Written by Faye

I made a discovery today. I need to listen to my prophet more than ever. Let me explain…

When the pandemic hit with all its changes, stresses and worry, I wanted to hear what my prophet was saying. I remembered and felt so much gratitude for all that he did to prepare us for this time. I took comfort in his every word. Listening to President Nelson helped me feel peace and hope for the future.

And then I started listening more to what the media was saying, reading about the pandemic issues. I was interested in knowing what exactly was going on in this crazy world. We all were. I did have some normal worries, being so far away in New Zealand, missing my family, wanting them all…especially my sweet parents…to be well and safe.

Then April conference came. I drank up those Spirit-filled words and the peace and hope came back. Everything was going to be OK.

Then looking back, I can see that slowly I got weary with worry again about my family and the future. You know how when as a child you were sick… you just wanted to go home to your mommy? I’ll be honest…I felt that way even though I wasn’t physically sick. My world was sick and I just wanted the comfort of home. A little depression set in. I didn’t have anything uplifting to write home, so sometimes I didn’t write. Scrolling through social media, I would skip the messages from the prophet and apostles in order to find info on the pandemic. I forgot to remember that we had miracles to come here. I forgot that we have been waiting 5 years to come on this mission. I lost sight of the plan I know God has for us.

And then today…. Friday, June 26, 2020… I listened to a new video from President Nelson and his wife. Some things he said, “I’ve learned that these emotions of fear, isolation and danger are best handled by immersing oneself in the care of other people…..The road ahead will always be bumpy. So fasten your seatbelt, hang on through the bumps, and do what’s right and your rewards will be eternal.”

Listening to him brought so much peace to my soul. I felt a weight lift with his words. And I realized that I’ve missed my prophet. Can we just have general conference every 3 months instead of every 6? I’ve also realized that I need to plan and make an effort to hear and read his calming, positive words (along with the other apostles and leaders) while balancing the information I seek about the bumpy roads of our time right now. I feel closer to Heaven when I hear my prophet. I know President Russell M. Nelson speaks for our Savior.

On Saturday, while doing some cooking, I listened a few times to his talk, “Hear Him”. He asks, “Where can we go to hear Him?” He gives us some ways and places, but for me…right now…I am hearing Him through listening to “him”, my prophet. It feels like a new discovery for me, more like a re-discovery. 

I need to hear and heed my prophet in order to hear from Heaven.