Resurrection

I've known about the resurrection ever since I was a little girl. Jesus was resurrected on the third day after his death to a glorified and perfected body that would never again be compromised by the physical afflictions that affect people in mortality.

I've always known that one day I will also be resurrected, too, just like Jesus. Resurrection is part of God's master plan for all of His children. It is a gift and something that everyone who has ever lived or will ever live will eventually reap the benefits of. This is something that we can all look forward to, and something everyone qualifies for, no matter how righteous or wicked they were during their earthly life.

Here is a passage from a little book called True to the Faith that explains resurrection in a little more detail: "Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, we are subject to physical death, which is the separation of the spirit from the body. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected—saved from physical death (see 1 Corinthians 15:22). Resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with the body in a perfect, immortal state, no longer subject to disease or death."

Before my accident I didn't have any major physical or psychological defects with my body or mind, so I always thought of resurrection in regards to other people, never myself. I most often thought of the resurrection in the context of my younger sisters, Laura and Chandra, who are both burn survivors and have scars that cover a significant portion of their bodies. I used to marvel thinking how they will one day be scar-free. After my accident the resurrection took on a whole new meaning that was very personal. Instead of thinking of the resurrection in regards to other people's afflictions, I now thought of myself and how miraculous it will be for me when that blessed day comes when I am no longer trapped in a body that doesn't work. I have such a greater understanding and appreciation of the resurrection now, and I'm so grateful for that. I really like this quote about resurrection from Jeffrey R. Holland: 

Trust in God. Hold on in His love. Know that one day the dawn will break brightly and all shadows of mortality will flee. Though we may feel like we are "like a broken vessel," we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.

I testify of the holy Resurrection, that unspeakable cornerstone gift in the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ! I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally "free at last." 

I'm so grateful that I know that death is truly only the beginning and that good things await those that live a life that is pleasing to God. I know that one day I will be resurrected and all earthly challenges and limitations will cease to exist. That is a hopeful thought!

I found a picture of this neat sculpture/statue online. It's a visual representation that when we die all of our physical challenges are over.