I've always been against religion, lately I've been feeling down and watched lots of videos from this channel, now I think there is something out there a greater power that wants us to succeed
Hi Oscar, thanks for sharing your perspective. We're glad you've found hope and encouragement through these videos. For you or others interested, learn more about God's love and plan for us here: www.comeuntochrist.org/beliefs/purpose-of-life
There is 'definitely' a "greater power that wants us to succeed". In this life, we are 'influenced' by forces of darkness and light. If you decide to 'seek greater light and knowledge'..and to increase the light in your environment..you will 'turn keys' that will help you to have more personal experiences with that 'greater power.'
This video may illustrate..one person's journey through the 'mists of darkness' as they sought greater light. www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/latter-day-saints-channel/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-hope-of-gods-light?lang=eng
Last night I was begging God to help me feel that He is real. I was so exhausted and discouraged I just slept for 14 hours. Then I woke up and saw this. It's..... I mean.... This is amazing. I just made it my homepage so I can watch it every morning for a while.
Hi Jenn, we're glad you appreciated the video! We know God hears our prayers of faith, and we hope you continue to feel His love and comfort as you seek his help. comeuntochrist.org
Jenn. There is a scripture ‘Be still and know that I am God’. And meditation is prayer, and, prayer meditation. (I don’t mean in the lotus position or anything).
John Harvey Prayer is *communication* Not meditation. Meditation and a emptying your mind are tools of Satan to allow demonic influence. *Matthew **12:43**-45* “43When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” Don’t empty yourself. Fill yourself with the Holy Spirit, of the Son, from the Father, all in all God the Most High. Stay in constant communication/prayer with God and you will see a difference.
I typically swipe off Mormon channel RUclips notifications but the title of this video didn't let me this time. I felt like I had to watch it and I'm glad I did. Thank you for sharing your experience! I can't believe I have been taking for granted all this times heavenly father has been trying to save me either. They are more than 25 for me and I have been feeling lost for about 5 years until now. Thank you
"Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys." ~C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
@@ukgaragegold Hi there, I saw your question and thought I'd answer while I'm on the site. Screwtape is a senior demon in Lewis's book. He's training his nephew, Wormwood on how to be a demon. The book is satire and full of letters between the two. Their goal is to turn a Christian (called the Patient) away from God and his faith. CS Lewis was talking to Christians everywhere about being a deliberate Christian, "walking the talk" as we sometimes say rather than just being a casual disciple of Christ. In this particular quote, Screwtape tells his nephew that nothing is harder than trying to turn a Christian (toward evil) who feels heaven is closed (i.e., not getting answers, perhaps not feeling the Savior's love) but who is still determined to be true to the gospel, keeping the commandments, their covenants and soldiering on nonetheless. Bro McLean was in that situation, feeling the heavens were silent, yet trusting God enough to just hang in there. I hope my answer makes sense.
I cant Even explain how hard this hit me. I have struggled with numbness and emptiness for years I have struggled with wanting to be here at all. I really related to the have I offended god. Thank you so incredibly much for sharing this I really needed it.
Often i struggle with bad bad feelings and answers that are not from God. And i sometimes regret praying, but i know i shouldnt regret it. But ya, i often feel like God doesnt want to talk to me, tho i kinda know that He's just letting me go through life struggles and learn. Trust me He's there, one day you will hear Him again, and know that, and you will be so happy.
This is LITERALLY what I need to hear right now. Thank you Brother Mclean. I'm going on a nearly 9-year trial of faith now. What you said speaks to my heart. 💙
I have been struggling with my trial of faith for five years now. This morning I woke up in such deep despair that I wondered whether suicide was the only way out. I have prayed about my struggles and every time I received the simple answer to "have faith." Even though the answers I receive have felt sparse, I try to hold on to every revelation. I had another moment of despair a few weeks ago. As I drove home from church I heard in my mind that "the path will appear when it is hardest to see." I tell myself that the more despair I feel, the closer I am to seeing the path. I am grateful for this video appearing when I needed it.
We need more "outside the box" stories from saints who struggle and are strong enough to admit it. I never really knew the whole Church, until I was visiting an LDS addiction recovery meeting, and listened to a brother, wearing a BYU t-shirt, talking about his years of heroin addiction.
I’ve been talking with my teenage son lately about his concerns that he feels so numb despite his efforts to do what is right. I have prayed night and day for him since we first talked, and when I saw this video, I knew it was an answer I was supposed to share with him. I have a feeling it will help, just to know he isn’t the only one who has times like this. The candor expressed in these videos is so touching and a lot more helpful than making everything look perfect in life. We all struggle, and we all have stories to share. When we share, we can bear one another’s burdens more deeply and more effectively. Always a fan of your music, Michael McLean; now I’m a fan of your heart. :)
When you said, "when we share we can bare one another's burdens more deeply and more effectively", it was if a light went off in my head. We don't know how we touch other people's lives, that's why we need to share faith promoting stories, so the Spirit can.
Amen! A few years ago my life took a turn on a course I never really imagined. I kept trying to put it 'back on track' but I couldn't no matter what I did. And I felt scared, and angry and resentment. And then, I said, God, my life is yours. All I have, all I am is yours and he gave me the eyes to see that my life his on HIS course and it doesn't look like everyone else's and ITS OKAY. In fact it's meant to be.. and I put my trust in Him and that's when I began feeling peace.. real peace..
I love this story. 20 years ago as a young missionary I listened to his song "Hold on, the light will come". It helped me to keep moving forward as i struggled with mental illness. As my own son now has come out and struggles with whether he wants to stay in the church his ideas are still there to help. The Lord has instructed me on how to act with him, and I dont know how it will all turn out. But I know that God gives peace and help.
It reaffirms my unfailing belief that god cares equally for everyone. But especially reaffirms my belief that when we put god in a box and believe what we have read, how doctrines have inspired us, what our mentors or leaders have said, we will always have it wrong to a large degree. God is reaching out to all people who believe in “the” true religion (and there are over a hundred faiths that believe without question that they are in the only true religion) and most people are not listening. They Need to feel validated by there associates. However you can be 100% "right with God" as a Mormon, as a Catholic, As a Jehovah's Witness, as a Seventh day Adventist etc etc. But the only way is to focus our lives on the things that really matter to God. Your Love, Your empathy, Your passion for caring, the depth of your humility, the strength of our character, the completeness of our honesty. that we reach decisively for personal growth and eventually become fearless in our quest. willing to let god take us wherever he wants, even if it is to a new beginning of our faith. We can stay with the brotherhood/sisterhood we Love and that is a wonderful thing. It gives tradition, stability, and a foundation to grow from. But it is Godly attributes such as Love and overcoming fear that really matter. Michael Mclean Stayed in his church. He found that what he had been taught about finding answers wasn't working. So he found the answers in True inspiration that to him was inspiration beyond Question. That is the answer to real growth. When he dies he will be surprised at how many false teachings he believed. Everyone will, Yes myself included. But it wont matter. God is not some immature adolescent that demands you believe properly. Like any mature parent, He want you to grow up, to wake up. To become a beautiful person void of anger , jealousy, envy etc. and full of love, empathy and courage and a few dozen other virtuous character traits. It takes a long time to get their and the Mormon church is a good vehicle.
