I wrote on the chalkboard: What I know about the Atonement. And then I gave each girl a card to write on. They each took some time to write something they know about the Atonement. Then I had them share what they wrote and put their card on the chalkboard.
I learned a great teaching tool at a training class I went to a year or so ago. The class was all about crafting questions, which is an art form for sure. I work really hard to come up with good questions. But then we learned about the follow-up question. Teenagers are pretty good at answering questions, but when you ask them a follow-up question, the real thinking and learning takes place. So, if one girl brought her card up and said, "Jesus suffered for all of our sins," as she was putting it on the board, I would say, "That is excellent, thank you so-and-so. Why do think that is important to remember?" Then she starts thinking, and the whole class thinks, and I love the profound answers I get on follow-up questions.
Then we watched a beautiful video from Elder Holland's powerful Easter talk from a few years ago. Then I asked the girls what they learned or what they liked about the video. I sat there quietly, and then I was amazed at the things they pointed out. Using follow-up questions, we get a good discussion going.
Lastly, I had them each come get their card off the board. I then wrote, "Ways I can use the Atonement in my life." I had them each turn their card over and write a thought about this new topic. They each came up and shared their thoughts. Each girl had such different thoughts and feelings. We spent a few seconds talking about each one, or going a little deeper.
I ended by talking about Mosiah 24:12-14.
12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
We talked about what it might be like to pour out our hearts in prayer. I challenged each of the girls to try it this week, by looking at the clock and praying longer than they normally do. We can access the power of the Atonement by pouring out our hearts to God in prayer.
I, personally, felt the spirit confirming that what we were talking about was true. I am so grateful for the chance I have to bear testimony to these beautiful girls, to share what I know with all of my heart. It strengthens me and blesses my life. I am so very grateful for my Savior. Elder Holland said that while the Savior might have been physically and intellectually prepared for what He would go through, perhaps he wasn't prepared emotionally and spiritually. Perhaps it was far more difficult than he was prepared for.
I thought of the time just before Owen's birth. I reached a level of pain and suffering that I have never before or since reached. I was crying out in agony for Greg to save me. It was mind-blowing pain. After some absolutely panicked minutes, the doctors and nurses were able to help me. But I was left depleted and exhausted. I'll always remember the way Dr. Lunt kindly looked into my eyes and offered me a c-section delivery. But, he said, I think you can do this. I rested for a moment. I knew I was not alone. Then I felt heavenly help surge through me, and with a strength beyond my own, I finished the task I was meant to do. Out came a big, beautiful, bruised-headed baby boy.
I will never fully understand the Atonement. I will never know what it took for the Savior of the world to save the world. But I do know that he suffered unimaginable agony and pain. For me. I do know that He understands me. I do know that there is a power in the Atonement available to me in my life. And with my limited imagination, I can picture Him bleeding from every pore, thinking He might die, absolutely and utterly alone. As Elder Holland says, Because He walked that long, lonely road alone, we never have to. My heart beats with love and gratitude at the thought. Oh how I love my Savior.
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