Finding Peace through Prints of Christ: Coping with Separation and Hardship

As May comes around, many parents (including myself) find themselves faced with the bittersweet task of saying goodbye to their children. Whether they're heading off to college, starting a new job, or embarking on a church mission, these goodbyes can be incredibly difficult. As a first-timer in this situation, I'm no exception. All I want is for my kids to remember the good things they learned from me as kids... and perhaps forget a few of the bad ones.

However, I'm not the only one who's struggled with the idea of leaving behind a lasting impression. In fact, Jesus himself shared a similar concern; before he departed from his disciples, he promised them that he would send them a Comforter that would "bring all things to their remembrance." He knew that human memory was faulty, and that his followers needed help to recall the things that mattered most.

But this gift of the Holy Ghost was more than just a chatbook of memories and events. It was the ability to remember what was truly important, when it mattered most. It allowed for spiritual presence to be more impactful than physical presence, and it was the means by which Jesus could tell his disciples, "I am with you always, even until the end."

After Jesus left, the Apostles were transformed. They became braver, more eloquent, more reliant on God, and more full of love for each other... in short, they became more like Jesus. And I believe that this same transformation can happen in each of us, as we rely on the memory of Him, through prints of Christ in our lives.

Just as God heard the prayers of the Apostles and responded with his angels, he can comfort and protect our loved ones as well. This knowledge gives me hope, even as I say goodbye to my child and watch them venture out into the world. Christ will take care of my kids, guide them, love them, and protect them when I am not there to do it myself.

As parents, we can't control every aspect of our children's lives. But we can trust in prints of Christ and the reminders of Him to guide and protect them, as I just mentioned. And we can rest assured that our love and influence will be felt in their lives for years to come.

Prints of Christ can also be a great way to hold onto the memories of loved ones and the teachings of Jesus. These beautiful and inspiring images can provide a source of comfort and peace, especially during times of separation or hardship. As Jesus promised His disciples before leaving them, the Holy Ghost would bring all things to their remembrance. Prints of Christ can serve as a physical reminder of His love and teachings, bringing comfort and strength in moments of need.

Just as the Apostles became braver, more eloquent, and more like Jesus after His departure, we too can become more Christ-like by keeping His image close. Prints of Christ can remind us of His sacrifice, His love, and His teachings. They can serve as a beacon of hope in times of darkness and a reminder of our divine potential.

Separation from family and loved ones can be especially difficult, but prints of Christ can provide a sense of connection even when physical distance separates us. Whether it's a child leaving home for the first time or a loved one moving to a new city, prints of Christ can serve as a constant reminder of the love and guidance that surrounds us.

In moments of hardship, prints of Christ can offer solace and strength. Just as the Apostles were able to rely more on God after Jesus' departure, we too can find strength and comfort in similar ways by keeping prints of Christ and images of Him near us. They can serve as a tangible reminder that we are never truly alone and that He is with us always.

In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, prints of Christ can bring a sense of peace and calm. They remind us of His teachings of love, forgiveness, and service, and encourage us to live our lives in a way that reflects those principles. Whether we're facing challenges or celebrating joyful moments, prints of Christ can provide a constant source of inspiration and guidance.

So, as we say goodbye to loved ones and face the challenges of life, let us hold onto prints of Christ and keep His presence in our midst always. They serve as a reminder of His love and teachings, and bring comfort and peace in moments of hardship. Let us keep His image close and strive to become more Christ-like in all that we do.