“A Saint Through the Atonement of Christ the Lord” | Jeffrey R. Holland | January 2022

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explains how, throughout life’s adversities, we can keep the faith and become “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord.”
Trigger Warning: The speech discusses the death of a child.
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In general conference of October 2016, I told the story of my friends Troy and Deedra Russell of the Dutchman Pass Ward in Henderson, Nevada. No one will remember the talk, but it dealt with their experience when Troy pulled his pickup truck out of the garage on his way to donate goods to the local Deseret Industries. As he did so, he felt his back tire roll over a bump. Thinking some item had fallen off the truck, he got out only to find his precious nine-year-old son, Austen, lying face down on the pavement. The screams, the priesthood blessing, the paramedic crew, the hospital staff-all, in due course, were engaged in trying to save this beautiful boy’s life, but to no avail. Austen was gone.
Over time, Troy and Deedra found peace in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in the comforting presence of the Holy Ghost, and in the scores of loving friends and neighbors who helped them, especially their then “home teacher” John Manning.1
My purpose today is not to repeat that message but to tell you in your university years that some of life’s lessons will be difficult, and you may be asked to face more than you think you can-and certainly more than you want.
In Brother and Sister Russell’s case, one might think that losing a child in the nightmarish way that they lost Austen would be enough of a ­parental test for any young couple to face. But there is language in the very heart of one of the greatest of all Book of Mormon sermons that implies trials and tests may come to us often in life. In his farewell address, King Benjamin taught that a fundamental purpose of mortal life-­perhaps the fundamental purpose-is to become “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord,” which will require us to become “as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.”2
What does that mean for us? It means that struggle and strife, heartbreak and loss, are not experiences that come only somewhere else to someone else. It means that moments in which faith feels frightfully difficult to hold on to are not reserved for our bygone days of persecution and martyrdom. No, the times when becoming a saint through Christ the Lord seems almost-almost-too much to achieve are still with us. And so it will be until God has proven His people for their eternal reward. We will be asked to submit, to obey, and to be childlike. For some of us that is difficult now, and it will be difficult then.
My plea today, in this university that I love with all my heart, is that we practice now and be strong now for those times of affliction and refinement that surely will come. For some of us they come now, in university years. That is when faith in God, faith in Christ, and faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will really count. That is when faith must be unwavering, because it will be examined in the refiner’s fire to see if it is more than “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”3 For some, the severity of the test might seem like a marathon-length final exam in Mortal Life 101. It is then, sailing in what Hamlet called “a sea of troubles,”4 that it may take all the faith you have just to keep your little craft afloat.
© Brigham Young University. All rights reserved.

[@KevinLarson_ohana]

The timing of this for me is nothing short of a miracle.

[@mysikind8076]

I find that often happens to me. Just when I'm feeling lost the Lord will lead me to something that helps lift me. I should be asleep but could not find rest and was checking notifications and this talk came up. Exactly what I needed. I know Heavenly Father and the Saviour are aware of everyone of us. Love from Africa 🌍 ❤️

[@brucemayfield4152]

Thank You

[@kristing9154]

me too!!

[@sonsofrexburg]

same

[@cetekaperry2226]

Same here!

[@littlegem1472]

We lost our 14 year old son to suicide in January of 2020. I was talking to my oldest brother and he said something very profound. I cry for our boy, I ache for him. I still cry so hard four years later. He said this....Faith Needs a Place. Now you think about that. Faith Needs a Place. Hang on.

[@elizabethwhipple314]

I have lost my husband and a daughter but not my faith. All of my children have fallen away from the church. They were all born under the covenant so they will return and I will see my husband and daughter again.

