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When the Atonement Becomes Personal
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is our hope that life can get better . . . that we can get better. To find strength in our struggles, it is vital to look to the One who understands our pains and afflictions, the One who never forsakes us. Christ atoned for our sins, but what does that really mean, and how can we harness the relief He provides? The answer to this question and many others is made simple in When the Atonement Becomes Personal.
As one who works with the downtrodden and marginalized, author and therapist Toni Sorenson offers unique insight into the individual nature of the Atonement. Her signature warmth and engaging tone become a powerful catalyst for understanding as she intersperses scripture with personal narrative, not shying away from real problems and solutions. She outlines ways we can reconnect when we feel distanced from our Creator. She sheds light on paths we can take to restore self-worth when life has grown impossibly hard and dark. In this unique and hopeful approach to the gospel’s most complex topic, embark on a journey of self-discovery into why the Atonement does not become truly powerful until it becomes truly personal.
As one who works with the downtrodden and marginalized, author and therapist Toni Sorenson offers unique insight into the individual nature of the Atonement. Her signature warmth and engaging tone become a powerful catalyst for understanding as she intersperses scripture with personal narrative, not shying away from real problems and solutions. She outlines ways we can reconnect when we feel distanced from our Creator. She sheds light on paths we can take to restore self-worth when life has grown impossibly hard and dark. In this unique and hopeful approach to the gospel’s most complex topic, embark on a journey of self-discovery into why the Atonement does not become truly powerful until it becomes truly personal.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
9 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 10, 2021
I started reading this book almost two months ago. I had good intentions to finish it in a timely manner, but it kept being pushed aside. The tender mercy is that I didn't need the message then, I needed it now. The kindle review copy is marked and highlighted. I will be getting a paper copy of my own and transferring the precious messages from one to the other.
Toni Sorenson has a writing style that engaged my mind and my heart. I have a hard time reading and reviewing non-fiction books. I usually fly through the pages of fiction and comprehend and love the stories. This book is one to be savored. It is not a book to read quickly. I needed the time to ponder and incorporate the message into my mind.
There is one particularly touching story about a boy named Petey. Petey learned for himself his worth and the worth of others. I cried. This book reminded me of who I am and that I am of worth. My scars are part of my story and identify me to my Savior.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder that the atonement is personal, it doesn't just cover sins, but is comprehensive and individual. The book contains scriptural references from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Source: I received a complimentary copy, but will be purchasing my own soon. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Toni Sorenson has a writing style that engaged my mind and my heart. I have a hard time reading and reviewing non-fiction books. I usually fly through the pages of fiction and comprehend and love the stories. This book is one to be savored. It is not a book to read quickly. I needed the time to ponder and incorporate the message into my mind.
There is one particularly touching story about a boy named Petey. Petey learned for himself his worth and the worth of others. I cried. This book reminded me of who I am and that I am of worth. My scars are part of my story and identify me to my Savior.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder that the atonement is personal, it doesn't just cover sins, but is comprehensive and individual. The book contains scriptural references from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Source: I received a complimentary copy, but will be purchasing my own soon. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2021
I listened to this while I drove my teenagers to and from school these past few weeks. Despite listening to the book in shorter segments (not usually my preferred way to listen to a book!), I was always amazed that we always found a “take away” each time we listened. It sparked some great questions and comments from my kiddos as well. A great read for any age.
May 6, 2021
This is not the type of book I usually read, but when the opportunity to read and review it appeared I decided it was something I needed to do, and I'm so glad I did. There's so much in this book, I know I'll need to read it again to get things that I missed or didn't quite understand the first time through.
