The evening of May 25th, 2011 was a spiritual feast for all who attended the devotional with Elder Holland as the presiding Apostle. I was touched most by Elder Holland's counsel regarding families, their sacred worth and the Lord's tender watch care over them forever. Firstly, Elder Holland promised all the saints within the sound of his voice that whatever righteous desires they cherish, will be granted by the Lord as long as they are faithful and believing. This promise also applies to the loved ones of the faithful saints. What a wonderful blessing was given by an Apostle of the Lord to everyone in attendance at the Devotional! I was deeply touched by it and the Holy Spirit was strongly felt among us. I felt Jesus was there with us and as though we were like the people of Nephi who saw and touched Jesus when He visited them. I can testify that Elder Holland is truly one of the witnesses of the Lord.
Secondly, Elder Holland talked about the scene from the Book of Mormon where Jesus invites the little children to be encircled and blessed by Him. As part of that sacred experience, the angels came down from Heaven and fire surrounded them. None of the Nephites could describe anything in this particular event because it was too sacred. Children are truly the rich treasure of Heaven and the Brethren are concerned about them more than any other issue within their purview. Heavenly Father and Jesus are so mindful of them and we must view their worth and importance in the same way Heavenly Father and Jesus do. How diligent we must be in teaching our children the true gospel of Christ so they can walk steadfastly upon the path to eternal salvation. I am so grateful to be a parent so I can more fully understand how much our Heavenly Father loves all of us.
Thirdly, Elder Holland taught that mercy trumps justice. In the world today, people only want justice, fairness. When mercy is needed we often forget to follow Christ's example. Mercy should govern our actions and prevail among us as Christ's followers. The Lord constantly showed mercy in the scriptures and continues yet to extend His arms of mercy to all who would follow Him.
I know the Church is true and I am so grateful for being a member of this Church. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.