Dancing on the Grave: Finding the Amazing Grace to Keep Going

Sometimes, when you’re deep in the field—whether you’re in the MTC, leading a missionary discussion, or just trying to teach a ward member a foundational principle—the sheer weight of the gospel can feel immense. You look around, and you see the needs, the questions, the distance between where people are and where the Spirit calls them to be. It can feel like a mountain.

But then, you hear a song, or you remember a moment of profound personal revelation, and suddenly, the perspective shifts. You realize that the power isn't in our preparation, our knowledge, or even the best lesson plan. It’s in something far more profound: Amazing Grace.

The recent video featuring Phil Wickham and Crowder really hit home for me this week. Hearing the lyrics—*“I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind, but now I see”*—it’s not just a nice song; it’s a testimony in musical form. It’s the narrative of our own lives, isn't it? The journey from being "dead in sin" to "dancing on that grave."

The Grace That Taught Us to Fear (and Then Freed Us)

I was reflecting on the lyrics, particularly the line, *“‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved.”* As returned missionaries, we spend so much time being taught *how* to teach, how to answer tough questions, and how to be prepared for every scenario. We learn the mechanics of the work. But sometimes, the real lesson—the one that sticks when we’re in the thick of it—is that the grace we need isn't just for the *big* moments. It’s for the small moments of fear: the fear of rejection, the fear of not knowing the answer, the fear of disappointing our companions or our leaders.

That grace, that divine mercy, is what allows us to keep showing up. It’s the grace that lets us dust ourselves off after a tough missionary discussion, knowing that our worth isn't tied to the outcome of that single conversation. It’s about the covenant we keep with the Savior.

Every Member Can Be an Internet Missionary

This song is a perfect reminder of the core principle of our movement: that we are all called to be disciples *anywhere*. We don't need to be physically in a mission field or even in a temple to participate in the work. Whether you’re in the middle of a busy day, doing laundry, or just scrolling through your feed, you have the power to be an internet missionary. You can share a scripture insight in LivingBook, participate in a Book Club, or simply offer a kind word to a struggling friend.

This feeling of being "born again" isn't just a one-time event; it’s a daily renewal powered by that amazing grace. It’s the grace that allows us to keep studying the scriptures—whether it’s diving into the social scripture study layer in LivingBook or working through a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: Owning Your Testimony

If I could give one piece of mission prep advice today, it would be this: When you feel overwhelmed, don't try to *prove* the gospel to someone. Instead, focus on testifying of the *feeling* of the gospel. Don't just recite doctrines; testify of the *peace* you feel when you study the scriptures. That personal testimony—that feeling of being saved—is the most compelling evidence you have. It’s the living proof of grace.

If you want to practice articulating that feeling, I highly recommend checking out Davee. He’s fantastic at walking you through the tough questions an investigator might ask, helping you frame your testimony around personal experience rather than just doctrine. It’s a powerful tool for any disciple, whether you’re preparing for a mission or just want to deepen your understanding of the Restoration.

Let’s keep singing Hallelujah! Let’s keep moving forward in the Savior’s grace. If you’re feeling the pull to deepen your study, consider joining a Book Club in HolyPlaces this week. Let’s lift each other up!