The Claim - Understanding the Atonement of the Savior, Jesus Christ - an inspirational video

 

I was always shy growing up and as I entered my teenage years I also became incredibly depressed. I had been dealing with mental illness off and on since I was 8 but didn't know it. I wasn't diagnosed until I was an adult. Long story short I dealt with a lot of self hatred, anger, and contemplation of suicide. I felt ugly inside and that began to be reflected in the way I didn't take care of myself outside.

I don't remember the place, the day or even the person, but someone gave me a compliment. As I had done a hundred times before I shrugged it off. Maybe I told them they were just being nice, something to that effect. Their response startled me.

"Are you calling me a liar?"

I had NEVER seen my actions of deflecting praise as coming off like that and it was shocking. I've never forgotten it and it changed me. Over time it helped me realize the difference between real and false humility and ultimately helped me accept the Savior's atonement in my life.

That's what this video is all about. I wrote the poem first and then I wanted to find an interesting way to share it that might help others who were unaware of the implications of their words and thoughts like I was. Perhaps someone else can find joy in repentance and in the atonement in the way that I have since that eye opening moment.We are all so much more valued and loved than we realize.

THE CLAIM He claims He can redeem us, Yet some state that He cannot, Saying, ‘No one has the sinful Tendencies and thoughts I’ve got. No one’s ever made such missteps In precisely the same way. His grace will be beyond my reach When comes the judgment day.’ These self-abasing sentiments May grant some consolation, Till the moment scrutiny Reveals their true fixation. For at their center lies disguised That age-old enemy pride. In saying Christ can’t save our souls, We’ve all but said He lied. In setting ourselves up As an exception to His claim, We suggest that we know better, Thus, disparaging His name. The Son of God has given all To claim all those who believe, For none will ever merit Any grace they might receive. When we seek to do good, For mistakes make reparation, It’s not to purchase Heaven But to practice emulation. This is true discipleship; The wellspring of charity. A pathway not just one and done But trod continually. This is faith untainted A humility that is pure. Its fruit is confidence which grows With each day that we endure. Our efforts won’t be perfect But as we move on with resolve Our attitudes and habits Will assuredly evolve. Then, when before the bar we kneel Invoking our Savior’s name, He will say unto the Father, ‘On these I lay my claim.’ © Summer Owens