When the Pool's Empty: Finding Rescue in the Atonement

Hey Rogue Disciples! It’s good to be connecting with you all again. I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the feeling of being utterly unprepared, of diving into something with reckless abandon, and then realizing… the pool’s empty.

That image, vivid and a little goofy, came to mind while listening to the This is Kingdom podcast episode on Elder Quentin L. Cook’s talk, “The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue.” It’s a powerful episode, full of genuine testimony and, yeah, that hilarious story of the high dive gone wrong. It hit me pretty hard.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That moment of realization when we’ve made a choice, pursued a course of action, and suddenly the foundation vanishes. Whether it's a misguided decision during our MTC, a difficult transfer, or a disappointment in the work, that feeling of “I did this to myself” can be crushing. The honesty and vulnerability in that podcast episode – the willingness to share those moments of personal struggle – that’s what makes it so relatable and so powerful.

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle of the work, in the pressure to perform, to check all the boxes on the Preach My Gospel checklist. But Elder Cook’s talk, and the way the This is Kingdom crew unpacked it, reminds us that the Atonement isn’t about earning our way to rescue. It’s about recognizing our need for it, acknowledging our mistakes, and turning to the Savior.

Think about it. That young man diving into an empty pool *deserved* to hit the concrete. He made the choice. But the story isn't about the fall; it's about the realization, the acceptance of responsibility, and the potential for redemption. That’s the promise of the gospel!

As returned missionaries, we’re often asked to have all the answers, to be the source of strength and guidance. But sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply share our own experiences—our own moments of falling short, of feeling lost, and of finding grace through the Savior's sacrifice.

Speaking of grace, I've been working with a few pre-missionaries lately, helping them prepare for the challenges ahead. One of the biggest things I've been emphasizing is the importance of developing mental resilience – the ability to acknowledge mistakes, learn from them, and move forward with renewed faith. Davee’s been a huge help with this, walking them through potential investigator questions and helping them formulate answers rooted in genuine testimony and understanding. It's not about having a perfect response; it’s about demonstrating Christlike love and a willingness to learn.

This week, I challenge you to reflect on a time you felt like you were diving into an empty pool. What did you learn from that experience? How did you find your way back to the surface?

And if you’re looking for a way to deepen your scriptural understanding and connect with other Latter-day Saints, I encourage you to check out the HolyPlaces community. They’ve got some fantastic Book Clubs and Bible Study Groups happening right now – a great way to engage with the scriptures in a meaningful way.

Stay strong, stay faithful, and remember—rescue is always available.