5 лет назад+1
I love this song, I also used to listen to it a lot after my mission, it would give me an incredible strenght to persevere. Thanks for sharing it. I know that at the end, we all have our free will to do whatever we want, I, you, your son, we can choose. But if we choose to trust the Lord, He´ll comfort our souls and give answers to our prayers.
@Justin Draxx The principles of the Book of Mormon are that of the Bible as well. It teaches faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. Speak to some missionaries of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days saints and they can expound on these principles for you.
Justin Draxx What are the principles of the Nook of Mormon. I’m no expert yet I think the principles are that Jesus is the Christ, that He is what He claimed to be in the Bible. The Book of Mormon has a sub-title : Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
I need to talk with this man. I'm not Mormon, but Heaven has been shut for me for 3 years. And it's been so hard not to feel God. Hes blessed my life wonderfully, but I cant talk with Him anymore. I just want to talk with somebody who understands how hard that is.
Crew, did you know that Mother Theresa had only one profound spiritual experience? She had a vision that she was to help orphans and she said that Christ came and asked her to do it personally. Then heaven's doors shut for her and she did not hear his voice again. No one really knew this about her until after her death. Can you imagine that she went ahead and did what he asked her to do without ever hearing it again? I think of her when I am having a hard time hearing. I would suggest that you go out of the box, as Michael said. I find it helps me greatly to go help someone else having trouble. It seems I can feel the spirit when I am doing service. I hope that helps you. I will pray for you, that you again hear his voice.
17B... You CAN talk with Heavenly Father. I promise you- He is there and He is listening. Fact is... You CAN'T get away from Him. He loves you so much He forfeited His life FOR YOU and God loves you so much that HE had watch His Son die on the Cross and Allowed Him (Jesus) to do it. All to save us- His Brothers & Sisters. Remember the next time you see the picture of Jesus standing at the door, there is no door knob... that's because He cannot enter without you inviting Him in. I have always loved the Commencement Speech that Winston Churchill gave. He stood at the rostrum and looked to the left and said "NEVER"! Then he looked to the right and said- "NEVER"! Then he looked straight ahead and said.... "NEVER- QUIT"!! and sat down. Keep seeking the Lord. He IS there for you. YourConscience
This was for me. The best video from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I have seen in many years. I needed to hear this, in fact, I needed this about 18 years ago. Thank you....
For 26 years, I never received an answer as you hear in primary, or Sunday school, or at every testimony meeting. I had always known there was a God because I could see his effect in peoples lives and I had a few things happen to me that indicated which way the wind blew, but I"d never had that burning bosom feeling everyone talks about. I didn't have thoughts come to my mind, I just didn't have anything that fit the box I'd been taught about. I thought, "well maybe God just doesn't talk to me like he talks to everyone else". I also had to learn that God deals with us individually. He answers us individually in the way we can learn. We can't always see it because we get into our habits or think we know what to look for, but he's always there, whether we see it or not.
I love everything, everything about this video, ESPECIALLY that he deeply experienced the grace of God and mentioned it twice. We members of the Lord’s restored church, like all human beings, need his grace every hour of every day *and* we need to express this until every Latter-day Saint becomes familiar with this concept. Not just the Atonement, but also the power that is called grace that flows to us from it. Because of Jesus. ❤
All day yesterday I thought THE EXACT WORDS of this title to this video. Then I came across this video, I would say randomly but no, no this was divine intervention. I needed this ❤️
The feeling of numb emptiness you told is what I've felt for 5 years now. Thank you for sharing this message and helping me to see the blind eye I have turned to all of the many blessings I have had poured out upon my life. You have helped inch a lost one back to the light.
I was just praying and had the thought to look up a Mormon message on RUclips. This was the first one to come up. As soon as it started, I realized I’ve seen a longer version of it before! I used to show this video to others while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I had completely forgotten about it and all the memories of the things that I would testify about after the video, came flooding back to me. I can’t believe that I have forgotten so many of these spiritual truths that I used to know. I’ve been struggling lately, and I know this was an unexpected way that Heavenly Father answered my prayers. I really love God and Im so grateful for Him:) this is just what I needed.
I have watched this video over and over again. It has impressed me so deeply that it comes to my mind whenever I am going through something heart-wrenchingly difficult. The man in the video went through so much pain and heartache, but because of that, he connected to God in a way that he never had before, because he had never needed it in that way before. Our relationship with Heavenly Father is not stagnant. It grows. It changes. That makes it hard to recognize at times, but just as he stated, if we simply trust instead of trying to figure it all out, it will turn out alright in the end.
Omg thank you I needed this I’m a teenager and I started to feel like it’s too late to start dwelling in my faith of god and I started to feel like he didn’t love me anymore when tragedy would happen to me. I realize that god still loves me so much and he has plans for me and I must trust him.
A beautiful testimony which highlights three things: that God is ALWAYS personal and must be PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED in order to be believed and understood; that God hears ALL prayers and answers ALL prayers but frequently His answers are "No", "Not now", "Not yet", "Not in the way that you expect" and "I have something better in store"; and that those who aren't listening for God's inner voice will never hear it simply because THEY AREN'T LISTENING and because one must FIRST BELIEVE ON FAITH ALONE EVEN BEFORE EXPERIENCING GOD'S PRESENCE in order to THEN experience Him in our lives.
This is beautiful and lovely reminder to look for the voice of the Lord outside of the patterns we are used to. This is a 'Footprints in the sand' experience. There were tears and warm fuzzies as I listened to the testimony of this wonderful Brother, thank you for sharing, this is truly an inspiration ❤️.
I heard him talk about this in person at a Time Out for Women. And still one of most impactful talks I’ve ever heard and still makes me cry. I’ve had experience like this and love this perspective. 💜💜
Having experienced God's timetable on my own, I know He Knows me and loves me. I know He answers prayers for me in the time and way that is for me. Feeling Blessed. Great reminder.
I really needed this message, not just in general but today, right at the minute I accidentally clicked on it while trying to scroll up. This story is my story, too, in all but the finest personal details involved and it is so gratifying to be encouraged, validated, and comforted by this brother’s beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
This is one of the most amazing videos. I bet this has helped so many people. I love how it tells us to never put limits on God, because he is always reaching out.
I really appreciate the honesty, candor, and vulnerability to share this. I've found myself feeling the exact same feelings, several times. Just what I needed to hear right now.
Thank you for sharing this. I needed to hear it. I am in the middle of a divorce and have felt like God doesn't hear me sometimes. God is here; I just need to look for Him
Beautiful sentiments, Michael. I love how you contrast the easiness of making covenants when life is going well with whether we will keep the promises when we feel nothing. Thank you for sharing this personal story.
I love you Michael. I love Jeff. You have no idea how much your music has touched me. Everytime I see Forgotten Carol's or listen to you, and Jeff, my faith is renewed. You are a powerful instrument in God's hands. Thank you very much. I still have Jeff's CD and it's so beautiful. I look often to see what he is doing now. I would want to know if he's still singing. He has one of the most powerful voices I have ever heard. I spent one New Years Eve with him on Temple Square watching the fire works after a performance in the Tabernacle. It is quite a memory. The performance was very powerful. Where is Jeff? Thank you for everything Michael.