I liked how the author showed us through stories of others that she works with. I especially liked the story behind the picture on the book cover. That whales are recognized by their scars and that's one reason Jesus still bears the scars from His crucifixion--so we would know Him. And the Lord knows us from our scars because even though we may go through some of the same trials in life, we don't come away with exactly the same scars. I liked all the reminders that the Atonement isn't for later, it's for now. It's for everyday, for everyone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
I liked how the author showed us through stories of others that she works with. I especially liked the story behind the picture on the book cover. That whales are recognized by their scars and that's one reason Jesus still bears the scars from His crucifixion--so we would know Him. And the Lord knows us from our scars because even though we may go through some of the same trials in life, we don't come away with exactly the same scars. I liked all the reminders that the Atonement isn't for later, it's for now. It's for everyday, for everyone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
July 8, 2021
I was not originally planning on reading this book next in my lineup. However, a friend, who recently got back from his mission, asked me if I wanted to do a scripture study together sometime. I told him that I'd love to, and asked him if there was a specific topic he wanted to study. He said "The Atonement and grace." Being a Seagull Book employee, with all the books at the store cataloged in my head, I immediately thought of this new book from Toni Sorenson. I bought my own copy on Monday and got the audio for it on Deseret Bookshelf. I can only say this was the perfect book I needed to aid me in my scriptural exploration of the Atonement and grace.
Sister Sorenson explores the idea that the Atonement is personal, individualized. The Savior did not just suffer and die for the sins of the world. He did it for me. He did it for you. Why? Because He loves us! The Atonement was the purest act of love that Jesus ever performed. He is love, and to be like Him, we must love as He does. But, as Toni says, "Love is no simple answer. People who think it's frills and ease have never truly loved. Love can be ugly and painful and cruel. It's risk without promise of reward. But love always pays dividends in the end. And the journey is what makes life worthwhile." I have loved more deeply than I can express with words. It hurts when your love is not returned. But there is always one who will return it in spades. He knows the pursuits, the dreams, the desires of your heart. What is important to you is important to Him. YOU are important to Him. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son."
In order to truly see the Atonement as personal, we must understand it, use it every day, and take the lesson of unconditional love that it teaches and use it to bless others. The Spirit filled my entire being while I read this book and I can truly say that I am changed in some small way after reading it. Its lessons touched my heart and I have not felt so light in a long time.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It was beautifully simple and simply beautiful. Thank you for your inspiring stories and wise words Toni. 5/5 stars.
Sister Sorenson explores the idea that the Atonement is personal, individualized. The Savior did not just suffer and die for the sins of the world. He did it for me. He did it for you. Why? Because He loves us! The Atonement was the purest act of love that Jesus ever performed. He is love, and to be like Him, we must love as He does. But, as Toni says, "Love is no simple answer. People who think it's frills and ease have never truly loved. Love can be ugly and painful and cruel. It's risk without promise of reward. But love always pays dividends in the end. And the journey is what makes life worthwhile." I have loved more deeply than I can express with words. It hurts when your love is not returned. But there is always one who will return it in spades. He knows the pursuits, the dreams, the desires of your heart. What is important to you is important to Him. YOU are important to Him. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son."
In order to truly see the Atonement as personal, we must understand it, use it every day, and take the lesson of unconditional love that it teaches and use it to bless others. The Spirit filled my entire being while I read this book and I can truly say that I am changed in some small way after reading it. Its lessons touched my heart and I have not felt so light in a long time.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It was beautifully simple and simply beautiful. Thank you for your inspiring stories and wise words Toni. 5/5 stars.
April 21, 2021
I’ve loved this author’s writing for years. Her insights are powerful and insightful and promote reflection and hope. Her newest release, When the Atonement Becomes Personal is Sorenson at her best. As she researches and interviews people all over the world, Sorenson distills human faith to it’s very soul and shares the gems of knowledge she gathers along the way.
In the book Sorenson says, “This book is a shout-out to everyone who loves and is trying to love broader, bigger, and better. It’s for those who are trying to improve themselves and elevate the lives of others. For those who are holding on with what seems like their last strand of hope and final ounce of strength. For those who are searching for truth. For those who are forging a path untrodden. For those who are breaking chains and those who are still chained. If you’re wounded in heart or spirit, this book is for you because God knows your name and your pain. He wants you to be happy and to love yourself too. Don’t forget that.”
Is there a person on earth who doesn’t relate, connect or feel like this describes them in some way?
Sorenson’s goal is to help us find strength in our struggles and provide hope that life can get better through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and to ultimately understand that the Atonement does not become truly powerful until it becomes truly personal.
