"Like a Broken Vessel" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Like a Broken Vessel"

by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

A Favorite General Conference Talk

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

There were a few times in Joshua's life when I caught a quick but powerful glimpse of him as "normal".  These moments did not last long but left an impression and influence on me to think of what he will be someday, and what he already is in heaven.  I love who Joshua was, even in his disabled mind and body, because I felt like he served and loved all he could with these limited capacities.

In fact, Joshua showed us how to love and live time and time again because the most important things to him were family, friends and service.  He LOVED saying hi and hugging people.  He loved trying to help - even when his efforts actually made more work.  (But I didn't tell him that and he wouldn't have understand that anyway.)  But he was so full of joy when he helped others.  He was the epitome of pure charity and love.

This amazing and inspiring talk has brought me much comfort.  I can picture my incredible son Joshua, already perfect, completely whole and healed, with his outstretched hands of love and joy.  That's who Joshua was in this life, and I will cry tears of joy to see him again someday, perfected, but still serving and loving with that same pure charity and love.

And Elder Holland also spoke so compassionately and eloquently to other emotional challenges and heartaches in this life.  He gives perspective and hope and love.

Thank you Elder Holland for this beautiful testimony.

#generalconference

For the entire talk, here is the link:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng