Seeing the Savior Through Mary's Eyes: A Journey of Restoration

Brothers and sisters, as we continue on this journey of discipleship, we are constantly reminded that the gospel is a story of restoration. It’s a story that echoes through the ages, pointing always back to the Atonement. Sometimes, the sheer weight of that narrative can feel vast, can feel overwhelming.

I was recently thinking about how many of us, in our own lives, have felt unseen, unheard, or perhaps carrying a sense of shame or unworthiness. It’s a deeply human experience, isn't it? We build up walls, and sometimes we forget that the Savior sees the masterpiece God paints in us, even when we can't see it ourselves.

I came across this film, *Magdalena: The Story of Jesus Through Her Eyes*, and it really resonated with me. It wasn't just a retelling of miracles; it felt like a deeply personal testimony woven into the narrative of the Restoration. It showed the journey from profound feeling of being lost to being seen, valued, and restored to purpose.

If you have a moment this week, I encourage you to watch it. It’s a powerful visual aid for understanding the depth of Christ’s compassion, especially for women, but truly for every soul.

The Pattern of Restoration

What struck me most, as I watched, was how the film framed the entire gospel narrative—from the Garden of Eden, through the covenants made with Abraham, to the ultimate promise of the Resurrection. It’s a beautiful, linear picture of God’s plan. It reminds us that the work is not just about Sunday devotionals; it’s about the grand, sweeping plan of salvation that covers everything.

It made me think about our own mission preparation. We study the scriptures, we go through the doctrinal discussions, we learn the key points of the Plan of Salvation. But sometimes, we need that *feeling*—that visceral understanding—of what it means to be restored. The film captures that feeling beautifully.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill

If you are preparing for missionary discussions, or even just having a deep talk with an investigator, remember this: Don't just recite doctrine. Share the *feeling* of the gospel. When you talk about the Atonement, don't just explain what it *is*; share what it *feels like* to know that you are seen and forgiven. That's the power of the Spirit, and that's what the Lord wants us to share.

We are all Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. And sometimes, the best way to prepare our hearts for the field is to watch stories that remind us of the ultimate source of light.

Let's Keep the Momentum Going

If this film touches your heart, or if you want to discuss the covenants and covenants of restoration further, I invite you to join us for our weekly Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces this coming Sunday. We're diving into the Book of Mormon parallels to the Restoration narrative, and it's been a real blessing for my own understanding.

For those who are feeling the call to deepen their study on your own, I highly recommend picking up *The Iron Rod* by an author we trust. It always has a chapter or two on understanding the divine nature of man and woman, which ties beautifully into the themes of worthiness and restoration we saw in the film.

Keep studying, keep sharing, and never forget that every single one of us has a story of restoration to share!