The Spirit was so strong in this morning’s session of General Conference.  I loved President Uchtdorf’s message of the Gospel, Jesus Christ, and the Atonement.  My favorite talk, however, was Elder Holland’s beautiful message of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

It spoke to my soul as I have felt alone so many times in my life.  Whenever I feel alone, I try to remember the Savior.  Often times, the scripture, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18) comes to my mind and gives me comfort.  I think the thing that touched me the most in Elder Holland’s talk was this:

That the supreme sacrifice of His son might be as complete as it was voluntary and solitary, the Father briefly withdrew from Jesus the comfort of His spirit, the support of His personal presence.  It was required.  Indeed, it was central to the significance of the Atonement that this perfect son who had never spoken ill, nor done wrong, nor touched an unclean thing.  He had to know how the rest of humankind would feel … us … the rest of us when we did commit such sins.  For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone.

I don’t think that any thing could be more profound than to realize that the Savior, who was perfect, had to know what it was like to not have the Spirit with Him, even though He had done nothing to offend It.  How grateful I am that I know my Savior knows how I feel and can comfort me when I need it.  How grateful I am to Him for persevering and atoning for me!

During the closing song, “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” pictures of President Monson among the saints were shown.  It brought tears to my eyes for several reasons.  First, I know President Monson is the living Prophet on the earth today.  Second, even though President Monson is the Prophet, at times, I still miss President Hinckley.  I miss hearing his counsel and seeing pictures of him among the saints.  I’m glad I know that I’ll be able to see him again some day.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to listen to the leaders of the Church every six months.  I love feeling the Spirit like I do during each session of Conference.  I love hearing the leaders’ messages.  It strengthens my testimony more than I ever think is possible and it always gives me a sense of peace to help me through the next six months.