The Sounds Of Hope
The Sounds of Hope – A Personal Invitation
The other day, as I checked in with my elderly mother to see how she was doing during this time of isolation, she told me this story:
“A few weeks ago, my 40-year-old, treasured, chiming grandfather clock stopped chiming. The clock continued to keep time, but the chiming failed. All alone at home, with global concerns about
the coronavirus pandemic being declared, I missed the familiar and comforting sound.
The silence of my clock reminded me of the role the gigantic Big Ben clock had played 80 years ago from the tower of Westminster Abbey in London during the Second World War. It soon became apparent that the sound of its chimes sustained the British during the horror of the bombing raids. It was so reassuring that it was even recorded and broadcast throughout the entire United Kingdom during the war years. As long as the clock chimed, there was hope.
With this memory in mind, I made a note to have my clock repaired as soon as the COVID-19 crisis passed. Then early in the morning of March 11, a 5.7 earthquake shook my house on the east side of Salt Lake City. And my clock chimed! It was remarkable! It continues to do so, four times each hour. I feel like I have my very own Big Ben. This is a miracle. The sounds of the chimes bring me hope.”
What sounds give you hope? The song of a bird? The ding of your phone showing a text message from a friend? The voice of a family member calling to check in? During this time of uncertainty and isolation, is there something you are listening for? I am sure we are all listening for the news to announce that the spread of the virus has been mitigated, that there is some medication to help heal those who have tested positive and a vaccination is close at hand. I have great hope for this! While waiting, isolating and feeling some concern, you, like me, may also be listening for sounds of hope!
Contemplate with me, as I ask myself, “what is it I want to hear right now?” What message of hope is out there for me? With these and other questions you may have on your min
d, I invite you to join me this weekend to listen to messages of hope, comfort, direction and love from the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. Many of you know how important my faith is to me and this is something I look forward to twice a year. During the first weekend in April and October the church holds a General Conference that is broadcasted worldwide. The conference consists of four sessions. You are welcome to listen to one or all of the sessions. Whatever works for you. Tune in Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5, 11:00 to 1:00 and 3:00 to 5:00 Central Time. You can stream it live by going to: churchofjesuschrist.org or go to: Church of Jesus Christ You Tube. (See other viewing options by going to the link below.) It is my sincere desire at this time of uncertainty and isolation that sounds of hope will resonate within each of us. Feel free to share this invitation – thanks