[@saguaro23]

💥“Faith isn’t really faith if you have anything else to hang on to.” - Sister Holland 💥

[@pope21duke]

I’m sitting here listening to this talk as I get ready for bed. I’m sick with COVID for the second time now and discouraged by the pandemic and all the challenges that come with it. Today was a tough day for me, filled with a lot of worry. Yet, when I heard this talk I was reminded that my problems really aren’t too significant in the grand scheme of things. Even so, with my relatively humble challenges, God doesn’t think I’m weak for struggling with them. He loves me and is cheering me on. I know He does that for all of us, giving us breadcrumbs of encouragement to keep us going and to keep our heads up.

[@shannapink801]

Thankyou for sharing your sweet testimony Alec! I too, have COVID right now and I am also trying to find anything that I can listen too that will bring me hope in my life right now, feeling this horrible! May you start feeling better Alec! Prayers coming your way!💜💙

[@terriowens2869]

I pray that you will be well very soon

[@slashdemonfire5024]

Dear Alec, you're in my prayers, and I mean that with all sincerity, I pray that you will have a speedy recover, this message is coming to you ftom NZ,

[@marjoriecrummett9792]

Thank you for this comment. I too am on covid round two. I feel like I was just starting to finally recover from round 1 when I got sick again. A wise person recently reminded me to turn to the Lord during difficult times rather than turning to the distractions of the world. And doing so has helped me have peace. I have been watching The Chosen series too and love having the stories of Jesus to help me as I try to be patient with my mind and body. ❤️

[@normansifford1481]

Sorry you are going through this again. Praying fervently if it is the Lord's will we be delivered of this plague. God love you.

[@JoeMeservy]

I feel that Jeffrey R. Holland is an Apostle of Jesus Christ, one who knows our loving and perfect Heavenly Father.

[@mysikind8076]

I love the gentle and loving way that Elder Holland shares lessons and his wisdom. His voice is like all the Brethren, very much needed in these difficult times. ❤️ #KeepTheFaith

[@nathanthompson3799]

❤❤

[@sherrigiles99]

I have always loved listening to his loving Wisdom! He is very special as all the leaders are great examples & teachers! Love them all & look forward to General Conference soon!

[@alexismutshipayi4516]

what a poweful message life can be so sobering grateful for a God who can sanctify , am so grateful for the restord church of jesus christ.❤💙

[@danite620]

Just as know that the church is true . When Elder Holland speaks I know that I have listened to an apostle of God. I feel so privileged to have him. May God bless the Russel family and the young man who found his way back .

[@guardianangel9517]

AMEN ❣

[@rafter8performance]

Thank you Elder Holland and the Russells for allowing this story to be shared.

[@debbieapperson3026]

Probably one of the BEST MESSAGES From Jeffrey R Holland has ever given. 😇❤️🙏🥰

[@byuspeeches]

Thanks for watching, Debbie!

[@rmt2004]

How uplifting this is. It was few days ago when my hope to keep going seemed to run dry. This is a balm of Gilead. I am ready to face another day of challenges and growth to become more like the Savior. So grateful for Jesus' apostle, Elder Holland. ❤❤❤❤

[@janineneville237]

Thank you for answering a prayer and leading me toward forgiving a grave hurt in my heart which spans 50 years.

[@brucepreece4213]

On another occasion Elder Holland taught, "I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of devine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ Atonement shines," Add this to the thought he made here that "Christ was lifted up on the cross so that we could be lifted up to eternal life" and we have the ESSENCE of our existence.

[@dallincandland]

Well said, Bruce! Thanks for sharing.

[@OtherMike5000]

I sure needed that reminder. Thank you!

[@trenacraft4181]

This man has such a comforting voice

[@judyporritt3504]

Oh, how I love Elder Holland! He always speaks with such humility, strength and authority. His testimony and strength are gifts to our time. ❤️

[@leswalker2639]

How can you not feel the spirit of the Lord and the spirit of Truth as Elder Holland delivers this talk.

[@Twotone-ld1fb]

Nearly every time I hear Elder Holland speak i need a box of tissues.

[@nickxidis9571]

If KZbin had a love button, I would have pressed it for this message. Thank you Elder Holland.

