Composed: 2002, Provo, Utah
Vocals: Kim Dyreng, Kerri Dahl, Janisa Tharp,and Erin Hatch
Piano: Erin Hatch
The Story:
I remember living in Provo, Utah with a bunch of wildly fun roommates. We were blessed to have an old upright piano in our home.
One day, I began playing this pretty intro. I found the chords to the verses that sounded so strong and reassuring to me. As I began to put the song together, the main theme in my mind was about Jesus Christ, and his atoning love and sacrifice for us. I wanted to write a song about how we go through hard trials, or just times of sadness, and how forgiveness and peace are always available to us. If we just hold on, the Savior will be right there with us, to comfort us always.
The Message:
The scriptures speak of His arms being open, extended, stretched out, and encircling. They are described as mighty and holy, arms of mercy, arms of safety, arms of love, “lengthened out all the day long… The Lord’s desire that we come unto Him and be wrapped in His arms is often an invitation to repent. “Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.” 1
I love the picture on this page. It is the perfect visual reminder to me of how much the Savior loves us and wants to comfort us. It's such a tender image.
I know that Jesus Christ has perfect love for us. He felt every pain for us, so that He could know how to comfort us personally. He knows exactly what sadness, anguish, and pain we are feeling, and wants to lift and comfort us. It is His gift that is free to all, if we will just make Him apart of our lives, and allow Him into our thoughts and hearts.
1- Neil L. Anderson, Repent That I May Heal You, General Conference October 2009