sherrie had been prompted to make two loaves of bread instead of the one she had planned to make. Promptings often interrupt what we had planned...She said she felt impressed to take the second loaf with her in her car that day, although she didn’t know why. You don't have to ask "why?" when prompted...just do it. If you got the answer to "why", where would be the faith? And miracles come AFTER faith! After lunch at a friend’s home, her one-year-old daughter began to cry and needed to be taken home for a nap. Sherrie hesitated when the unmistakable feeling notice this came first; she recognized it came to her that she needed to deliver that extra loaf of bread to Nicole’s sister Tiffany, who lived 30 minutes away takes too long, out of the way, unreasonable amount of time on the other side of town and whom she barely knew.why would I get a prompting to give bread to someone I don't even really know. Surely God will prompt someone who lives closer that knows her and her situation She tried to rationalize away the thought, wanting this isn't what she "wanted" to do to get her very tired daughter home "family first"...right? I mean, I have a crying baby....what about her needs? It's just a loaf of bread...and feeling sheepishI'll be embarrassed; what if she gives me a strange look? What if she won't eat it because I'm practically a stranger? I'm not usually like this about delivering a loaf of bread to people who were almost strangers. However, the impression to go to Tiffany’s home was strong, so she heeded the prompting. Thankfully, the impression was strong. I always hope I'm in tune enough that promptings are stronger than just fleeting soft whispers,

When she arrived, Tiffany’s husband answered the door. Sherrie reminded him that she was Nicole’s friend whom he’d met briefly at Thanksgiving, handed him the loaf of bread, and left. No fanfare, no asking if everything was okay, no apologizing...

And so it happened that the Lord sent a virtual stranger across town to deliver not just the desired homemade bread but also a clear message of love to Tiffany. Ahhh....it wasn't really about the bread afterall....What happened to her cannot be explained in any other way. She had an urgent need to feel that she wasn’t alone—that God was aware of her and had not abandoned her. That bread—the very thing she wanted—was delivered to her by someone she barely knew, someone who had no knowledge of her need but who listened to the prompting of the Spirit and followed that prompting. It became an obvious sign to Tiffany that her Heavenly Father was aware of her needs and loved her enough to send help. He had responded to her cries for relief.  Now, was the "help" the exact relief from her burdens that she was praying for? No. But the most important thing she needed right now was a knowledge that God loved her, and knew her even though he wasn't going to deliver her from her problems right away. She would need this reassurance to endure in faith and trust...or "drink the bitter cup" as Elder Holland tells us in his conference talk. Notice that Sherrie did not know until later what her real errand was. It was a sacrifice on her part for someone she did not know, for a reason she did not understand. But it was enough that God knew and understood.

My dear sisters, your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. Even if your circumstances change; or you change; It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. Simple...It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. He is there in good times and in bad. Sometimes we are not as faithful and only include Him in the bad times...God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. "we love Him because He first loved us" It is simply always there.

As we seek our Heavenly Father through fervent,"with feeling or passion" sincere"genuine, honest"prayer and earnest,"with intent, purposeful, determined, steady" dedicated"committed"scripture study, our testimonies will become strong and deeply rooted.Only trees with really deep deep roots can withstand great stormsWe will know of God’s love for us. We will understand that we do not ever walk alone. I promise you that you will one day stand aside and look at your difficult times, and you will realize that He was always there beside you. I know this to be true in the passing of my eternal companion—Frances Beverly Johnson Monson.

I leave with you my blessing. I leave with you my gratitude for all the good you do and for the lives you lead. That you may be blessed with every good gift Seek to obtain more gifts of the Spirit.  is my prayer in the name of our Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ the Lord, amen.

Notes

  1. Matthew 5:13–14.
2. Ezra Taft Benson, “Pray Always,” Ensign, Feb. 1990, 4–5; or Tambuli, June 1990, 4–5, 6. 
3. Philippians 4:6–7 
4. Doctrine and Covenants 90:24. 
5. Luke 22:42.  

6. Eliza M. Hickok, “Prayer,” in James Gilchrist Lawson, ed., The Best Loved Religious Poems (1933),   
    160.
7. Luke 21:36; see also 2 Nephi 32:9; 3 Nephi 18:15; Doctrine and Covenants 10:5; 19:38; 20:33; 31:12;
    61:39; 88:126; 93:49.
 8. See 3 Nephi 20:1.
 9. “Did You Think to Pray?” Hymns, no. 140. 

10. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Feasting upon the Scriptures,” Ensign, Dec. 1985, 45; or Tambuli, June 1986, 4.

IMPERATIVES

• Be strong, devoted, and good
• Be the "salt of the earth" and a "light to the world"
• Be a Faithful Daughter of God; a Beloved Companion; the Dearest of Friends
• Keep your sights firmly fixed on the Celestial as you navigate the Telestial
• Remember prayer; pray always; keep a prayer in your heart
• depend on it
• prize it
• trust it
• make it an anchor
• make it an indispensable part of you
• make it a constant source of strength
• make it the basis for your spiritual knowledge
• Ask yourself daily, "Did I think to pray?"
• Seek and yearn for peace
• Do not forget the words, "Not my will, but thine be done"
• Trust Heavenly Father to know best how and when and in what manner to provide the help you seek. 
• Partner prayer with scripture study (all four standard works)
• Read and ponder the scriptures
• Feast upon the scriptures to draw strength, peace and knowledge
• Seek Heavenly Father through fervent, sincere prayer and earnest, dedicated scripture study.
• Seek every good gift

PROMISES

• Let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus
• He will be there for us to provide help if we but ask.
• Pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good
• As you read and ponder the scriptures you will:
• experience the sweet whisperings of the Spirit
• find answers to your questions
• learn of blessings that come through keeping the commandments 
• receive guidance that will point the way to eternal perfection
• gain a sure testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and their love for you
• know of a certainty that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true
• As we remember prayer and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter. 
• As we seek our Heavenly Father through fervent, sincere prayer and earnest, dedicated scripture study, our testimonies will become strong and deeply rooted. We will know of God’s love for us. We will understand that we do not ever walk alone. 
• I promise you that you will one day stand aside and look at your difficult times, and you will realize that He was always there beside you.  

DOCTRINAL INSIGHT

• You will one day stand aside and look at your difficult times, and you will realize that He was always there beside you.
• Relief Society was organized by inspiration and is a vital part of the Lord’s Church here upon the earth.
• Struggles and challenges, common to all, come because we live in a mortal world with all manner of individuals
• You were not placed here on earth to walk alone
• God knows us better than we know ourselves; sees the larger picture; knows the end from the beginning 
• Heavenly Father loves you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there.

WARNINGS 

• There will be times when you will walk a path strewn with thorns and marked by struggle. There may be times when you feel detached—even isolated—from the Giver of every good gift. You worry that you walk alone. Fear replaces faith
• Reverses may be coming in your life