In the book we learn many great and powerful truths and that the Atonement isn’t a power waiting to save us later but that it is ready to transform us now if we will let go of fear, guilt and shame and replace those with trust and love for our Savior.
I was moved to tears often as I read these powerful pages. I feel a deeper understanding of the Atonement and a greater desire to make it more personal in my life. I highly recommend this book and plan on reading it again and again. I hope you will too!
In the book Sorenson says, “This book is a shout-out to everyone who loves and is trying to love broader, bigger, and better. It’s for those who are trying to improve themselves and elevate the lives of others. For those who are holding on with what seems like their last strand of hope and final ounce of strength. For those who are searching for truth. For those who are forging a path untrodden. For those who are breaking chains and those who are still chained. If you’re wounded in heart or spirit, this book is for you because God knows your name and your pain. He wants you to be happy and to love yourself too. Don’t forget that.”
Is there a person on earth who doesn’t relate, connect or feel like this describes them in some way?
Sorenson’s goal is to help us find strength in our struggles and provide hope that life can get better through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and to ultimately understand that the Atonement does not become truly powerful until it becomes truly personal.
In the book we learn many great and powerful truths and that the Atonement isn’t a power waiting to save us later but that it is ready to transform us now if we will let go of fear, guilt and shame and replace those with trust and love for our Savior.
I was moved to tears often as I read these powerful pages. I feel a deeper understanding of the Atonement and a greater desire to make it more personal in my life. I highly recommend this book and plan on reading it again and again. I hope you will too!
May 1, 2021
This book is exactly what I needed to read right now. I was looking for a way to have a personal experience with the gospel and this book explained it so well. I think that the best thing to draw from this book is the need to have love for everyone....even one's self. I shed many a tear as I read this book and I didn't want to put it down because my spirit was yearning for this information. There is a lot in this book that can help anyone from any walk of life. I highly recommend it.
April 26, 2021
“The Atonement offers hope that we can be forgiven and can change for the better.”
This book It is not the type of book I typically read. I am very grateful it was given this chance to read it. I would not have read this book any other way.
The Lord is very mindful of our needs he knows us better then we know ourselves. That is why the our experience with the Atonement is different for each person. Because it is a personal experience depending on what we are going through. This book explains the Atonement in a great way.
I love the examples in it and how Toni uses her personal experience through out the book. She says in the book, “We are all God’s children, and therefore, the base of our being is good. The world would have us forget that and trust instead the negativity and condemnation about our appearances, accumulations, and behaviors. We’re constantly judged and found wanting. Yet the Savior promises us that we’ve been “bought with a price” and that price is His love—something that simply can’t be measured. “
Thank you to who ever at Covenant decided to send this book to me!! It was what I needed!
This book It is not the type of book I typically read. I am very grateful it was given this chance to read it. I would not have read this book any other way.
The Lord is very mindful of our needs he knows us better then we know ourselves. That is why the our experience with the Atonement is different for each person. Because it is a personal experience depending on what we are going through. This book explains the Atonement in a great way.
I love the examples in it and how Toni uses her personal experience through out the book. She says in the book, “We are all God’s children, and therefore, the base of our being is good. The world would have us forget that and trust instead the negativity and condemnation about our appearances, accumulations, and behaviors. We’re constantly judged and found wanting. Yet the Savior promises us that we’ve been “bought with a price” and that price is His love—something that simply can’t be measured. “
Thank you to who ever at Covenant decided to send this book to me!! It was what I needed!
June 6, 2021
In When the Atonement Becomes Personal, Toni Sorenson shares her experiences and insights into the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The stories she shares on the Atonement are insightful, memorable, and thought-provoking. I read a bit at a time because I felt like I needed to digest it and think about it. I just had an ebook version, but it's the type of book that you want to mark quotes with a highlighter and had a lot of weight in the words. The stories and experiences she shared were really interesting and shared how to personally understand the Atonement better. I gained a greater insight into the Atonement through this book. She shares stories about how the Atonement applies to everyone. She also makes it clear that Christ's love is for everyone. I felt like I learned a lot from reading this book and I am sure you will too,
Please note that I received a free ebook to review, however, this is my honest opinion.
