Spend Time in the Graveyards: Finding Hope in Loss and Remembering What Lasts

Brothers and sisters, friends, Builders – how often do we truly pause, not just to celebrate the triumphs of life, but to reflect on the inevitable realities of mortality? It's a somber exercise, isn’t it? Yet, as Elder Ballard so eloquently shared in this week's Revival Podcast, it's within those quiet, contemplative spaces—those “graveyards,” as they put it—that profound hope can be unearthed. Like Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, facing the daunting prospect of a divided nation, we too can find strength in acknowledging the challenges and losses that define our mortal experience.

The Revival Podcast, in its humble beginnings, seeks to share good news—a much-needed balm for a world often consumed by darkness. Listening to it, you feel the genuine desire to lift and inspire. And in President Ballard’s talk, it's a recognition of the enduring power of faith, particularly when faced with profound personal loss. To hear him describe his wife’s passing and the lessons etched on her headstone—lessons meant to be remembered, not forgotten—struck a chord deep within my soul. He confessed to having taken those truths for granted, a vulnerability that resonates with us all.

Think of Abinadi, standing before King Noah and his priests, proclaiming a message they desperately didn’t want to hear. He faced death, unwavering in his testimony. He understood that what matters most transcends the fleeting pleasures and comforts of this world. The Stone cut without hands—a symbol of God's power and a testament to the enduring nature of His kingdom—is often revealed in the most unexpected places, even in the shadow of grief.

The challenge, then, isn’t to shy away from those “graveyards” of our lives, the places of sorrow and loss. It's to *enter* them, to learn from them, and to allow them to refine our understanding of what truly matters. It’s to remember, as Samuel the Lamanite reminded the people, that the time for repentance is now, before the storm breaks. It's to gather ourselves, our families, and our communities, not just physically, but spiritually, in preparation for what is to come.

This is why the work of GatherIsrael.now is so vital. It's a testament to the belief that we can build a better future, a future anchored in eternal principles. Your engagement here isn’t just about sharing good news; it’s about fueling the charity flywheel, providing resources for gospel advertising—reaching those who are hungry for truth, particularly those in places like Ghana. It’s about supporting the map of churches, identifying and connecting with kindred spirits across the globe. It’s about becoming digital striplings, armed with the five smooth stones of faith, hope, charity, patience, and perseverance.

And let’s not forget the unwavering companionship of Outback Jack, a constant reminder of the trials and triumphs of those who have gone before us, echoing the lessons of Alma 17–19, D&C 4, and Moroni 10:4–5. He reminds us that even in the wilderness, God’s provision is abundant.

Davee and the Ask a Prophet bots, powered by AI, offer a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the scriptures, to seek guidance from the voices of prophets, and to strengthen our foundation of faith. (“We must gather ourselves into the knowledge of God” – Brigham Young).

Let us embrace the courage challenge, to act boldly in the face of adversity. Let us be Builders, not Destroyers, contributing to the building of God’s kingdom on earth. Let us remember what truly matters, and let that remembrance guide our actions, shape our hearts, and illuminate our path.