[@corrystucki3874]

God bless the Russell family and God bless Elder Holland

[@thawts9087]

What a powerful message. Life can be so sobering, grateful for a God who can sanctify our trials.

[@paulagraves6517]

I could hardly breath through this talk. What an emotional feast of learning

[@sheriekoch8828]

For sure. I love Elder Holland.

[@stevendorsey4882]

May the Lord continue to bless and strengthen Sister Russell and her family as she continues to recover. And may the Lord bless and strengthen the brother whose actions caused the accident and who is rebuilding his own life, so he, too, may become a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord. And may we all heed Elder Holland's counsel to take care of brothers and sisters, and keep the commandments of a loving God, and forgive all who might offend us.

[@williamice1601]

Thankyou Elder Holland for this message and so many others that you and your late wife have given. I love your words.

[@sarahmorris1069]

Miracles still happen. I’ve survived many sorrows in my 78 years . I’ve made it through with my Heavenly Father’s & Jesus Christ’s help 🙏♥️🙏

[@mjones3533]

I work at this hospital and in icu, I remember hearing about her, this story just comes with the challenges we face everyday because careless people make bad decisions, her story is remarkable through this all! God bless those out there ❤ stay safe and love one another

[@byuspeeches]

Wow!

[@kaytebarker]

I am also praying ever so deeply for the person who caused the accident. ♥️ May God bless this person and their family with love and comfort through the atonement of Christ.

[@mopaditi1737]

Thank God for the incomparable blessing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

[@2u43]

This wonderful talk reminded me that because of His obedience, I can be forgiven of my disobedience.

[@racqueltarlit-alejolpt2154]

"If you love me, keep my commandments." Powerful! 🙏🙏🙏

[@bradhardisty1652]

One of the best in between Conference talks.

[@dfm1plus6]

May the Lord bless these dear saints!! I recently spoke briefly with Elder Soares while waiting for a return flight from Mexico. He humbly asked that we pray that he, and all of his brethren be blessed to be able to teach the truth. Well, the thought that struck me was that they are teaching the truth and doing so very well. Perhaps the prayer we should offer is that we will receive it when it is taught. Thank you Elder Holland for teaching the truth, I pray we will all receive it as given.

[@SamanthaDouglas-l5b]

Thank you Elder Holland.

[@chvid2009]

This was a wonderful speech.

[@johnnyharrison3953]

Elder Holland surly gives me more faith and hope in a grueling world 🌍

[@suetate4489]

Thank you elder Holland you cannot imagine the strength your talks have given me over the years

[@AlejandroMadrid-tn1gp]

Thank you Elder Holland for this beautiful and profound message.

[@jlamb2760]

This is why I love Elder Holland--his talks are always so piercing and powerful. This was a great help and comfort right when I needed it. Thank you.

[@laurastennett4324]

Thank you Elder Holland for such a beautiful message 🤗❤️🙏

[@ashlibradford1821]

Jeffrey R. Holland is such a beautiful soul! I love him, and I love his vulnerability with us, always! He is an incredible apostle, and his light shines as a witness of my Savior Jesus Christ! What a great and powerful talk!

[@rexregisanimi]

To know what now-President Holland was about to experience in the two years following this talk is an almost unimaginable testimony of the truth of his words. All of us must go through the sanctification of fire eventually and, without the Savior, none of us would survive it. Hold on and keep your eyes on His. He won't let you down and, in the end of all things, it will have been worth every agony.

[@grimmy02]

Thank you, Elder Holland, for this inspirational message of faith, hope, forgiveness, and healing.

[@serinab.3191]

WOW, I am speechless. Our God is so good. Love and Prayers to Dedra and her family and Love and Prayers to that man who has taken the responsibility to her and to God to do the right thing. I prayer for that same strength should I find myself in that same position of either pain that I inflicted or pain inflicted on to me.... strength to do the right thing if I am the cause and to be able to forgive if done to me. Absolutely awesome sermon. More so because when I found out that this was a Mormon church yet the Elder truly preached the words of God from the bible. I was so proud...I have not heard good things about the Mormon church. Apparently, like all denominations, there is good and bad depending on the Preacher or Elder. This one is blessed with the Holy Spirit. Thank You Elder Holland for being true to God and His word. You preached well and God was Glorified and I was blessed. Love and blessings to all of you my brothers and sisters. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

[@margaretcarr7672]

May I suggest that you have the missionaries over for an intelligent and spiritual conversation.

