by Bradly Baird (bio)
As I mentioned in Gospel Fire 1, the first in a series of posts I am writing, I am currently suffering from a severe case of spiritual blues and haven't got any idea how to shake it off. Anytime I pick up the scriptures to read, kneel in prayer, teach a lesson in Sunday School, work with the missionaries at the MTC, etc., I feel overwhelmed by a total sense of exhaustion and a kind of numbness that I have never felt before.
Despite this ongoing spiritual exhaustion, I was made aware that the Lord is watching out for me; even though it may be awhile before the fires once again burn hot. This awareness came because of a multi-media presentation that I use from time to time in gospel lessons to generate a strong Spirit when I teach the atonement, the pure love of Christ, the life of the Savior, etc. I came across it one afternoon while I was searching for something to help and so I figured I would take a look at it again (even though I previously watched it many times).
I opened the file and allowed the images and music to crowd out any other thoughts in my mind. When scenes of the Good Samaritan, and the Prodigal Son appeared on the screen, I felt a gentle spark in my soul, and something inside me began to shift (as though the horrible grip were loosened just a little bit). And then, as the music and pictures finished telling their beautiful story, I felt a gentle assurance that my pain would eventually end, and that I simply needed more patience, more time, and considerably more spiritual contemplation to get there.
I include the presentation here for your own edification, and in the hopes that it may gently spark your soul. And giving credit where credit is due: the music, O Light of Life, is written by Mack Wilberg to words by David Warner and is performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square.