Please note that I received a free ebook to review, however, this is my honest opinion.
April 30, 2021
“The atonement is just a gospel topic until it becomes personal. Then it takes on a power and understanding that only those who experience it understand.”
When the Atonement Becomes Personal is an extremely insightful and thought-provoking book that has challenged me to become more Christlike and loving toward all people, to become more intentional in serving others. I learned a lot about letting the atonement work in my life every day and making it personal. One thing the author stressed is that it’s never too late to change. People are works in progress and Christ’s Atonement has no time limit.
Some quotes that struck me are:
“The disturbing news might be that Adam fell. The reassurance is that Adam can get back up.”
“What if YOU are the miracle someone is praying for? What if they are waiting on God . . . and God is waiting on you?”
“Jesus isn’t in the condemnation business. He’s not even in the cleaning business. He’s in the healing business.”
“When Jesus throws a party, everyone gets invited. Whether we choose to accept the invitation is up to us.”
I really enjoyed being able to delve deeper into the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in my daily life. We usually think of it as something we’ll use or need in the future, but this book has made me think more about the opportunity we have to use it daily to add power and healing to our lives and the lives of others.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.
When the Atonement Becomes Personal is an extremely insightful and thought-provoking book that has challenged me to become more Christlike and loving toward all people, to become more intentional in serving others. I learned a lot about letting the atonement work in my life every day and making it personal. One thing the author stressed is that it’s never too late to change. People are works in progress and Christ’s Atonement has no time limit.
Some quotes that struck me are:
“The disturbing news might be that Adam fell. The reassurance is that Adam can get back up.”
“What if YOU are the miracle someone is praying for? What if they are waiting on God . . . and God is waiting on you?”
“Jesus isn’t in the condemnation business. He’s not even in the cleaning business. He’s in the healing business.”
“When Jesus throws a party, everyone gets invited. Whether we choose to accept the invitation is up to us.”
I really enjoyed being able to delve deeper into the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in my daily life. We usually think of it as something we’ll use or need in the future, but this book has made me think more about the opportunity we have to use it daily to add power and healing to our lives and the lives of others.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2022
I listened to the audio CD edition. I bought this because of the title and the deeply discounted price. The author has some important things to say, but only a small portion relates to the title. Instead, she is mostly focused on self-worth and love: not bad topics, but not what I thought I was investing in.
This book needs some good editing: many superfluous adjectives, some repetition, some descriptions that are just wrong, and overall, just too many words! This book could easily be half the size it is now to help the reader get to the main points. Oh, and change the title.
This book needs some good editing: many superfluous adjectives, some repetition, some descriptions that are just wrong, and overall, just too many words! This book could easily be half the size it is now to help the reader get to the main points. Oh, and change the title.
March 29, 2021
I'm going to have to read this again and again until I get it.
August 31, 2024
I liked the premise of the book, but I struggled with the general presentation. Fortunately, there were enough gems scattered throughout the book to make it worthwhile: her compassionate and nonjudgmental perspective, the humble words of wisdom from the people she works with in addiction recovery, the beautiful collection of quotes, and the continuous focus on the Savior and His love. The central theme is that when the atonement becomes personal, it becomes powerful. And the purpose, fuel, and the power behind the atonement is the love of God. Utilizing the atonement can help us come to know Jesus (not just *about* Him), feel of His love, and feel His love for others (which is a broader, bigger, better love that elevates us and others). “The more you pay attention to the tender mercies and little ways God shows his perfect love, the more your life will change, the more confidence you’ll have, and the more love you’ll feel to give. In receiving you can give.”
