I just finished reading his most recent conference talk. Which is based on 3 Nephi 17:20-21.
"Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full. And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayer unto the Father for them."
When I opened my own scriptures to read the verse, I was reminded of something my mission president taught me in an interview, as we discussed Christ's visit to the Americas and how best to present the chapters to investigators.
He pointed out that earlier in the chapter, Christ had been troubled because of the wickedness of the people. Yet, he knelt and prayed for the Nephites, and as they heard the words which he spoke (which are not written), they were filled with this joy that 'none of them could conceive.' A joy above anything that they had ever felt. And that joy was brought upon them because of their faith. Which in turn, brought the same joy to the Savior.
At that exact moment, everyone's joy was full. This brought weeping, blessings, angels from heaven, and testimonies.
Have you ever felt that joy?
I have.
You have.
And
We just need to remember them.
Everyday.
Even though I may not have always weep or seen angels in those moments, I can remember that I have been blessed and my testimony strengthened.
Elder Holland referenced this scripture and said that seeing our example as members of the church brings him joy. Before his talk, I had never really thought of the prophet and apostles finding joy in the simple, lowly, sinful members of the church. But his sincerity, like that of the Savior himself in verse twenty-one, testifies to us that none of them could serve without our prayers and support. He said, "your loyalty and your love mean more to us than we can ever possibly say . . . We sustain you; we return to you those same heartfelt prayers and that same expression of love. We all know there are special keys, covenants, and responsibilities given to the presiding officers of the church, but we also know that the church draws incomparable strength, a truly unique vitality, from the faith and devotion of every member of this church, whoever you may be. In whatever country you live, however young or inadequate you feel, or however aged or limited you see yourself as being, I testify you are individually loved of God, you are central to the meaning of His work, and you are cherished and prayed for by the presiding officers of His church. The personal value, the sacred splendor of every one of you, is the very reason there is a plan for salvation and exaltation."
If you haven't read the talk, I highly recommend it. Not just because of my obsession with the way that he conveys his words, but because I felt Elder Holland's gratitude, love and joy - which has in some ways - come from simple members of the church like you and me.
You can read it here.
And watch it here.
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