A powerful message. I have some issues with a mood disorder and it can feel like you're alone-but you never are. Prayer is talking to God. Meditation is listening for the answer. And you don't always see it right away.
Thank you Michael. You've been touching my heart for good since I was 14 years old. Now I'm 55 and still I am uplifted by your messages, the messages in your music and the messages like this one in your words of your own experiences. Thank you.
Watched this a long time ago and today found you created the song that came into my mind, it soothed me as a young woman so often, and it came into my mind today, feeling something like empty and the words of your song were so clear... Unbelievable. Looked the words up and being homeless I came to your channel and your website and I will enjoy and be deeply blessed by your website on that subscription that I am about to make anyway. Some things are worth the extra tiny thing. God bless you so much Michael McLean. I didn't even know your name for this long, didn't even know who's songs those were, but someone gave me a copy of a church tape back then, kind of an introductory one. I loved it a lot. I think there were two. Wow. Might copy this to your own page, or channel, for your own comments. Thank You Michael McLean.
Wow! What can I possibly say that begins to express how deeply your story touched my heart. Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your experience with the Savior. Heaven's choicest blessings upon you and those you love!
Yet again., Church RUclips channel, You have answered my prayer with such precision it would be alarming if I did not know the source. Currently I read something in the book of Mormon just a few moments ago that made me doubt my faith and have a mini faith crisis. I have been writing a song from God and this video spoke to me through so many synchronicity‘s it is uncanny. And this is hardly the first time this is happened. In fact, I’m so used to getting prayer answers like this sometimes that after I prayed and tried one or two little other things I opened my phone to look for a video from the church. And here it was.
My missionary just recommended this video to me as I was having a panic attack. I haven't seen this video for almost four years...this gave me an indescribable amount of peace and comfort and answers.
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m also nine years into my struggle and I’m pushing forward one day at a time. But this is my second faith crisis. Go figure. I went through infertility many many years ago. Now it hits me again. All I can do is hang on to Jesus’ Love. Your story helped and I thank you again.
My son is gay also. It's been 10 years since he came out. He grew up in the church. I can understand your feelings. We have been judged so much because of this. It's been a hard time. I just love him anyway. The prayers will never end for him. I may have to accept that he might not ever change. He is still a child of God and he is still my son, and I can see the good in him. A bishop told me once that if I ever told my son that he made the wrong choice that I was doing the wrong thing. I was told that I should accept what my son wants to be. I have thought a lot about that through the years. It has helped me.
Yes, I get that. When you love someone and they exercise their freedom of choice or they are true to who they are, it can be difficult to see their life through your own perspective. I have learned that remembering who carries certain burdens is not me. It is God and Jesus. That leaves me free to do what I was meant to do. Love and forgive others and myself. Where no forgiveness is needed then love and understanding. People really need to be who they are to be whole. The price shouldn't be abandonment or judgment from other people. I am so lost as to who I am because of always caring for others. I pray that God will hear me as well.
Walt Heyer, is someone worth listening to, when it comes to this particular topic! He's trying very hard to help people have an understanding of these thing's and how it can affect young people!
Each one of us, at some point in our lives, will probably go through one of those "well-it-doesn't-go-over-THIS-in-the-manual" type of situations. It's up to us to try and figure it out. But along the way, may we all recognize that there's a God who's trying to help us in a way that we may not understand in the moment. Great video. Great message.
Like the man, I have been praying but I am just not able to express and know how to relieve my anxiety. I think why am I even trying. But I keep trying and will never give up. Like this man, sometimes it is music so that is when I try to pray. I think that God does things that will make me stronger in the long run.
I went more than 15 years estranged from My Lord. My story is very long, but as relates to this video, the upshot was this. I felt him calling me back, and when I finally turned back to him, He did something for me, freed me from something, that could never have been done by anyone but Him. He does indeed tailor his answers to what we need, and he will answer on his timeframe. We must simply turn our faces toward him and trust, and obey, which seems to be a dirty word these days.
Thank you so much for sharing. For the first time in my life, I've felt like the Heavens are closed to me and I'm not receiving answers. It's only been months, and I've continued to do the things I know I'm supposed to do. But you have really given me hope in a new way, and to look for answers in a new light, that maybe I'm just not listening right.
I have been dealing with severe depression for years. What I have come to realize is that you have to be willing as brigham young said, to be righteous in the dark. Just like an individual who doesn't have feeling in their extremities, if we are numb spiritually we can still damage our souls. Some people who feel an absence of God in their lives make lots of bad decisions and are so disconnected that they don't feel any pain or sorrow for years later. What we should do is continue being righteous and then eventually the blessings will come. Even if it takes a long time.
Michael McClean is a great guy. I got to perform with him on stage. His son is a fantastic person as well. we all struggle and I'm glad that there are so many resources available. It can be touch-and-go sometimes, but life always works out, even if it's not in the way we'd expect. I too have struggled with feeling empty and feeling...nothing. I still do, but occasionally I trust that things will be ok.
13 years, back pain, foot pain, disability, and on and on and on...isolation, family rejection, poverty, Hud housing, trying to find a safe and clean apartment, no transportation, pain, praying to God and hoping things will change and get better but it doesn't. Makes me afraid of God, the blessings are not there for me. Fearing now of religion after all these years.
I've been struggling with severe depression, and loneliness for a couple years now, and have recently realized that the last six months or so I've been spiritually numb as well. I can't say this opened my eyes or anything grand like that, but I'll try to look outside the box for signs
Hi Jim, thanks for your comment. We're sorry to hear of the depression and loneliness you've experienced, and we're glad you were able to watch the video. For you or others struggling with mental health challenges, we would encourage you to reach out to others for help and to visit mentalhealth.churchofjesuschrist.org/ for helpful information and resources. Take care, brother.
Jinka1950 It's a pretty horrible feeling to be lonely. Like really lonely. Like you said, even feeling lonely and lost in a room full of people. I can relate to that, big time. I used to have a good disguise, and people didn't know, but that made the loneliness worse because I was loving a lie. Then I didn't try to hide it so much, and people treated me like something was wrong with me....people only want to be around others that make them feel good. Most people are self centred jerks. It may be a negative emotion, but that actually helps me somehow. Remembering that most people are jerks, and that we shouldn't focus so much on being loved by others, but by ourselves, and if possible, even by our lord....I struggle with that last one sometimes, like right now. Humans are a social animal though. We need companionship to thrive. It's not easy, and I don't know if I can deal with it much longer. Seems like nothing in life wants to work out for me.
Hi. Ive struggled with depression and other mental health issues for about three years now. It’s been hard because I feel like my depression and stuff blocks the spirit. I’ve felt like heaven is shut too and lots of times I have no idea what I’m supposed to do. Sometimes it’s hard getting through the days. Sometimes I feel like “what’s the point” or “howd my life get to this point”. It’s hard seeing so many others who don’t believe what I do and seeing how happy they are. But sometimes all we can do is just keep enduring and doing our best to do what’s right. When we don’t know where our answers are we just need to rely on what we believe and keep trying to live life. God will steer us and even though I have no idea what path my life will take I believe god will show me the way.