Three thoughts I liked:
-From What would Jesus do to what is Jesus doing (currently) to what is Jesus doing though me (comments made from teens in addiction recovery)
-Satan divides, God unites
-God does not change, but our perception of Him changes as we come to know him better
Favorite Quotes:
Introduction
-“People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God. It was never between you and them anyway.”― Mother Teresa
-“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” –T.S. Eliot
Chapter Three
-Mother Teresa “We belong to each other”; Jesus works through us to heal each other
-What does ‘seeking after the one who needs love’ look like? – “It looks like time spent in prayer asking for inspiration. It looks like extra time spent before and after meetings talking with someone you feel inspired to reach out to. It looks like including those who may look and think differently than you. It looks like not shrinking away from those who may be inconvenient or even hard to love. It looks like asking sincere questions and listening with real intent to understand. It looks like ministering.” --Elder Renlund
-What are my nonnegotiable dailys that are leading me to who I want to be? - “Dailys” are repeated behaviors that make us who we are, such as prayer, meditation, exercise, making the bed, writing in a gratitude journal, serving others, working hard, worship (“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit.—Aristotle)
-“God writes the gospel not in the bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers, and clouds and stars.” --Martin Luther
-“I have no right to assume that because someone stepped away from church, that means they have stepped away from God.”
Chapter 5
-“Heavenly Father is more liberal in his views and boundless in his mercies and blessings than we are ready to believe or receive.” –Joseph Smith
-Instead of “call me if you need me” – Here are I am, not to advice, just to listen for as long as you need; I see that something you need is broken, I’ll fix it; I’m going grocery shopping, give me your list and I’ll drop things off on my way home; What time can I pick your kids up from school today; I’ll be by to help you with that project you’re working on, when is best for you; I’d like to take you out one night this week, which night are you free; Let’s go to the gym/the park/ the store/the church/the beach/the mountain, I’ll drive.
-“The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love.” –Corrie Ten Boom
Chapter 7
-“Relationship with God is what religion is intended for, never the other way around.”
-“We who know how to use indigenous plants, use them for healing our wounds. You Westerners want to use them to find spiritual connection. Spiritual disconnection is our wound.” Shaman
-“Spiritual sabbatical? Does that mean you’ve stepped away from God? No, it means I’m inviting God to walk me back home, if it’s true.”
- We do not need to bring people back, the good shepherd will do that, we just need to supply a steady stream of love - “When we think we have to save someone who we deem lost, we forget that’s not our job. There’s a Shepherd appointed to that duty. And as well-intended as we may be, we get in His way when we assume responsibilities that aren’t ours. Imagine how many people who leave the church would come back if all we offered was a steady supply of love…Let’s put all of that effort into faith. Faith that the one who’s job it is to ‘bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’ will get the job done.”
-“We are rich when we have more than we need. That’s when we can receive the joy and blessing of giving to someone who lacks what they need. Perhaps that’s why the Lord promised that ‘the poor would always be with us,’ so that when we do have more than we need, we can share.”
-A young couple’s interaction with a man who was homeless - “’What do you need?’ ‘Don’t waste your time, I’m too far gone to help.’ They smiled and asked, ‘Then do you mind if we sit with you for a while, just to get to know you better?’ Soon that young couple had taken the elderly gentleman into a store, had purchased an umbrella for him to shade himself from the scorch of the sun, had bought him a simple meal, and had changed his vies of himself and all humanity.”
-“What do you think of when you think commandment? I used to believe it meant a rule to follow to avoid punishment. I was wrong. The word stems from the Latin, culminaré which translates to ‘work hand and hand,’ or ‘to give assistance.’ The commandments are given out of love to assist us in loving God, ourselves, and our brothers and sisters.”
-“All things are difficult before they are easy.” --Thomas Fuller
-“What are you willing to give to get, in other words, what are you willing to sacrifice for the thing you say you want?”
-“Faith makes us move into the darkness before turning on the light…Abraham…’Show me and I’ll go’…but the Lord responds, ‘Go and I’ll show you.”
-“We think we have to change, grow, and be good in order to be loved. But rather, we are loved, and we receive His grace so we can change, grow, and be good.” –John Powell
Chapter 9
-“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed. ― Abraham Joshua Heschel
-“The more you pay attention to the tender mercies and little ways God shows his perfect love, the more your life will change, the more confidence you’ll have and the more love you’ll feel to give. In receiving you can give.”
-“There is no more accurate identifier than a scar. Christ’s scars tell the tale of His sacrifice, His obedience, and His endurance to the end. His scars are visual, tactile evidence of his love.”