[@MissPinkGirlOfSLC]

Jeffrey R Holland is my favorite! 💗💗💗💗 He really dose love everyone!

[@kaytebarker]

Jeffrey R. Holland is a true and ever so loving apostle of our Father in Heaven. His words fill my entire soul with truth and I can feel it run straight through me. His voice always brings tears to my eyes and I’m so grateful for the love I feel from him as he speaks for the welfare of our lives and souls. This is such a powerful loving witness from Heavenly Father that his words are true and from a being of light. Thank you Elder Holland for being who you are and for the guidance you so humbly give to each of us. For so many of us, we face one trial after another and it seems as though there is never an end to it, but I know with all my soul that one day, these pains will end and we will stand with our Savior as we stay faithful to him. We will get through these challenges and become stronger as we allow the challenges to strengthen us and bring us closer to Heavenly Father. I truly can’t stop tearing up as Elder Holland speaks. Words of comfort to my soul. I am praying for that dear family who has just gone through such a tragic accident. My prayers will continually go to Heaven for her, her husband and family. They are a choice family of God. God bears witness of that to me as I heard their story. My prayers are with you Elder Holland and your dear wife as well. I love you ever so deeply. ❤️

[@nathanbanks2935]

"Heavens grace, exceeds our merit." I love my Father in Heaven so much, and know that I can overcome my challenges with the help of Jesus Christ.

[@elton3891]

God is great. His love is abondant. I'm gratifull the atoning and the ressurection of Christ. He is my eternel friend.

[@Pavel7918]

I love reading the comments here and seeing the forgiveness and love echo through each one of them. I love my savior Jesus Christ who made these things possible.

[@byuspeeches]

We're so glad you're here. Thanks for commenting!

[@amandastakeonit7402]

I hope this man has continued to hold to the iron rod and to forgive himself. Brother, I want you to know that many of us are feeling and praying for you as well as the Russels. You are not your mistakes!

[@elainesalima7434]

i always come back to this talk no matter my situation, to get pumped!

[@autumndefilms]

Such an incredible talk. So grateful my husband and I were able to be there in person.

[@merrijoprusse1725]

Having grown up virtually without parents, this man's wisdom has made a tremendous difference in my life. I love him. His tender heart is a beautiful example of the kind person I am striving to be. He gives me hope for the tender love of my Savior.

[@cristinerolfson3361]

Thank You for this beautiful message ❤

[@LudvigLagerfors]

This talk make an very bigg diffrent in an evry humans life,tank you,amen

[@pahukolofoou]

Thank you Elder Holland for this talk. This talk helps strengthen, increased my faith in God, Christ, and the atonement.

[@donnaemerson1008]

In my loneliest of hours I know that he was been right there with me.

[@henryponnefz1444]

Elder Holland has helped so many people with his messages.

[@joshuajaydan]

"In some matters you can have knowledge, even perfect knowledge, but in some things, faith will have to do until knowledge comes." thank you for such a tender message of hope and faith.

[@kbhpioneer7517]

I did not attend the Sunday session of stake conference this morning although gave lifts to those who needed them. I came across this BYU Devotional by Elder Holland... l nedded to hear this message this morning and have sent links for others to hear also. It's true to say at times we are guided and influenced to hear a message that God wants us to hear in his rmtime table, not ours... It's the unspoken comforting word of God through the whisperings of the Holy spirit that brings that needed direction at this time... God lives... how grateful I am that passed apostolic messages where ever and when ever given to us are given for our benefit and blessing... thank you Elder Holland for your unrelenting service and the spoken word...😉

[@ReihanaKingi]

Praise the Lord for this avenue to hear such our apostles words about real life faith and testimonies of saints like the Russell family. God be with us in the gathering of our families, Israel and preparing the way for our Saviors return. In the name of Jesus Christ amen❤

[@marthaabrahamson6813]

I will follow you Elder Holland. I feel your spirt of correctness

[@stewartritchey7602]

Out of his many powerful talks, this may well be the finest.

