The first item of business is time for reflection, for which our leader is Carol Wilde, communication director Scotland, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament, thank you for the opportunity to address you this afternoon.
In recent months, each of us has seen many people experiencing great challenges in life—from worldwide geopolitical challenges to challenges here, in our communities, our homes and the lives of our neighbours and friends.
The New Testament provides examples of Jesus Christ’s compassion towards others. He stretched out his hands with love to heal the sick, give succour to the weary and comfort those who mourned. Taking inspiration from his example, we can stretch out our hands to those who are in our sphere of influence. We can stretch out our hands and meaningfully touch the lives of others. We can help to strengthen families, support friends and neighbours who are in need and develop a greater love for those we desire to serve and connect with.
Feeling overwhelmed is commonplace today, perhaps as a result of the many pressures and demands on our time and our physical and mental reserves. Jesus invites us to be
“willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light”.
Helping someone with their burden requires sacrifice and a liberal dose of love unfeigned. In seeking to lift the burden of another, we offer support, understanding and practical aid—but, most of all, kindness. We may not be able to alter the journey of another, but we can make sure that no one walks the path alone. I will share a short verse:
I met a stranger in the night
Whose lamp had ceased to shine
I paused and let him light
His lamp from mine
A tempest sprang up later on
And shook the world about
And when the wind was gone
It was my lamp that was out
But back to me the stranger came
His lamp was glowing fine
He held the precious flame aloft
And lighted mine
We ought not to underestimate the difference we can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out and help. In the words of Charles Dickens,
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
My message today is one of consideration and concern for others. May God and our humanity prevail as we walk the path of life together with kindness and understanding to
“succour the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knee.”
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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