Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are some challenges that can blind us to God's light?
- How does Sister Aburto describe the impact of mental and emotional afflictions?
- What role does our faith community play in helping those suffering from such afflictions?
- What are some ways to seek help and healing for mental and emotional afflictions?
- How does the Savior's love and atonement help us in our struggles?
Topics
Understanding Mental and Emotional Afflictions
Sister Aburto discusses the impact of mental and emotional afflictions such as depression and anxiety. These afflictions can distort our perceptions and make us question God's light in our lives. They are not signs of weakness or sin, and it's important to seek help when suffering from them.
Black clouds may also form in our lives, which can blind us to God’s light and even cause us to question if that light exists for us anymore.
Depression thrives in secrecy but shrinks in empathy.
- What are some of the impacts of mental and emotional afflictions as discussed in the talk?
- Why is it important to understand that these afflictions are not a result of weakness or sin?
- How can you show empathy and understanding to those suffering from mental and emotional afflictions?
- What steps can you take to seek help if you are experiencing these afflictions?
Seeking Help and Healing
Sister Aburto emphasizes the importance of seeking help when suffering from mental and emotional afflictions. This can include seeking help from God, loved ones, and medical professionals. It's also important to make lifestyle adjustments and, in some cases, seek therapy or medication.
When our minds are suffering, it is appropriate to seek help from God, from those around us, and from medical and mental health professionals.
Untreated mental or emotional illness can lead to increased isolation, misunderstandings, broken relationships, self-harm, and even suicide.
- Why is it important to seek help when suffering from mental and emotional afflictions?
- What are some ways to seek help as discussed in the talk?
- What steps can you take to seek help if you are experiencing mental and emotional afflictions?
- How can you support someone who is seeking help for these afflictions?
The Role of Community in Healing
Sister Aburto discusses the role of the faith community in helping those suffering from mental and emotional afflictions. By understanding, validating, and empathizing with their pain, we can help lift their burdens and bring them to Christ, the Master Healer.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have made a covenant with God that we “are willing to bear one another’s burdens” and “to mourn with those that mourn.”
Together, we can break through the clouds of isolation and stigma so the burden of shame is lifted and miracles of healing can occur.
- What role does the faith community play in helping those suffering from mental and emotional afflictions?
- Why is empathy and understanding important in this context?
- How can you show empathy and understanding to those suffering from mental and emotional afflictions?
- What steps can you take to help lift the burdens of those suffering from these afflictions?
The Healing Power of Christ's Love
Sister Aburto emphasizes the healing power of Christ's love and atonement. Even in our darkest moments, we can turn to Christ for healing and comfort. Our struggles do not define us, but they can refine us and help us become more compassionate.
Let us follow the Savior’s path and increase our compassion, diminish our tendency to judge, and stop being the inspectors of the spirituality of others.
If you are constantly surrounded by a “mist of darkness,” turn to Heavenly Father. Nothing that you have experienced can change the eternal truth that you are His child and that He loves you.
- How does Christ's love and atonement help us in our struggles?
- What does it mean that our struggles do not define us, but they can refine us?
- How have you experienced the healing power of Christ's love in your life?
- How can your struggles help you become more compassionate?
The Importance of Spiritual Strength
Sister Aburto discusses the importance of spiritual strength in overcoming mental and emotional afflictions. By following God's commandments, doing small and simple things, and relying on the Savior, we can gain spiritual strength and find healing.
Let us do the “small and simple things” that will give us spiritual strength.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, “[has taken] upon him [our] infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know … how to succor [us] according to [our] infirmities.”
- Why is spiritual strength important in overcoming mental and emotional afflictions?
- What are some ways to gain spiritual strength as discussed in the talk?
- What small and simple things can you do to gain spiritual strength?
- How can relying on the Savior help you in your struggles?
