Solace from the Comforter

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday Morning Session of the October 2010 Conference.

I liked this little tidbit from Elder Jay E. Jensen's talk. He was talking about how President Monson was so good at ministering to the widows and the sick and everyone he met. This does seem to have been a special gift of President Monson's—ministering to the "one"—I remember many people talking about it at his funeral. But sometimes when I've heard stories of him, or other faithful bishops and young men's leaders who are so persistent and so successful at reaching straying youth, I have thought, "Yes, that is definitely the ideal…but what about when church leaders don't minister to our youth in that way? What about all the people who don't have a President Monson in their ward or in their life?" I've usually concluded, "Well, we just have to try to BE those loving, ministering people for those around us, and trust God to make up for the shortcomings of ourselves and others." 

But I also liked what Elder Jensen said about this exact question:

But sometimes there is no one like President Monson, no home teacher, no caring sister available to minister in time of need. In those situations I have come to find solace and direction from the Comforter, another role of the Holy Ghost.

I like the idea that Heavenly Father, knowing mortal leaders and assignments would often be imperfect, sent another comforter who will never fall short, who will always be there for us in our hard times. Basically, the Holy Ghost is my ministering brother and perfect priesthood leader and best friend all in one! He can help and comfort me when there's no one else. And He can teach ME how to improve at ministering to others too.

Other posts in this series:

Nuggets and Pearls—by Rozy