Last Thursday the teenaged girls in our church congregation had a big night called Young Women In Excellence. It is a celebration of all the goals they’ve worked on over the year to learn and grow in the Gospel and draw closer to the Savior.
The theme for the night was a take on the song “Because I Knew You” from the musical Wicked. We changed the title slightly to “Because I Know You” in reference to the Savior knowing each of the girls individually and them getting to know Him personally.
I was tasked with finding a small gift to give each of the girls at the end of the night (which included speakers, musical numbers and the displays of the twenty-three girls who’d worked so hard all year).
If you’ve read this blog for any amount of time, you know I love symbolism. Don’t believe me? Read here or here. When I found these little sign language charms online, I knew they’d be perfect for the message I wanted the girls to remember.
If we truly know Jesus Christ, we will understand that everything He did was motivated by His love for us. Our love for Him will cause us to be changed for the better and we will live our lives accordingly.
It may be coincidence, but I am moved by the sign for “I Love You”. The middle and ring finger touch the palm of the hand in the very place where nails were driven through the Savior’s palms. He loved us enough to die for us.
I referenced the scripture found in Isaiah 49:16 and in the Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi 21:16, which states, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands…” on a card attached to the necklace.
It was moving to see the girls putting their necklaces on immediately after receiving them that night, eyes glow and cheeks flushed from the spirit of the night’s events.
I really do believe that the Savior Jesus Christ is an individual Savior. He suffered for each and every one of us collectively, but He knows us individually and he knows how to comfort and attend to us individually. Time and time again in my own life I have had this truth confirmed to me. He knows me personally.
He loves me.
And He loves you.
5 comments:
What a beautiful symbol. I saved over my years in the YW program a few little charms and awards and looking at them still brings a smile to my face. I imagine that many years in the future, these little charms will bring a happy memory to the recipients.
Such a beautiful gift with such powerful meaning.
Nicely done. I'm sure those gifts were appreciated both for their creative symbolism and their deep, faith-strengthening message.
Beautiful ideas once again! Love it!!!
Great photo, but even greater gift with real meaning. Well don DF, it was also beautifully packaged!
Post a Comment