I don't connect with all of these videos, but this one hit me like a hammer. Thank you, brother, for sharing your story (and the one I'm going through right now).
Wow. I am so glad I came across this video. I am have been feeling lost and unsure if I'm taking the right path in life. It's comforting to know that God is listening even if it feels like He's not replying. Thank you for sharing your personal story, Brother Mclean. Your words resonated with me and they came at the exact moment I need.
When we have wayward kid's, we learn how HEAVENLY father really feels, as a PARENT! And how much, he needs each of us! His heart hurts, for us to be with him! He needs us, and we are so cot up in the WORLD, that will never love us and never care about us!
Michael, if you ever read or are ever told about these lines, let me tell you I was always amazed by The Forgotten Carols and all that I see, feel and learn every time I listen to the CD I have bought many years ago...Now, please tell me that The Forgotten Carols was the answer to your 9 years pleads and the circle will be perfect!!
By chance or I think a gift of the spirit I stumbled upon your video dear brother, thank you so much for your story and honesty in telling it. It has touched me deeply and given me hope in always trusting our Lord. He is always there....
This video, was one of my moments when God's grace was reaching out to save me...thank you for the humility expressed, and speaking about God knowing and connecting with you, as an individual, heart to heart.
Beautiful! It's incredible the miracles that come when we turn things over and trust God. A fellow classmate told me she always says "Let go and Let God". I have since made this my mantra.
Extraordinary video! Thanks so much, Brother McLean, for sharing your heart, and for getting through such a LONG and difficult faith crisis, and then explaining it.
I have always looked up to you especially when you were my Sunday school teacher. This is amazing we all have our trials. That’s why we are here. Thank you so much for this! Naomi “Grover” wasatch ward. 😃
Thank you for sharing your message sir. I was scrolling down and saw this video thinking and feeling the need to watch it. I am glad I watched this video and thank you for showing us all this message Tabernacle choir. God bless us all!
This is one of my ALL-TIME favorite videos because this amazing man tells such a vulnerable, eloquent story of his faith crisis. His story warmed my heart and gave me so much hope.
I can't even tell you how much I love this talk. This talk has brought me closer to my heavenly father. "His grace was trying to save me." That part is so special to me. And the fact that he felt like it was the right time to share this story to us is unbelievable. This story would have taken me years to feel that the time was right to share this talk to the world. Always know that Jesus is always with you and loves you. Just like I love this talk. The holy ghost brought me too it.
Thank you so much for sharing this! Though not as extreme a case I have also felt like I'm going through a crisis of faith and that I'm not feeling anything. Michael's thoughts have been my own, that I need to look outside the box for how the Lord is speaking to me and to try to understand who He really is and not just who I have always thought He was. Thank you Michael for sharing this heartfelt message! It has definitely helped me.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve felt this a lot with my several years of struggling with pretty intense depression. Especially lately but I’ve seen this video five times and it still always brings me peace. I may not know how the lord answers me or how I’ll overcome my depression but I know that it’ll one day happen if I keep doing my best.
When my son was born in the 70's I was given a drug during an emergency C section that gave me horrible hallucinations and flash backs. I could not feel the spirit after that even with tender hymns. For two years my emotions were numb and my soul. I kept going to church though and it slowly returned. Trauma can greatly desensitize the soul. May we always keep praying, going to church when we can, and know that He is our Father and always there.
Wow, that definitely sounds like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I had PTSD for years, and it turns you into a zombie. You just can't feel anything, much less the spirit. I'm so impressed that you kept going and kept praying through it. I've kind of slowed down on that, and need to push through.
I know that it's a minor consolation since I am not your son, but I want you to know, Michael, that your songs helped me learn to recognize and respond to the spirit as a young man. I never thought I'd ever see your face or your heart as we have here, but I'm glad that you also live the things about which you sang so many years ago. We have to learn that God will speak to each of us in a ways that we will understand, at a time when we'll be open, and to a plan of action that we can actually achieve. "Be not deceived, dear Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending to do the Enemy's will looks around on a universe from which all sign of him seems to have vanished, asks why he has been forsaken and still obeys." -CS Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
Thank you. God’s Grace is so personal. He knows us all too well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I get this. God loves us so very much. He is always with us. He wants us to come home and live with him one day. Thank you again for sharing the truth and your testimony. 💛😇
I appreciate this so much! I have been going through this same frightening loss of feeling and this comforts me because the same thing is happened to me as I pray and say that I will trust Him I feel. Thank you so much for publishing this it has benefited my life :)
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I've always been against religion, lately I've been feeling down and watched lots of videos from this channel, now I think there is something out there a greater power that wants us to succeed
Hi Oscar, thanks for sharing your perspective. We're glad you've found hope and encouragement through these videos. For you or others interested, learn more about God's love and plan for us here: www.comeuntochrist.org/beliefs/purpose-of-life
You are so right! And I testify that He does! He loves you so much!
You should talk to the missionaries, man! We have some local missionaries that are super awesome!! I'd be happy to get you in touch with them.
There is 'definitely' a "greater power that wants us to succeed".
In this life, we are 'influenced' by forces of darkness and light.
If you decide to 'seek greater light and knowledge'..and to increase the light in your
environment..you will 'turn keys' that will help you to have more
personal experiences with that 'greater power.'
This video may illustrate..one person's journey through the 'mists of darkness' as they sought greater light.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/latter-day-saints-channel/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-hope-of-gods-light?lang=eng
Last night I was begging God to help me feel that He is real. I was so exhausted and discouraged I just slept for 14 hours. Then I woke up and saw this. It's..... I mean.... This is amazing. I just made it my homepage so I can watch it every morning for a while.
Hi Jenn, we're glad you appreciated the video! We know God hears our prayers of faith, and we hope you continue to feel His love and comfort as you seek his help. comeuntochrist.org
Jenn. There is a scripture ‘Be still and know that I am God’. And meditation is prayer, and, prayer meditation. (I don’t mean in the lotus position or anything).
Happy for you. Hang in there
John Harvey
Prayer is *communication*
Not meditation. Meditation and a emptying your mind are tools of Satan to allow demonic influence.
*Matthew **12:43**-45*
“43When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”
Don’t empty yourself. Fill yourself with the Holy Spirit, of the Son, from the Father, all in all God the Most High.
Stay in constant communication/prayer with God and you will see a difference.
I love hearing stories like this! Stories of faith and hope truly make the world a better place
I typically swipe off Mormon channel RUclips notifications but the title of this video didn't let me this time. I felt like I had to watch it and I'm glad I did. Thank you for sharing your experience! I can't believe I have been taking for granted all this times heavenly father has been trying to save me either. They are more than 25 for me and I have been feeling lost for about 5 years until now. Thank you
Erwin. Thank you for taking the time to watch and thank you for sharing your experience.
The Same for me.
I'm glad push forward.
Erwin Solorzano Weird, same here. I had to listen to this.
Erwin, I love your comment. Christ lived and died for each and every individual, and our Heavenly Father loves each of His children!
"Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys." ~C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
Fantastic quote! The witness comes AFTER the trial is met.