Three thoughts I liked:
-From What would Jesus do to what is Jesus doing (currently) to what is Jesus doing though me (comments made from teens in addiction recovery)
-Satan divides, God unites
-God does not change, but our perception of Him changes as we come to know him better
Favorite Quotes:
Introduction
-“People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God. It was never between you and them anyway.”― Mother Teresa
-“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” –T.S. Eliot
Chapter Three
-Mother Teresa “We belong to each other”; Jesus works through us to heal each other
-What does ‘seeking after the one who needs love’ look like? – “It looks like time spent in prayer asking for inspiration. It looks like extra time spent before and after meetings talking with someone you feel inspired to reach out to. It looks like including those who may look and think differently than you. It looks like not shrinking away from those who may be inconvenient or even hard to love. It looks like asking sincere questions and listening with real intent to understand. It looks like ministering.” --Elder Renlund
-What are my nonnegotiable dailys that are leading me to who I want to be? - “Dailys” are repeated behaviors that make us who we are, such as prayer, meditation, exercise, making the bed, writing in a gratitude journal, serving others, working hard, worship (“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit.—Aristotle)
-“God writes the gospel not in the bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers, and clouds and stars.” --Martin Luther
-“I have no right to assume that because someone stepped away from church, that means they have stepped away from God.”
Chapter 5
-“Heavenly Father is more liberal in his views and boundless in his mercies and blessings than we are ready to believe or receive.” –Joseph Smith
-Instead of “call me if you need me” – Here are I am, not to advice, just to listen for as long as you need; I see that something you need is broken, I’ll fix it; I’m going grocery shopping, give me your list and I’ll drop things off on my way home; What time can I pick your kids up from school today; I’ll be by to help you with that project you’re working on, when is best for you; I’d like to take you out one night this week, which night are you free; Let’s go to the gym/the park/ the store/the church/the beach/the mountain, I’ll drive.
-“The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love.” –Corrie Ten Boom
Chapter 7
-“Relationship with God is what religion is intended for, never the other way around.”
-“We who know how to use indigenous plants, use them for healing our wounds. You Westerners want to use them to find spiritual connection. Spiritual disconnection is our wound.” Shaman
-“Spiritual sabbatical? Does that mean you’ve stepped away from God? No, it means I’m inviting God to walk me back home, if it’s true.”
- We do not need to bring people back, the good shepherd will do that, we just need to supply a steady stream of love - “When we think we have to save someone who we deem lost, we forget that’s not our job. There’s a Shepherd appointed to that duty. And as well-intended as we may be, we get in His way when we assume responsibilities that aren’t ours. Imagine how many people who leave the church would come back if all we offered was a steady supply of love…Let’s put all of that effort into faith. Faith that the one who’s job it is to ‘bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’ will get the job done.”
-“We are rich when we have more than we need. That’s when we can receive the joy and blessing of giving to someone who lacks what they need. Perhaps that’s why the Lord promised that ‘the poor would always be with us,’ so that when we do have more than we need, we can share.”
-A young couple’s interaction with a man who was homeless - “’What do you need?’ ‘Don’t waste your time, I’m too far gone to help.’ They smiled and asked, ‘Then do you mind if we sit with you for a while, just to get to know you better?’ Soon that young couple had taken the elderly gentleman into a store, had purchased an umbrella for him to shade himself from the scorch of the sun, had bought him a simple meal, and had changed his vies of himself and all humanity.”
-“What do you think of when you think commandment? I used to believe it meant a rule to follow to avoid punishment. I was wrong. The word stems from the Latin, culminaré which translates to ‘work hand and hand,’ or ‘to give assistance.’ The commandments are given out of love to assist us in loving God, ourselves, and our brothers and sisters.”
-“All things are difficult before they are easy.” --Thomas Fuller
-“What are you willing to give to get, in other words, what are you willing to sacrifice for the thing you say you want?”
-“Faith makes us move into the darkness before turning on the light…Abraham…’Show me and I’ll go’…but the Lord responds, ‘Go and I’ll show you.”
