As I was preparing to speak a few weeks ago, one of the many subjects I contemplated speaking on was the atonement of Jesus Christ and how it works to ease our suffering. In The Book of Mormon, Alma 7:11 reads:
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
My sister advised against such a subject on such a sensitive day at church. Surely we wouldn't want to indicate that even if you lose your child, you need not suffer, because the Savior already did that. I didn't want to give the impression that they should be just fine.
I did however spend a few weeks contemplating that. How does that work together? Is it sinful to mourn at the loss of a child or spouse or another loved one? Certainly not. Does it show a lack of faith? No. Then how does it work exactly?
I have come to this conclusion: I can testify that I have felt my burden lightened. I know I have been able to turn it over to the Lord and He has suffered that pain for me. I can also testify that despite my faith and trust in the Lord I have morned deeply the loss of my husband.
I believe these two can co-exist perfectly naturally. The scriptures teach us to "mourn with those that mourn" and "comfort those that stand in need of comfort". I know that mourning is needed and natural. I also know that we can turn some of that pain over to Christ. He has suffered it for us. We do not need to feel it all. If we hold on to all that pain and harbor it - we are simply denying the gift of the atonement He gave us.
The atonement is what makes good days still come and healing come completely. It is what makes one know on a bad day, that a good day will soon follow.
Mourning the loss of a loved one is natural. Missing them. When we harbor the pain - that is when we need to remember that the Savior suffered this for us. We can give that burden to Him.
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