Carl Bloch

I wanted to share a little of a letter I am sending to Elder Sanders for Easter:
This picture is one of Carl Bloch’s that we viewed at BYU and one of my favorites because without the Atonement there was no need for the Resurrection. And when I pause and reflect about how painful and difficult life’s experiences are and often it seems that the burden is too much to bear and that Christ took upon himself those feelings and burdens for everyone, it becomes even more astonishing that He was able to accomplish it and increases my understanding of why his body bled from every pore. The weight of his suffering was so intense and He had to endure it until He felt that it was accomplished. And it was so great that an angel from Heaven had to come down and sustain Him. Even on the cross He recognized when the work was done and then gave up His spirit.


What I love about Carl Bloch’s works is his ability to express through color, shadow, texture, deeper meaning behind the scriptures. He understood the scriptures on a deeper level and went beyond the surface. The Savior understood his audience no matter if it was a woman at the well who was seeking healing and guidance because of her suffering. That is why I love that picture. It was not coincidence that the Savior approached her. The Savior knew her and new the desires of her heart and came to her in answer to her prayers because she suffered greatly. He knew the man at the pools of Bethesda and knew the desires of his heart. He knew his audience, whether they were the hardened hearts of the Sanhedrin or the Pharisees or Sadducees. He knew the heart of the blind man and the woman who touched his robe. I would encourage you to pray that you might know the hearts of the people you come into contact with, that you might know what they need; that you might see beyond the surface clothing, the anger, and understand the sin and suffering. By understanding your audience you will yield greater power through the Spirit and become a great tool in the hands of the Lord.
I leave with you my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that it has been restored in these latter-days. That Christ is our Redeemer and suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane for all the pains and heartaches that each of us endures and that our pains go deeper than just sin. That he knows the desires of our hearts and the burdens we are asked to bear. That He was resurrected and we have the joyous opportunity to share that testimony to the world and extend a hand to others that are seeking and looking for healing. I know the challenges and the discouragement that you face but also the great joy that comes from missionary service. No other service that we do brings the blessings and joy that comes from missionary service.

Love,
Heidi