Here we are, week three into a shelter at home order in the state of Washington (and most other places as well). How’s it going? The novelty of it all has definitely worn off for me and even though my family is (as of yet) not directly afflicted by Covid-19, there is a whole lot of upside down everywhere I look. Easter is Sunday and I can’t go to church. My annual Easter egg hunt isn’t happening and our local schools are officially cancelled until next fall. I want normal!

This past weekend, we enjoyed a General Conference for my church—which was recorded and broadcast according to strict standards of social distancing—even though we watched at home like we always do, it was unsettling to see all those empty seats and feel the lack of personal connection. But, I woke up Monday morning so grateful for the much needed uplift and the perspective shift that comes from backing up just a bit and taking in the bigger picture. I felt a renewed sense of optimism and hope because of my faith in God, so I decided in today’s episode to share a story that has become a personal defining memory for me—along with snippets of a few of my favorite conference talks. I might even have a bit from Queen Elizabeth for you! Right now we need as much optimism and HOPE as possible—so I’m also sharing an important invitation to participate in a global fast on Good Friday. My hope is that regardless of what you believe, you will feel encouraged and be glad you listened.

🌼 DON’T FORGET to leave me a comment and tell me what you’ve seen or experienced that is giving you hope during this difficult time.

Here are full versions of the talks I pulled quotes from.

Spiritually Defining Memories, by Neal L. Anderson

An Especially Noble Calling, Joy D. Jones

A Perfect Brightness of Hope, by Jeffrey R. Holland

Queen Elizabeth’s message to Britain, BBC

Opening the Heavens for Help, Russell M. Nelson

I opened this episode with Come Thou Font of Every Blessing, sung by The Tabernacle Choir.

More information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the invitation to participate in an global inner-faith fast on Good Friday.

President Nelson specifically asked us to pray and fast for …

1. The present pandemic to be controlled

2. Caregivers to be protected

3. The economy to be strengthened and

4. Life to be normalized.

More information on this global fast on Christianity Today.

episode image from Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash