President Russell M. Nelson released a video on social media on Friday, Nov. 20, where he said the remedy for spiritual woes and ailments is the healing power of gratitude. BYU–Hawaii students said his message was powerfully spoken at the right time and shared they are willing to follow the prophet’s counsel to have a grateful heart, despite life’s difficulties.
In the 11-minute video, titled, “President Russell M. Nelson on the Healing Power of Gratitude,” he gave two invitations to those watching.
He said, “I invite you — just for the next seven days — to turn social media into your own personal gratitude journal. Post every day about what you are grateful for, whom you are grateful for, and why you are grateful. Use the hashtag #GiveThanks.”
Secondly, he added, "Let us unite in thanking God through daily prayer.”
Vilimaina Likuborebore, a junior from Fiji majoring in political science, said the prophet’s invitation was not only to worthy people but also to all regardless of their circumstances. “I felt a heartwarming feeling of gratitude and love from our dear prophet this morning,” she expressed.
“A prayer of gratitude would remind us of how merciful and loving our Heavenly Father is,” Likuborebore added.
A prayer of gratitude would remind us of how merciful and loving our Heavenly Father is
The power of gratitude
President Nelson emphasized the hard work researchers and health experts are doing to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus. He elaborated, “But there is no medication or operation that can fix the many spiritual woes and maladies that we face.”
Further illustrating his point, he said, “There is, however, a remedy — one that may seem surprising — because it flies in the face of our natural intuitions. Nevertheless, its effects have been validated by scientists as well as men and women of faith.
“I am referring to the healing power of gratitude,” President Nelson said.
Rizal Takin, a senior from Malaysia majoring in finance and business education, said, “The main takeaway from President Nelson was to be thankful for what we have been blessed with. I am grateful for my family, who has always shown love and support through ups and downs in my life.
“I am also grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and for the friends who have helped me achieve my goals in life,” added Takin.
Ally Pack, a sophomore from Idaho majoring in marketing, stated, “President Nelson is a prophet of God. There is no other religious leader who is so in tune with our day and age and what we need to progress at this time.”
In the video, President Nelson said, “As a man of science and as a man of faith, the current worldwide pandemic has been of great concern to me.”
As a man of science, he said he appreciated the service of the health care professionals. As a man of faith, “I view the current pandemic as only one of many ills that plague our world, including hate, civil unrest, racism, violence, dishonesty and lack of civility.”
Pack said she is grateful President Nelson was a heart surgeon and knows what is best to help our hearts physically and spiritually.
Speaking about gratitude and inferred messages from President Nelson, Pack emphasized, “The other messages I received are the importance of staying focused on Christ at this time of COVID-19, and remember God is still in control.”
Jason Vakaweleivalu Katonivere, a sophomore from Fiji majoring in biomedical science, thanked President Nelson and said, “In everything, I should always give thanks unto the Lord at all times, in all places, and in all things I do.”
President Nelson said, “Does gratitude spare us from sorrow, sadness, grief and pain? No, but it does soothe our feelings. It provides us with a greater perspective on the very purpose and joy of life.”
Morian Labis, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in accounting, expressed, “There is peace in counting our blessings and joy in recounting them, and expressing gratitude for the blessings will increase our testimonies in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“President Nelson’s words gave me chills and helped me see we can stand up and be grateful in everything, and we learn most things when we go through trials,” Labis expressed.
Brian Smith Vildam, a junior from the Solomon Islands majoring in political science, explained, “Having gratitude for small and little things in life can develop greater happiness within us and also enable us to know we are children of Heavenly Father.”
Blessings of a living prophet
President Nelson offered a prayer of gratitude as he concluded his talk.
Takin expressed, “It is time for us to be more meaningful in our prayers and thanking Heavenly Father for so much He has blessed us with. I think this is revelation through the prophet to let us know that praying with a grateful heart will allow the Spirit to help us feel of his love, opening our eyes to see the many blessings we have despite the challenges.”
In recounting his thoughts, Labis emphasized how Heavenly Father never left His children alone. He always gives guidance through His Apostles.
Labis elaborated, “Our prophets and apostles gave us hope, spread love, and endowed us with comfort during these unprecedented times of trials by receiving guidance from heaven and sharing it with the Church.
“Coronavirus is no different from other tribulations we encountered. It is a trial that will help us learn and value the need of the gospel in our lives,” he added.
Pack added how important a prophet is in the latter days. “Communication with God is essential, and in order to stay organized as a whole, we need direction.”
“When the prophet speaks, we can be sure that God is guiding us. If we trust in Him, we will be at peace,” said Pack.
Kotonivere said he is grateful to have prophets who speak the mind of the Lord. He said he was reminded of these words from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Things will get worse before it gets better, but God will help us through His prophets.”
“We do need prophets today, even in times like these, in order to guide and direct us every day with making the right decisions,” added Kotonivere.
Likuborebore stressed, “I rely so much upon the counsels given by our prophet President Nelson because, in this world filled with negativity, trials, and challenges, his message is always filled with positivity, love, peace, and comfort.
“As imperfect as we are, we feel the love of our Heavenly Father through the living prophet,” added Likuborebore.
Rajesh Kumar, a senior from Fiji majoring in supply chain and operation, expressed, “It’s a changing world, and we need to keep up with what the Lord wants us to do.
“I am grateful to have a living prophet, and I think the key is for me to spend more time to hear him.”