WHEN OUR DAUGHTER Maggie died, I found so much comfort in listening to the uplifting music and words spoken at General Conference. General Conference happens every six months, the first weekend in April and October. It is a time when Church leaders from around the world share inspiring messages focused on Jesus Christ.
For months after her death, I listened to previous General Conferences. The spoken word and the beautiful music from the Tabernacle Choir, with Christ-centered edifying messages, brought calmness to my troubled soul.
Today, the pain is still there. I miss my sweet daughter Maggie terribly.
Again, this past Easter, after recently losing my mom and tragically losing Maggie a year and a half ago, I found peace and solace in the delightful music which sings of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and teaches a musical sermon that He overcame sin and death, so that each of us, EVERY ONE of us, will rise again. Death is not the end, but a temporary separation. The grave has no victory.
Music reaches into my soul in ways nothing else can and inspires me.
Words from “He Is Risen,” give hope, cheerfully declaring,
“He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory.”
The beloved hymn, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” declares,
“He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.”
I love in the scriptures when it speaks of singing and of choirs.
In Job 38, it speaks of us as spirits before we came to earth, we did sing together and shout for joy.
In Exodus 15, Moses and the children of Israel sang unto the Lord.
In Alma 5, when they experienced a change of heart, they did sing the song of redeeming love.
In Mormon 7, it speaks of the choirs above singing ceaseless praises to God.
In Mosiah 2, it speaks of us joining the choirs above and singing the praises of a just God.
In Isaiah 14, it speaks of the whole earth breaking forth into singing during the millennium.
It would seem that God also loves beautiful music.
Speaking of Jesus Christ, Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “I plead with you to come unto Him so that He can heal you! He will heal you from sin as you repent. He will heal you from sadness and fear. He will heal you from the wounds of this world.”
Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Learn more about His Atonement, His love, His mercy, His doctrine, and His restored gospel of healing and progression. “Turn to Him! Follow Him!”
I am grateful for uplifting music which draws me to the Savior and teaches of His goodness and mercy. The Savior is the ultimate Balm of Gilead. He is the only one who can bring eternal rest and right all wrongs.
Patrick Kearon of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “Though it may seem impossible, feel impossible, healing can come through the miracle of the redemptive might of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, who is risen with healing in his wings.”
My heart leaps for joy at the thought of seeing my daughter Maggie again. I know I will. I pray it may be soon, according to God’s will.
For now, I’m happy that Maggie and my mother are together with other loved ones. I pray that they are singing with angels, “Glory to God! On High” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives!”
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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Bishop Jason Bringhurst is the leader of the Mount Pleasant Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Port Angeles, ComeUntoChrist.org. His email is jasonbring@gmail.com.
