The Mantle

"The world can at times be a frightening place in which to live. The moral fabric of society seems to be unraveling at an alarming speed. None—whether young or old or in-between—is exempt from exposure to those things which have the potential to drag us down and destroy us. Our youth, our precious youth, in particular, face temptations we can scarcely comprehend. The adversary and his hosts seem to be working nonstop to cause our downfall.

"We are waging a war with sin, my brothers and sisters, but we need not despair. It is a war we can and will win. Our Father in Heaven has given us the tools we need in order to do so. He is at the helm. We have nothing to fear. He is the God of light. He is the God of hope. I testify that He loves us—each one."

Thomas S. Monson, "Looking Back and Moving Forward," Ensign, May 2008, 90

This quote will always be special to me. Not just because of its message. But because when he started speaking the second quoted paragraph, that was when I clearly saw the mantle of God rest upon him. It was when I knew the he was the true, living prophet called of God and on the earth today. The Spirit struck deep to the very inmost part of my soul, and made such an impression--I cannot forget it. My testimonies of a living prophet, and of succession, and Priesthood power and authority, and Christ leading His church were all strengthened and increased at that moment. Unforgettable.