This is a beautiful piece by my absolute favorite LDS artist, James C. Christensen, which depicts symbolically, how we are often blessed through our trials and weaknesses. The bench on which this tired man rests says "post nubila phoebus," for all of you scholars of the beautiful language of Latin. Translated into a more common language, it says "after clouds, sun." Christensen does a marvelous job of symbolically portraying this man's current situation with the checkered floors, representing the opposing forces of life, and a doorway to the unknown. This is a feeling I'd be willing to say we can all relate to at some point in our lives: everything is pointing us in completely different directions, and we have no idea what the future may hold. Indeed, it can cause us to want to stop moving forward and be weighed down by our troubles, which troubles are represented by the hump on his back. "...we all have them," says Christensen, "but there is a little light at the place where the angel spirit's finger touches the hump. I wanted to show how we grow from coping with adversity. Humbled by our weaknesses, we can be more open to things divine."
This truth is supported by the words of the Lord to the brother of Jared in the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. In Ether 12:27, he says:
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them theiraweakness. I bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my cgrace is sufficient for all men that dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make eweak things become strong unto them."
This is so true. God allows for us to go through hardships and to have weaknesses so that we can grow, and so that we can strengthen our relationship with Him. He wants so badly, to help us through the trials of life, but he can't really do much until we come to Him and are receptive to His council and willing to follow it.
He loves each and every one of you, that are reading this right now. He wants to help you through life, and help you find the greatest happiness - more than you ever knew was possible.
This is me, Sister Flores! I would absolutely LOVE to talk to you about Christ and His gospel, and answer any questions you may have. He has a plan for us, and loves us all infinitely.
Feel free to add me on Facebook, here!
Or e-mail me at 109180941@mormon.org
See what I believe, here!
I'd love to hear about your thoughts and feelings!
Have a wonderful day!! :)
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