[@jerry_phillips]

I hope when I think life is hard I’ll always remember this. Such and amazing and incredible story of repentance and forgiveness.

[@millie6519]

Agency is the one thing that can’t be taken away. Well said. Wonderful words all of the talk altogether.

[@ShallaeDeMers]

What a beautiful testimony!

[@bethbrock2797]

So meaningful, so important and helpful.

[@stephenstaus6581]

Great talk

[@jojolly1154]

Childlike Obedience to Our Precious Savior.. ThankYou Elder Holland.. Yet Once Again you have touched my heart & reminded of Repentance, & Forgiveness: Christ like Love for Our Brothers, Sisters, Family, Friends, & Neighbors.. Being Meek and Mild... Loveing & Gentle.. Be Still & Know....

[@arleyjarman3401]

I am listening to this talk for the Second time. I haven't been able to get this talk out of my mind. I have been struggling with many personal issues lately. As I heard this wonderful apostle of Heavenly Father and Savior I felt the spirit so strong that I began to weep knowing that it was the pure love of my Savior and Heavenly Father. I have a friend who lost their son just a few months ago. I shared this talk with him and his wife. Like me he felt the spirit. How grateful I am for a loving, caring and supportive and forgiving Savior and Heavenly Father. I am grateful for my membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

[@dianetincher5596]

I have never forgotten his first talk about this dear family!

[@kawaipalmer1218]

Extremely grateful to have heard these words of a man of God. It has helped me to look at life in a different light and appreciate the atonement a little more. God is with us always.

[@aladyknight]

Elder Holland, thank you for your goodness and love. And thank this family for allowing us to learn from them.

[@april1st23]

.through our "extremities we [come] to know God" is a certain truth that defines "eternal life"...the most horrible things we are called to endure, as we learn to be unwavering in our faith, right in the middle of the trial of our faith, often catapult us to the higher way, & we find as we look back, that we would not wish our personal tragedy "on our worst enemy", but still would not trade it for the world... the very trial "in the furnace of affliction" is the way we come to know the true & living God, & His son, Jesus Christ, & learn to be like Them...They are long-suffering, patient, & TRUE...I love Elder & Sister Holland - I pray we all will grow to understand & come to know that LOVE & PEACE that "surpasseth all understanding"...& soon we may SEE HIM BECAUSE we will be LIKE HIM.

[@CarlosRomero-pl9tk]

this is a real devotional, I love it!!!

[@rememberpratik727]

You know what I learned? I learned that I have an easy life. Incredible the things that people go through.

[@2MinuteScriptureStudy]

Thank you Elder Holland! What an outstanding talk!

[@amyhawkins6791]

This is such a valuable message! My heart is full and words fail, and all I can say is thank you so much. beautiful. touching. inspirational. The most accurate definition of what is truly most important in our lives!

[@byuspeeches]

Thank you for your comment!

[@justinyoung7452]

I am beginning to understand that our pain and suffering refine us And that if we choose to let faith and pain change us as a child does submit willingly to his father we too can become like our father in heaven we too can suffer with those who suffer we can Endure learn and know how to wipe the tears from the face of another☀️

[@paigerunyan3260]

I needed this message so much today!

[@guardianangel9517]

I SO APPRECIATE Elder Holland's talks, and the way these people both overcame the first tragedy, and forgave the second tragedy is exemplary! God bless and keep these people, AND our Spirit-filled church leaders 💞

[@bsimmons2577]

Such an inspired message. So very much needed on this very day and in this very time of horrible conflicts. Thank you Elder Holland.

