Within the text of King Benjamin’s timeless address as recorded in the Book of Mormon, is found the profound question, “For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?” (Mosiah 4:19). Using that question as our premise, we should look for ways in our daily lives in which we can exemplify charity – or the pure love of Christ. Perhaps we can help someone in need through monetary means, but if that is not possible, we might consider performing random acts of kindness for that person by giving of our time and talents.
Fifteen-year-old Tyra Orgill and Sander Morrison, known musically as Enliven, have released an original song called “All I Have to Give.” The song was co-arranged by Jason Lyle Black. The video includes snippets which give us a small glimpse into the life of a young lady named Leah and the challenges she faces and the obstacles that she continues to overcome as she struggles to recover from brain surgery and a subsequent stroke which led to a four-month stay in the hospital. She has had to re-learn everything from talking to walking to feeding herself.
Tyra comments that the making of the song and music video had a very deep impact on both her and Sander. The song was originally created by Tyra at the age of 12 at a difficult time in her life when her mother was suffering from Lyme disease (an episode that would last for 7 ½ years). She recalls that on a day when her mom was unable to get out of bed and there was an air of melancholy in the home, she felt inspired to do something for her mother that would bring her comfort. So, she gave her mom the one thing that she had to give -her music.
Tyra continues, “As we spent some time with Leah, we watched in awe as we saw her work so hard to re-learn everything she used to know. She, too, was giving all she could give, along with her mother, the staff at the hospital who attended to her around the clock, and her family members who traveled in and out of our state to visit with Leah, buoy her spirits, and help her return back to the Leah they once knew.”
Elder David A. Bednar has taught that “the tender mercies of the Lord are real and [that] they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence.” Yes, the tender mercies of the Lord are indeed real and evidenced in the lives of those who struggle and persevere daily, as well as, in the lives of those who offer compassion, hope, and serenity to those in need. As the Psalmist declared, “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works” (Psalms 145:8-9).
As you watch this touching, heartfelt video, Tyra and Sander “hope this song and message brings hope and peace to your life as well – especially at a time where you may need it most.”
