The Atonement of Jesus Christ

The Atonement of Jesus Christ, our loving Savior, has been on my mind for quite awhile. I stand in awe of what He did for me and for all mankind in the Garden. When I was growing up in a different religion, I was taught that Jesus was praying in the Garden; no other details were ever taught.

When I became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Atonement was mentioned and taught over and over again; but I guess I never gave it much thought. Actually, it was through one of our children that the Atonement became such an important part of my life. I started reading almost every talk I could get my hands on that referred to the Atonement. Studying the powerful influence of the Atonement on our lives makes a tremendous difference when things get rough, when we have done something wrong, or when somebody has done something wrong to us. Thinking of my Savior bleeding from every pore, taking upon Himself every sin, every heartache, every pain and sickness--that is a tremendous thing that he did. That's quite a bit more than just praying. And to think that He did it so unselfishly; there was not a selfish bone in his body. His heart was full of love for each one of us. I've been pondering as to whether I am worthy to receive all the blessings of the Atonement; and I have come to the conclusion that I have so many things to change in my life to show my gratitude to my Savior, my Brother.

As I was driving home from Houston today, I heard a song that impacted my heart. I have heard this song many, many times; but I guess when you are on that long road, the words to this song hit home. Maybe I looked at this song in a different way. I pictured my Savior speaking these words:

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where.
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go,
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there.
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all ,
I'm laden with sadness;
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another.

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share?

And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy he's my brother.

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

And I can honestly say that He says to us women, too, She ain't heavy, she's my sister. What an amazing older brother we have. The physical torment he went through, the heartache He went through--why did He do it? The only answer is LOVE!!