-“We think we have to change, grow, and be good in order to be loved. But rather, we are loved, and we receive His grace so we can change, grow, and be good.” –John Powell
Chapter 9
-“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed. ― Abraham Joshua Heschel
-“The more you pay attention to the tender mercies and little ways God shows his perfect love, the more your life will change, the more confidence you’ll have and the more love you’ll feel to give. In receiving you can give.”
-“There is no more accurate identifier than a scar. Christ’s scars tell the tale of His sacrifice, His obedience, and His endurance to the end. His scars are visual, tactile evidence of his love.”
September 21, 2023
Toni's story is a refreshing and often offers a unique perspective of the Atonement. Her stories are cobbled together to add such impact to the message of love and hope.
May 24, 2021
This book has SO much information in it! It's definitely not one that can be read quickly, you need to take your time so you can absorb and ponder the information you learn.
I'll admit, I haven't ever studied the atonement in depth before. I know what it is, I know what happened, and I know how important it is, but I have never really made it personal.
One thing that really stood out to me (OK, there were a lot of things that stood out. This book is covered in yellow highlighter now) is that it's our job to love others, and not withhold that love because they don't meet up to our standards and expectations. Really, the main theme of this book is love. Love like Jesus did (and still does.)
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about how to make the atonement mean so much more in a personal way.
I'll admit, I haven't ever studied the atonement in depth before. I know what it is, I know what happened, and I know how important it is, but I have never really made it personal.
One thing that really stood out to me (OK, there were a lot of things that stood out. This book is covered in yellow highlighter now) is that it's our job to love others, and not withhold that love because they don't meet up to our standards and expectations. Really, the main theme of this book is love. Love like Jesus did (and still does.)
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about how to make the atonement mean so much more in a personal way.
May 14, 2021
I've really enjoyed this book. Really changed how I saw the atonement and the power behind it. It's loudly to read again, but I want to reread it again soon while I have it fresh in my mind. Just like how Joseph Smith taught faith is an actual power of God, that his power comes from faith... She presents the idea that the atonement is the power of love, that love is a literal power. There were just a couple small things in the book I wasn't sure I thought were correct (gospel wise), but as a whole it was really good and I feel deserves a second look so I can study it forever.
December 30, 2021
My son was the one who pointed me to this book. I like the story Toni shares of a sea captain who is identifying whales on a whale-watching ship. When asked how he can tell the whales apart, he explains that it is by their scars. She reminds us that Jesus Christ keeps His scars as a way for us to identify Him and that our own scars often bring us to the Savior who can completely heal them. I also love how she repeats throughout her book that each of us has a "worth certificate" signed by God--reminding us that He is our loving Father and we have great worth to Him.
June 3, 2021
The Atonement of our Savior is multifaceted.... And just as we read the scriptures many times, I feel that His Atonement should be as well. This book is a help in that as it breaks down parts of it in ways that can be easily understood. I enjoyed the personal stories the author shared from her life, and the knowledge that she has gained from her studies. Definitely worth the read.
July 11, 2022
I had high hopes for this book. I've been looking for answers pertaining to Christ, was hoping I would find them in this book. It just wasn't speaking to me. Not a bad book, just didn't have the substance I was searching for. Not sure how I feel about the writing style. Got about halfway and decided to try something different.
September 17, 2023
I liked this book a lot. She has an interesting writing style. I loved the personal stories and small phrases and new ways to look at the atonement. My only complaint is that it was too long and the end felt repetitive. I did like the personal factor and loved and shared parts of it.
June 1, 2021
Beautiful!
September 30, 2021
There were some great insights here
May 25, 2022
one of the best books i've listened to in some time now. i love the idea that have Savior will know us by our scares that he has healed.
June 12, 2022
An excellent book. Would definitely read more from this author.. Her take on the gospel feels real and accessible.
August 1, 2022
LOVE THIS BOOK! I listened to the audio and she is hilarious
December 15, 2023
Wow. Going to need to re read and ponder this one a lot more .
July 11, 2025
Jesus is the master healer. He showed people his scars to help them recognize him.
March 2, 2022
Excellent book. Through a combination of scripture, personal experience, and doctrine, Sorenson outlines how Christ's atonement impacts all aspects of life. Highly recommend it.
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