[@elmarielouise6421]

Thank you.🙏

[@scottbrandon6244]

What an amazing talk.

[@lornaphillips7888]

One of the most POWERFUL talks I’ve ever heard. Thank you, Elder Holland. 🌺

[@AcheliusDecimus]

The lessons in this talk are truly profound and digs deep at the soul.

[@stephaniegibson1824]

So grateful for this reminder of all I have been given. I’ve recently been disabled and along with my health and other problems I’ve felt sorry for myself at times. But this story was so similar to my own conversion story in almost dying, 35 years ago. I was reminded of God’s love and mercy and that we are truly blessed in our trials.

[@adareed1803]

Thank you so much for the miracles in our lives. Your talk really uplifts and inspires me to keep on trying. May Sister Russell continue to be strengthened. Brother Russell and family thank you so much for your testimony, love, forgiveness and example. Thank you all so much.

[@vesitagoiaega3891]

Very touching and powerful, thanks Elder Holland.

[@michaellee7023]

What an incredible man, and apostle of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I just love his face, showing everything he has gone through in his refining.

[@umhewow]

Their forgiveness is astonishing. I would encourage every member to delve deeper to further their understanding of Joseph smith by reading or listening to the Deseret sold biography of Joseph smith called “rough stone rolling” written by a church historian, patriarch and active member. I’m so grateful for that book/audiobook. It changed my life

[@amyhatch4769]

This answers so many questions about what many of us are going through the last few years especially. I'm so grateful for the understanding and lessons he shared. This is one to save.

[@icarus7552]

I went to sleep listening to this, some of it was hard to hear when you’re really tired and depressed. But, I think it’s good for me to hear since I take in account that God is good, He wouldn’t do anything to us without a reason, there is a loving reason why somethings must happen. Sometimes it’s to help another person, other times it’s to teach you, and sometimes it’s just the Lord’s Will. but the matter behind it is our mental growth, emotional growth and spiritual growth even physical growth sometimes.

[@margaretcarr7672]

Icarus I enjoyed your comments. I do wish to say that our loving Heavenly Father is also bound by free agency. But I don't believe for a nanosecond that dear Father causes grief and war, etc. Yes there are countless accounts in the scriptures when our Father must intervene.

[@arybarraza5887]

My soul needed this 🤍

[@jojomedic2578]

I do remember that 2016 talk. I was getting ready to leave my family for a year to support an evacuation unit on the DMZ in Korea. I remember thinking that a year away from my wife and kids is a long time, but Austin was gone for a lifetime. I would return from Korea with my family and Austin would still be gone. Suddenly my trials were not so bad.

[@cristysteinbeigle4958]

I absolutely needed to hear this, this morning. 😭💕💕💕💕

[@samuelsojo1887]

What a powerful message!

[@JennyG.COW5]

Thank you for sharing this important message. Thank you for clarifying the meaning of the word, "afflict". It always felt a little jarring to me (& I'm sure others as well), to have a Loving Heavenly Father that seems to be looking for an excuse to give us trouble. I am grateful for this discovery and perspective. 😊❤️ Another thing that stood out to me was when you mentioned our need to spend more time with the process of Repentance and Forgiveness and finding our answers or the answers God has for us. I definitely need to work on patiently waiting upon the Lord and having patience in myself & others. Thank you for reminding us to "Watch One Hour."

[@jerrykobby3017]

I love that talk and I do listen to it most of the time when I’m down and depressed and it does help me a lot thank you Elder Holland.

[@Sk8StGeorge]

I needed this today. Satan is so expert in his attempts to numb me spiritually. I need sanctifying moments often, and listening to this talk was a sanctifying moment. Thank you Elder Hollland and to the Russell family for faithfully traversing these horrific events, and then sharing them that others may draw closer to the Lord.

[@UtahKent]

Thank you. I am often on the highway. I shall never again pass mile marker 14 without remembering this talk and its lessons.