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"Angels round about you to bear you up."

Hey, look what I can do! Yes, I am technologically retarded. Yes, I just barely figured out how to change the font, size, and color on my blog. Don't judge.
Last week for New Testament,we went to the Museum of Art for a tour of the exhibit, "Types and Shadows: Intimations of Divinity." A very nice lady walked us around the exhibit, pointing out specific works and discussing their detailed symbolism. I'm sure what she had to say was interesting and insightful, but to be honest, I don't know. I have an extremely short attention span, and so after a few minutes, my mind drifted away from her presentation and I began wandering the exhibit, looking at the other works of art. One of my favorites was Carl Bloch’s etching “Gethsemane."

I think my favorite aspect of this etching is the way the Bloch uses light. The garden is a dark, lonely place, except for the soft, radiant shaft emanating from the heavens with the angel. This light, like God’s love, cuts through the darkness and brings peace and beauty to the dismal setting. I love the way the artist portrays Jesus; He is exhausted, and in agony, but at the same time, His face looks loving and peaceful, drawing strength from the comfort His Father sent Him. This picture reminds me that even in the midst of the most exhausting, agonizing trial any human has every experienced, Christ was able to take comfort and strength in the divine help God sent Him. My personal challenges are not even comparable to Christ’s, and probably matter very little in the entire framework of eternity. But I know that God loves me far more than I could ever deserve., and since my trials matter to me, I think it’s safe to say that they matter to Him. He even said, “I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and my angels round about you to bear you up.” (D&C 84:88). I can testify that I have felt the Lord bearing me up throughout my most difficult challenges, through the Comforter and through the earthly angels He sends me. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and will forever be grateful to Him for suffering and dying that I might live.

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