Holy Spirit, Dwell with Us
By Becky Savage, First Presidency
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. —John 14:27 NRSV
Doctors diagnosed my mom with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Often referred to in the USA as Lou Gehrig’s disease (after the famous baseball player), it does not allow the body to send messages along the nerves to the muscles. Without these messages, the body cannot do what you want. The disease has no cure. It is fatal.
One might think this diagnosis would cause a person to become depressed and withdrawn. Yes, there were times my mom experienced extreme sadness. This happened especially when she lost the ability of another part of her body.
The extraordinary part of her end-of-life journey was the spirit she carried. A calming, peaceful spirit always surrounded her. People who came to visit, care for her, help Dad around the house, or just sit at her bedside commented about this special spirit.
I asked her toward the end of her long struggle where she found her strength. She said she was spending more time in conversation with the Holy Spirit. She said she conversed with loved ones: her mom who died when Mom was 5 years old, my twin sister who died at age 37 of a heart attack, and other deceased friends and family members. She said God’s beloved family was waiting for her. Where she was going was peaceful, and she was not afraid.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. The promise of the Holy Spirit is real and brings peace.
Prayer for Peace
Hello, God. Nice to talk with you again. I just want you to know how peaceful I feel after a conversation with you. Though my body sometimes frustrates me, I thank you for the comfort of our conversations. Help me bring comfort and peace to others.
Spiritual Practice: Time with God
Sit quietly and let your breathing become calm and deep. Ask God’s Spirit to rest on you. See or sense the Spirit anointing you in the form of light, a dove, wind, color, or other images that might come. Ask to become aware of God’s love. Listen to the ways God wants to flow from your heart as living water. Give thanks that your name is beloved, that our name is Community of Christ.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will start talking—knowing you are there…listening…loving.