Bryan Hill hi , may I ask what this means ? God bless
@@ukgaragegold Hi there, I saw your question and thought I'd answer while I'm on the site. Screwtape is a senior demon in Lewis's book. He's training his nephew, Wormwood on how to be a demon. The book is satire and full of letters between the two. Their goal is to turn a Christian (called the Patient) away from God and his faith. CS Lewis was talking to Christians everywhere about being a deliberate Christian, "walking the talk" as we sometimes say rather than just being a casual disciple of Christ.
In this particular quote, Screwtape tells his nephew that nothing is harder than trying to turn a Christian (toward evil) who feels heaven is closed (i.e., not getting answers, perhaps not feeling the Savior's love) but who is still determined to be true to the gospel, keeping the commandments, their covenants and soldiering on nonetheless. Bro McLean was in that situation, feeling the heavens were silent, yet trusting God enough to just hang in there. I hope my answer makes sense.
@@ukgaragegold Lol, yes, me too.
Thank you
I cant Even explain how hard this hit me. I have struggled with numbness and emptiness for years I have struggled with wanting to be here at all. I really related to the have I offended god. Thank you so incredibly much for sharing this I really needed it.
Thank you. We're glad you enjoyed it.
Nice to see I’m not the only one who struggles with feeling nothing.
Same
Often i struggle with bad bad feelings and answers that are not from God. And i sometimes regret praying, but i know i shouldnt regret it. But ya, i often feel like God doesnt want to talk to me, tho i kinda know that He's just letting me go through life struggles and learn. Trust me He's there, one day you will hear Him again, and know that, and you will be so happy.
I'm exactly at this point
Still struggling, getting better
We all struggle but that it’s all apart of the journey.
This is LITERALLY what I need to hear right now. Thank you Brother Mclean. I'm going on a nearly 9-year trial of faith now. What you said speaks to my heart. 💙
Keep the faith.
Stay Strong the light will come. I know it will it did for me when I thought all was lost.
You are loved
I have been struggling with my trial of faith for five years now. This morning I woke up in such deep despair that I wondered whether suicide was the only way out. I have prayed about my struggles and every time I received the simple answer to "have faith." Even though the answers I receive have felt sparse, I try to hold on to every revelation. I had another moment of despair a few weeks ago. As I drove home from church I heard in my mind that "the path will appear when it is hardest to see." I tell myself that the more despair I feel, the closer I am to seeing the path.
I am grateful for this video appearing when I needed it.
We need more "outside the box" stories from saints who struggle and are strong enough to admit it. I never really knew the whole Church, until I was visiting an LDS addiction recovery meeting, and listened to a brother, wearing a BYU t-shirt, talking about his years of heroin addiction.
Amen!
I’ve been talking with my teenage son lately about his concerns that he feels so numb despite his efforts to do what is right. I have prayed night and day for him since we first talked, and when I saw this video, I knew it was an answer I was supposed to share with him. I have a feeling it will help, just to know he isn’t the only one who has times like this. The candor expressed in these videos is so touching and a lot more helpful than making everything look perfect in life. We all struggle, and we all have stories to share. When we share, we can bear one another’s burdens more deeply and more effectively. Always a fan of your music, Michael McLean; now I’m a fan of your heart. :)
Put his name on the prayer role in the Temple!
When you said, "when we share we can bare one another's burdens more deeply and more effectively", it was if a light went off in my head. We don't know how we touch other people's lives, that's why we need to share faith promoting stories, so the Spirit can.
Our children are raised by our schools and media in such perditive manners. I think it is key to understand what pseudoreality is being fed to them.
Amen! A few years ago my life took a turn on a course I never really imagined. I kept trying to put it 'back on track' but I couldn't no matter what I did. And I felt scared, and angry and resentment. And then, I said, God, my life is yours. All I have, all I am is yours and he gave me the eyes to see that my life his on HIS course and it doesn't look like everyone else's and ITS OKAY. In fact it's meant to be.. and I put my trust in Him and that's when I began feeling peace.. real peace..
This is a great comment. I wish I could do that
I love this story. 20 years ago as a young missionary I listened to his song "Hold on, the light will come". It helped me to keep moving forward as i struggled with mental illness. As my own son now has come out and struggles with whether he wants to stay in the church his ideas are still there to help. The Lord has instructed me on how to act with him, and I dont know how it will all turn out. But I know that God gives peace and help.
It reaffirms my unfailing belief that god cares equally for everyone. But especially reaffirms my belief that when we put god in a box and believe what we have read, how doctrines have inspired us, what our mentors or leaders have said, we will always have it wrong to a large degree. God is reaching out to all people who believe in “the” true religion (and there are over a hundred faiths that believe without question that they are in the only true religion) and most people are not listening. They Need to feel validated by there associates. However you can be 100% "right with God" as a Mormon, as a Catholic, As a Jehovah's Witness, as a Seventh day Adventist etc etc. But the only way is to focus our lives on the things that really matter to God. Your Love, Your empathy, Your passion for caring, the depth of your humility, the strength of our character, the completeness of our honesty. that we reach decisively for personal growth and eventually become fearless in our quest. willing to let god take us wherever he wants, even if it is to a new beginning of our faith. We can stay with the brotherhood/sisterhood we Love and that is a wonderful thing. It gives tradition, stability, and a foundation to grow from. But it is Godly attributes such as Love and overcoming fear that really matter. Michael Mclean Stayed in his church. He found that what he had been taught about finding answers wasn't working. So he found the answers in True inspiration that to him was inspiration beyond Question. That is the answer to real growth. When he dies he will be surprised at how many false teachings he believed. Everyone will, Yes myself included. But it wont matter. God is not some immature adolescent that demands you believe properly. Like any mature parent, He want you to grow up, to wake up. To become a beautiful person void of anger , jealousy, envy etc. and full of love, empathy and courage and a few dozen other virtuous character traits. It takes a long time to get their and the Mormon church is a good vehicle.
I love this song, I also used to listen to it a lot after my mission, it would give me an incredible strenght to persevere. Thanks for sharing it. I know that at the end, we all have our free will to do whatever we want, I, you, your son, we can choose. But if we choose to trust the Lord, He´ll comfort our souls and give answers to our prayers.
@Justin Draxx The principles of the Book of Mormon are that of the Bible as well. It teaches faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. Speak to some missionaries of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days saints and they can expound on these principles for you.
Justin Draxx What are the principles of the Nook of Mormon. I’m no expert yet I think the principles are that Jesus is the Christ, that He is what He claimed to be in the Bible. The Book of Mormon has a sub-title : Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
I need to talk with this man. I'm not Mormon, but Heaven has been shut for me for 3 years. And it's been so hard not to feel God. Hes blessed my life wonderfully, but I cant talk with Him anymore.
I just want to talk with somebody who understands how hard that is.
Crew, did you know that Mother Theresa had only one profound spiritual experience? She had a vision that she was to help orphans and she said that Christ came and asked her to do it personally. Then heaven's doors shut for her and she did not hear his voice again. No one really knew this about her until after her death. Can you imagine that she went ahead and did what he asked her to do without ever hearing it again? I think of her when I am having a hard time hearing. I would suggest that you go out of the box, as Michael said. I find it helps me greatly to go help someone else having trouble. It seems I can feel the spirit when I am doing service. I hope that helps you. I will pray for you, that you again hear his voice.
