When We Feel Broken: Remembering What We Are Worth

Man, sometimes I feel like I'm still processing what it means to be a returned missionary. You spend months preparing, getting ready to share the gospel, and then you get back home. You get back to your normal life, your normal struggles, and you start feeling… broken. Like you’re a stranger to yourself.

It's the kind of feeling that whispers, *'You don't have anything to offer. You're too flawed, too messy, too far gone.'*

If you've ever been in that space—the place where you feel alienated from the Spirit, where the weight of your mistakes feels overwhelming—I want to share something that helped me anchor myself. It’s a reminder of the sheer, glorious scope of the Atonement.

The Price Has Already Been Paid

The core message I took from this reflection, and one that always rings true when I feel inadequate, is this: We are worth the sacrifice. Not because we have earned it, or because we are perfect, but because the Father loves us and the Savior paid the price.

When we think about the gospel, we often focus on what *we* have to do—the temples, the scriptures, the missionary discussions, the effort of being Christlike. And those things are vital! They are the wonderful process of discipleship. But sometimes, we get so caught up in the *doing* that we forget to dwell on the *Gift*.

When the world whispers that we aren't worth sacrificing for, we need to remember what God Himself declares over us: this is the price He was willing to pay for you.

Discipleship: Receiving the Sacrifice

This is where the concept of the 'Internet missionary' comes in. Being a disciple doesn't mean you have to be perfect, fully polished, or ready for a transfer to the mission field tomorrow. It means you are actively *receiving* the sacrifice. It means you are remembering that the Atonement is the foundational power source for everything you do.

If you are struggling to find the time, or the motivation, or the words to share the gospel this week, don't let the feeling of inadequacy stop you. Instead, remember the power of the sacrifice, and let that gratitude fuel your service.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The Testimony Anchor

When you feel weak, focus on the foundational truth. Try this simple skill this week:

1. Identify the Feeling: Name the feeling of inadequacy or brokenness.
2. Pivot to the Savior: Immediately pivot your thought process to the Atonement.
3. The Anchor Phrase: Repeat a phrase like, *“I am worthy because the Savior paid the price for me.”*

This simple mental anchor helps shift our focus from our personal failure to Christ's boundless grace. It’s a powerful tool for any missionary discussion or even just talking with a neighbor!

Don't Walk This Path Alone

The beauty of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that we don't have to navigate these spiritual valleys alone. Whether you're in the MTC, working with a district leader, or just trying to study scriptures in your own living room, there are people and resources ready to help.

• Deep Dive: If you want to study the depth of this covenant, I highly recommend checking out the LivingBook. There are some incredible insights on the Book of Abraham and the covenants we make.
• Study Buddies: If you're looking for accountability, check out a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces.
• Need a Deep Dive Conversation? Need help structuring your answers for a challenging investigator? That's what Davee is for! His AI Investigator role can walk you through those hard questions so you feel prepared for the field.

Remember, being a disciple means living in the knowledge that we are loved, unconditionally, because of the Atonement. That truth is the greatest missionary tool we possess.