Finding Relief through Jesus Christ
Courtney Babb
In my life when I have faced challenges they have often felt like a backpack full of burdens ….
When I read the recent talk by President Camille N. Johnson (Relief Society General President) I really liked how she describes burdens. She likens them to a “ metaphorical backpack . . . where we carry the burdens of living in a fallen world. Our burdens are like rocks in a backpack.” These are caused by our own doing, the doing of others, and the result of living in a fallen condition. This helped me realize that each of our backpacks differ in weight and size based upon our own life circumstances.
But how can we remove and share the heavy burden of our rocks? I know that relying on our Savior and His atonement is the surest way I can lighten my load. I really like the promise from the Savior in Matthew 11: 28-30 which says “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Another way that I find relief from my burdens is when I partner with the Savior to help others with their burdens. In Mosiah 2:17 we have been told that we draw closer to our Savior when we are in the service of our fellow beings. What a wonderful way to find relief from our burdens when we are helping those around us! Ultimately, we need to remember our end goal. We are all wanting to return to our Savior and our Father in Heaven. Sister Johnson said, “He did rise again on the third day and, having fulfilled the loving and infinite Atonement, stands with open arms, offering to us the opportunity to rise again, be saved, and be exalted and become like Him. The relief he offers us is ever-lasting.”
I was reminded of an experience that I shared with my family several years ago when we were hiking Mount Whitney in California. It is a proud 14,505 feet, making it the second tallest mountain in the US! We were all carrying backpacks loaded with gear to help us get to the top. Our backpacks weighed anywhere from 40-50 lbs each. As we were nearing our base camp around 12,000 feet, a member in my family fell ill due to the elevation and couldn’t continue forward. Out of encouragement and love, my little brother took her backpack, strapped it to his already very backpack, and carried close to 90 lbs of gear to base camp. He then helped encourage me to get to the top when fears came to the forefront of my mind. My little brother helped carry the burdens of several family members, to help us all get to the top, and achieve the goals we had in mind. He was an example of the Savior in providing relief from our burdens!
I know that relying on our Savior we are able to find relief from our worldly burdens and cares, regardless of the size and weight. He is mindful of us and He is there to help us with our load if we partner with Him and use his atonement each day. He is also there to provide us with relief as we provide help to those around us. I know I can always find relief through our Savior!
Courtney Babb