Get on your knees, tell him everything, and he will be listening!
17B... You CAN talk with Heavenly Father. I promise you- He is there and He is listening. Fact is... You CAN'T get away from Him. He loves you so much He forfeited His life FOR YOU and God loves you so much that HE had watch His Son die on the Cross and Allowed Him (Jesus) to do it. All to save us- His Brothers & Sisters.
Remember the next time you see the picture of Jesus standing at the door, there is no door knob... that's because He cannot enter without you inviting Him in.
I have always loved the Commencement Speech that Winston Churchill gave. He stood at the rostrum and looked to the left and said "NEVER"! Then he looked to the right and said- "NEVER"! Then he looked straight ahead and said.... "NEVER- QUIT"!! and sat down.
Keep seeking the Lord. He IS there for you.
YourConscience
He DOES love you. You can also check out comeuntochrist.org
You should listen to The Forgotten Carols. They were written by this man and I they have helped me and they might help you.
This was for me. The best video from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I have seen in many years. I needed to hear this, in fact, I needed this about 18 years ago. Thank you....
Medcine
UXSpecialist Wo/w. 18 years ago...
For 26 years, I never received an answer as you hear in primary, or Sunday school, or at every testimony meeting. I had always known there was a God because I could see his effect in peoples lives and I had a few things happen to me that indicated which way the wind blew, but I"d never had that burning bosom feeling everyone talks about. I didn't have thoughts come to my mind, I just didn't have anything that fit the box I'd been taught about. I thought, "well maybe God just doesn't talk to me like he talks to everyone else". I also had to learn that God deals with us individually. He answers us individually in the way we can learn. We can't always see it because we get into our habits or think we know what to look for, but he's always there, whether we see it or not.
The teacher is always quiet during the test.
oh my. Is this not so true? I am humbled by this simple insight. May I remember this.
Cute 👍
This compliments the video perfectly! Thanks for sharing!
Yah, unless student approaches teacher with query. _That’s what prayer is._ Very important.
Amazing
I love everything, everything about this video, ESPECIALLY that he deeply experienced the grace of God and mentioned it twice. We members of the Lord’s restored church, like all human beings, need his grace every hour of every day *and* we need to express this until every Latter-day Saint becomes familiar with this concept. Not just the Atonement, but also the power that is called grace that flows to us from it. Because of Jesus. ❤
We appreciate your comment, thank you!
All day yesterday I thought THE EXACT WORDS of this title to this video. Then I came across this video, I would say randomly but no, no this was divine intervention. I needed this ❤️
Hang in there Numa!
No "coincidence ," there. Answers come in many ways. Sometimes "outside the box" lol. Amazing huh. Keep striving 🏵️❤️
Wow that's divine.
The feeling of numb emptiness you told is what I've felt for 5 years now. Thank you for sharing this message and helping me to see the blind eye I have turned to all of the many blessings I have had poured out upon my life. You have helped inch a lost one back to the light.
How are things going for you now?
I was just praying and had the thought to look up a Mormon message on RUclips. This was the first one to come up. As soon as it started, I realized I’ve seen a longer version of it before! I used to show this video to others while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I had completely forgotten about it and all the memories of the things that I would testify about after the video, came flooding back to me. I can’t believe that I have forgotten so many of these spiritual truths that I used to know. I’ve been struggling lately, and I know this was an unexpected way that Heavenly Father answered my prayers. I really love God and Im so grateful for Him:) this is just what I needed.
I’m Muslim but I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing :)
Mawa --- Hello!
That's very cool that you are so open minded! You seem awesome!
I have watched this video over and over again. It has impressed me so deeply that it comes to my mind whenever I am going through something heart-wrenchingly difficult.
The man in the video went through so much pain and heartache, but because of that, he connected to God in a way that he never had before, because he had never needed it in that way before.
Our relationship with Heavenly Father is not stagnant. It grows. It changes. That makes it hard to recognize at times, but just as he stated, if we simply trust instead of trying to figure it all out, it will turn out alright in the end.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and perspective, Shaylee!
He will never know how much I needed this, at this particular time.
Omg thank you I needed this I’m a teenager and I started to feel like it’s too late to start dwelling in my faith of god and I started to feel like he didn’t love me anymore when tragedy would happen to me. I realize that god still loves me so much and he has plans for me and I must trust him.
A beautiful testimony which highlights three things: that God is ALWAYS personal and must be PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED in order to be believed and understood; that God hears ALL prayers and answers ALL prayers but frequently His answers are "No", "Not now", "Not yet", "Not in the way that you expect" and "I have something better in store"; and that those who aren't listening for God's inner voice will never hear it simply because THEY AREN'T LISTENING and because one must FIRST BELIEVE ON FAITH ALONE EVEN BEFORE EXPERIENCING GOD'S PRESENCE in order to THEN experience Him in our lives.
This is beautiful and lovely reminder to look for the voice of the Lord outside of the patterns we are used to. This is a 'Footprints in the sand' experience. There were tears and warm fuzzies as I listened to the testimony of this wonderful Brother, thank you for sharing, this is truly an inspiration ❤️.
I heard him talk about this in person at a Time Out for Women. And still one of most impactful talks I’ve ever heard and still makes me cry. I’ve had experience like this and love this perspective. 💜💜
Having experienced God's timetable on my own, I know He Knows me and loves me. I know He answers prayers for me in the time and way that is for me. Feeling Blessed. Great reminder.
I really needed this message, not just in general but today, right at the minute I accidentally clicked on it while trying to scroll up. This story is my story, too, in all but the finest personal details involved and it is so gratifying to be encouraged, validated, and comforted by this brother’s beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
This is one of the most amazing videos. I bet this has helped so many people. I love how it tells us to never put limits on God, because he is always reaching out.
I agree. I love it!! A good lesson about not being afraid to share our struggles with others!
I think I needed this and so I clicked and I was right.
I did too and thank you soo much
I know right, just in time when we needed it help shows up
Everything he said is EXACTLY what I’m feeling/thinking/going through. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️❤️❤️
I really appreciate the honesty, candor, and vulnerability to share this. I've found myself feeling the exact same feelings, several times. Just what I needed to hear right now.
Feeling nothing feels like being defeated. This was a inspiration to watch and listen.
Thank you for sharing this. I needed to hear it. I am in the middle of a divorce and have felt like God doesn't hear me sometimes. God is here; I just need to look for Him
Beautiful sentiments, Michael. I love how you contrast the easiness of making covenants when life is going well with whether we will keep the promises when we feel nothing. Thank you for sharing this personal story.
I love you Michael. I love Jeff. You have no idea how much your music has touched me. Everytime I see Forgotten Carol's or listen to you, and Jeff, my faith is renewed. You are a powerful instrument in God's hands. Thank you very much. I still have Jeff's CD and it's so beautiful. I look often to see what he is doing now. I would want to know if he's still singing. He has one of the most powerful voices I have ever heard. I spent one New Years Eve with him on Temple Square watching the fire works after a performance in the Tabernacle. It is quite a memory. The performance was very powerful. Where is Jeff? Thank you for everything Michael.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
A powerful message. I have some issues with a mood disorder and it can feel like you're alone-but you never are. Prayer is talking to God. Meditation is listening for the answer. And you don't always see it right away.
