I can do that!

Pleasure and Pain – The Plan of Salvation

Bishop Richard C. Edgley

"An understanding of Christ's plan of redemption helps put [personal suffering] into perspective. In our preexistent state our Father in Heaven presented His plan for mortality, which Alma described as the 'plan of happiness' (Alma 42:8). I believe we all understood that by coming to earth, we would be exposed to all of the experiences of earth life, including the not-so-pleasant trials of pain, suffering, hopelessness, sin, and death. There would be opposition and adversity. And if that was all we knew about the plan, I doubt if any of us would have embraced it, rejoicing, 'That's what I have always wanted--pain, suffering, hopelessness, sin, and death.' But it all came into focus, and it became acceptable, even desirable, when an Elder Brother stepped forward and offered that He would go down and make it all right. Out of pain and suffering He would bring peace. Out of hopelessness He would bring hope. Out of transgression He would bring repentance and forgiveness. Out of death He would bring the resurrection of lives. And with that explanation and most generous offer, each and every one of us concluded, 'I can do that. That is a risk worth taking.' And so we chose." (Richard C. Edgley, "For Thy Good," Ensign, May 2002, p. 65)

My Dad sent this out. I love the real language. I'm so grateful for our loving Savior.