Thank you Michael. You've been touching my heart for good since I was 14 years old. Now I'm 55 and still I am uplifted by your messages, the messages in your music and the messages like this one in your words of your own experiences. Thank you.
This video, and Brother McLean's experience, has literally changed my life THIS VERY MOMENT. I am forever grateful. All the best.
Watched this a long time ago and today found you created the song that came into my mind, it soothed me as a young woman so often, and it came into my mind today, feeling something like empty and the words of your song were so clear... Unbelievable. Looked the words up and being homeless I came to your channel and your website and I will enjoy and be deeply blessed by your website on that subscription that I am about to make anyway. Some things are worth the extra tiny thing. God bless you so much Michael McLean. I didn't even know your name for this long, didn't even know who's songs those were, but someone gave me a copy of a church tape back then, kind of an introductory one. I loved it a lot. I think there were two. Wow. Might copy this to your own page, or channel, for your own comments. Thank You Michael McLean.
Wow! What can I possibly say that begins to express how deeply your story touched my heart. Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your experience with the Savior. Heaven's choicest blessings upon you and those you love!
Yet again., Church RUclips channel, You have answered my prayer with such precision it would be alarming if I did not know the source. Currently I read something in the book of Mormon just a few moments ago that made me doubt my faith and have a mini faith crisis. I have been writing a song from God and this video spoke to me through so many synchronicity‘s it is uncanny. And this is hardly the first time this is happened. In fact, I’m so used to getting prayer answers like this sometimes that after I prayed and tried one or two little other things I opened my phone to look for a video from the church. And here it was.
"His grace was trying to save me"
So powerful ♥️
Oh, I am so glad this popped up I really needed this right now I am having trouble knowing if God even hears me. Thank you so much!!!♥️💐
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I think at times we have all felt this way in some capacity. I love our church!
My missionary just recommended this video to me as I was having a panic attack. I haven't seen this video for almost four years...this gave me an indescribable amount of peace and comfort and answers.
And my answer came in the two videos you put up today. 😢😇
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m also nine years into my struggle and I’m pushing forward one day at a time. But this is my second faith crisis. Go figure. I went through infertility many many years ago. Now it hits me again. All I can do is hang on to Jesus’ Love. Your story helped and I thank you again.
My son is gay also. It's been 10 years since he came out. He grew up in the church. I can understand your feelings. We have been judged so much because of this. It's been a hard time. I just love him anyway. The prayers will never end for him. I may have to accept that he might not ever change. He is still a child of God and he is still my son, and I can see the good in him. A bishop told me once that if I ever told my son that he made the wrong choice that I was doing the wrong thing. I was told that I should accept what my son wants to be. I have thought a lot about that through the years. It has helped me.
Yes, I get that. When you love someone and they exercise their freedom of choice or they are true to who they are, it can be difficult to see their life through your own perspective. I have learned that remembering who carries certain burdens is not me. It is God and Jesus. That leaves me free to do what I was meant to do. Love and forgive others and myself. Where no forgiveness is needed then love and understanding. People really need to be who they are to be whole. The price shouldn't be abandonment or judgment from other people. I am so lost as to who I am because of always caring for others. I pray that God will hear me as well.
Walt Heyer, is someone worth listening to, when it comes to this particular topic! He's trying very hard to help people have an understanding of these thing's and how it can affect young people!
In the bible it says that gays wont enter the kingdom of heaven
@@rutajukneviciute5714 where?
@@rutajukneviciute5714 In this church we believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.
Each one of us, at some point in our lives, will probably go through one of those "well-it-doesn't-go-over-THIS-in-the-manual" type of situations. It's up to us to try and figure it out. But along the way, may we all recognize that there's a God who's trying to help us in a way that we may not understand in the moment. Great video. Great message.
Like the man, I have been praying but I am just not able to express and know how to relieve my anxiety. I think why am I even trying. But I keep trying and will never give up.
Like this man, sometimes it is music so that is when I try to pray. I think that God does things that will make me stronger in the long run.
I went more than 15 years estranged from My Lord. My story is very long, but as relates to this video, the upshot was this. I felt him calling me back, and when I finally turned back to him, He did something for me, freed me from something, that could never have been done by anyone but Him. He does indeed tailor his answers to what we need, and he will answer on his timeframe. We must simply turn our faces toward him and trust, and obey, which seems to be a dirty word these days.
This is exactly where I am now...thank you so much for sharing this testimony!!!
Thank you so much for sharing. For the first time in my life, I've felt like the Heavens are closed to me and I'm not receiving answers. It's only been months, and I've continued to do the things I know I'm supposed to do. But you have really given me hope in a new way, and to look for answers in a new light, that maybe I'm just not listening right.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience, Michael.
I have been dealing with severe depression for years. What I have come to realize is that you have to be willing as brigham young said, to be righteous in the dark. Just like an individual who doesn't have feeling in their extremities, if we are numb spiritually we can still damage our souls. Some people who feel an absence of God in their lives make lots of bad decisions and are so disconnected that they don't feel any pain or sorrow for years later. What we should do is continue being righteous and then eventually the blessings will come. Even if it takes a long time.
Michael McClean is a great guy. I got to perform with him on stage. His son is a fantastic person as well. we all struggle and I'm glad that there are so many resources available. It can be touch-and-go sometimes, but life always works out, even if it's not in the way we'd expect. I too have struggled with feeling empty and feeling...nothing. I still do, but occasionally I trust that things will be ok.
13 years, back pain, foot pain, disability, and on and on and on...isolation, family rejection, poverty, Hud housing, trying to find a safe and clean apartment, no transportation, pain, praying to God and hoping things will change and get better but it doesn't. Makes me afraid of God, the blessings are not there for me. Fearing now of religion after all these years.
I've been struggling with severe depression, and loneliness for a couple years now, and have recently realized that the last six months or so I've been spiritually numb as well. I can't say this opened my eyes or anything grand like that, but I'll try to look outside the box for signs
Jim F me too.....I’m lost, lonely in a few room full of people.
Hi Jim, thanks for your comment. We're sorry to hear of the depression and loneliness you've experienced, and we're glad you were able to watch the video. For you or others struggling with mental health challenges, we would encourage you to reach out to others for help and to visit mentalhealth.churchofjesuschrist.org/ for helpful information and resources. Take care, brother.
Jinka1950 It's a pretty horrible feeling to be lonely. Like really lonely. Like you said, even feeling lonely and lost in a room full of people. I can relate to that, big time. I used to have a good disguise, and people didn't know, but that made the loneliness worse because I was loving a lie. Then I didn't try to hide it so much, and people treated me like something was wrong with me....people only want to be around others that make them feel good. Most people are self centred jerks. It may be a negative emotion, but that actually helps me somehow. Remembering that most people are jerks, and that we shouldn't focus so much on being loved by others, but by ourselves, and if possible, even by our lord....I struggle with that last one sometimes, like right now.
Humans are a social animal though. We need companionship to thrive. It's not easy, and I don't know if I can deal with it much longer. Seems like nothing in life wants to work out for me.
I feel very lonely in my marriage.
Hi. Ive struggled with depression and other mental health issues for about three years now. It’s been hard because I feel like my depression and stuff blocks the spirit. I’ve felt like heaven is shut too and lots of times I have no idea what I’m supposed to do. Sometimes it’s hard getting through the days. Sometimes I feel like “what’s the point” or “howd my life get to this point”. It’s hard seeing so many others who don’t believe what I do and seeing how happy they are. But sometimes all we can do is just keep enduring and doing our best to do what’s right. When we don’t know where our answers are we just need to rely on what we believe and keep trying to live life. God will steer us and even though I have no idea what path my life will take I believe god will show me the way.
I don't connect with all of these videos, but this one hit me like a hammer. Thank you, brother, for sharing your story (and the one I'm going through right now).
The Holy Ghost touched my heart. Thank you.
I needed this! A reminder that the Lord, answers to us come in so many ways.
perfect story of how God hasn't forgotten any of us and how he loves all of us unconditionally
Wow. I am so glad I came across this video. I am have been feeling lost and unsure if I'm taking the right path in life. It's comforting to know that God is listening even if it feels like He's not replying. Thank you for sharing your personal story, Brother Mclean. Your words resonated with me and they came at the exact moment I need.
Thank you Brother McLean for sharing this story. I felt the spirit as I listened to you.
Thankful. God always stays the same
Be not afraid. 🙏
That is what I needed. That's all it boils down to. This video is what I needed.
Great insights! Trust in the Lord's timetable. Thank you!
When we have wayward kid's, we learn how HEAVENLY father really feels, as a PARENT! And how much, he needs each of us! His heart hurts, for us to be with him! He needs us, and we are so cot up in the WORLD, that will never love us and never care about us!
So grateful for you willingness to share! Many will be blessed to know that HE was always there.
The song in the background is “Singularity” by Derek Campbell …in case you were wondering 👌🏼
Michael, if you ever read or are ever told about these lines, let me tell you I was always amazed by The Forgotten Carols and all that I see, feel and learn every time I listen to the CD I have bought many years ago...Now, please tell me that The Forgotten Carols was the answer to your 9 years pleads and the circle will be perfect!!
By chance or I think a gift of the spirit I stumbled upon your video dear brother, thank you so much for your story and honesty in telling it. It has touched me deeply and given me hope in always trusting our Lord. He is always there....
Michael, your unique perspectives continue to speak to my soul in ways that few can. Thank you, thank you!
I love you. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for how sincerely you love Him. Thank you for owning a story that sees me. Thank you.
I know your son. I served in the same mission with him. He is a great guy.
I love this video and I watch it often. It gives me hope that I’m not alone in my struggle and that there could be light someday.
This video, was one of my moments when God's grace was reaching out to save me...thank you for the humility expressed, and speaking about God knowing and connecting with you, as an individual, heart to heart.
Beautiful video and very touching.. What is remarkable is to see just how many people can relate to exactly this type of experience, me included.
Beautiful! It's incredible the miracles that come when we turn things over and trust God. A fellow classmate told me she always says "Let go and Let God". I have since made this my mantra.
Shira Jorgensen That comes from Alcoholics Anonymous. A saving mantra indeed.
Thank God, for this video. This was the message from him that I needed to hear! 🙌🏽🙏🏽
Extraordinary video! Thanks so much, Brother McLean, for sharing your heart, and for getting through such a LONG and difficult faith crisis, and then explaining it.
I feel that way a lot...does he hear my prayers? Do I have enough faith? Is he listening to me? Just let me know I'm doing the right things...
I’m experiencing this right now. This is hitting way hard right now.
We're glad you found the video and hope it provided some light and hope.
I have always looked up to you especially when you were my Sunday school teacher. This is amazing we all have our trials. That’s why we are here. Thank you so much for this!
Naomi “Grover” wasatch ward. 😃
Thank you for sharing your message sir. I was scrolling down and saw this video thinking and feeling the need to watch it. I am glad I watched this video and thank you for showing us all this message Tabernacle choir. God bless us all!
This is something I really needed to hear today! Thank you
This is one of my ALL-TIME favorite videos because this amazing man tells such a vulnerable, eloquent story of his faith crisis. His story warmed my heart and gave me so much hope.
Its as if this spoke directly to me. Thank you Jesus...you are faithful in spite of myself
I can't even tell you how much I love this talk. This talk has brought me closer to my heavenly father. "His grace was trying to save me." That part is so special to me. And the fact that he felt like it was the right time to share this story to us is unbelievable. This story would have taken me years to feel that the time was right to share this talk to the world. Always know that Jesus is always with you and loves you. Just like I love this talk. The holy ghost brought me too it.
Thank you so much for sharing this! Though not as extreme a case I have also felt like I'm going through a crisis of faith and that I'm not feeling anything. Michael's thoughts have been my own, that I need to look outside the box for how the Lord is speaking to me and to try to understand who He really is and not just who I have always thought He was. Thank you Michael for sharing this heartfelt message! It has definitely helped me.
I heard Jazz music and I thought to myself that this would be my favorite video from the church and it turned out to be true! Thanks so much for this!
Thank you for sharing. I’ve felt this a lot with my several years of struggling with pretty intense depression. Especially lately but I’ve seen this video five times and it still always brings me peace. I may not know how the lord answers me or how I’ll overcome my depression but I know that it’ll one day happen if I keep doing my best.
When my son was born in the 70's I was given a drug during an emergency C section that gave me horrible hallucinations and flash backs. I could not feel the spirit after that even with tender hymns. For two years my emotions were numb and my soul. I kept going to church though and it slowly returned. Trauma can greatly desensitize the soul. May we always keep praying, going to church when we can, and know that He is our Father and always there.
Wow, that definitely sounds like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I had PTSD for years, and it turns you into a zombie. You just can't feel anything, much less the spirit. I'm so impressed that you kept going and kept praying through it. I've kind of slowed down on that, and need to push through.
This has opened my mind more to prayer and faith. Thank you for sharing. It was something I needed to watch but also hear.
Thank you for sharing this. It is being so helpful in my life. God bless you.
Thank you. It is very painful to go through trials. But it is an experience that all of us have to experience.
I know that it's a minor consolation since I am not your son, but I want you to know, Michael, that your songs helped me learn to recognize and respond to the spirit as a young man. I never thought I'd ever see your face or your heart as we have here, but I'm glad that you also live the things about which you sang so many years ago. We have to learn that God will speak to each of us in a ways that we will understand, at a time when we'll be open, and to a plan of action that we can actually achieve.
"Be not deceived, dear Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending to do the Enemy's will looks around on a universe from which all sign of him seems to have vanished, asks why he has been forsaken and still obeys." -CS Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
Thank you. God’s Grace is so personal. He knows us all too well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I get this. God loves us so very much. He is always with us. He wants us to come home and live with him one day. Thank you again for sharing the truth and your testimony. 💛😇
I appreciate this so much! I have been going through this same frightening loss of feeling and this comforts me because the same thing is happened to me as I pray and say that I will trust Him I feel. Thank you so much for publishing this it has benefited my life :)