Sponsored: Extending Hope and Healing: Morning Light Music

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The Universal Need for Hope

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has described a conversation he and his wife had years ago with an insightful dinner guest. The guest asked, “What is the one thing people can’t live without?” Sister Holland suggested that perhaps it was love. Elder Holland thought maybe it was faith. Their guest observed, “No, you’re both wrong. Many people in this world live without faith. And sadly, many people have to live without love. But without hope, there is no reason to go on. People cannot live without hope.”

The need for hope was emphasized again by Elder Holland on September 9, 2017, when he spoke to a group seeking to help war-torn refugees: “People can live without a lot of things. They can live sometimes without much food. They can live sometimes without much hygiene and nutrition. But they can’t live without hope. They need to know that it’s going to get better.”

We all “need to know that it’s going to get better.” In a way, we’re all refugees from a safer, simpler time.

The daily news of terrorist attacks, war, school violence, natural disasters, economic instability, and political upheaval can leave us feeling increasingly unsafe, no matter where we are. Epidemics of depression, anxiety, addiction, abuse, trauma, and suicide are becoming commonplace throughout the world.

Truly, we live in the perilous times of which Paul spoke (2 Timothy 3:1-7)Yet, in predicting the many challenges of our time, the Lord commanded, “See that ye be not troubled” (Matthew 24:6)How can we live a life of joy and hope, even in the midst of such troubling conditions?

Sharing a Message of Hope

That is a question Carrie Maxwell Wrigley, LCSW, has pondered for over 30 years. As a professional counselor, she has sat on the front lines of pain, providing guidance to people struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, marriage and family problems, and other challenges. For nearly two decades, she has taught the course “Christ-Centered Healing from Depression and Other Emotional Challenges” at BYU Education Week, and for stake Relief Society conferences, singles retreats, youth conferences, and other events throughout the U.S. Thousands have heard her healing message through YouTube videos, and through her informational website, counselinglibrary.org.

Hope is at the very center of her message—hope for emotional and spiritual healing, positive change, strength in affliction, and the intentional creation of a joyful and fulfilling life. From both personal and professional experience, Carrie knows that change is possible, healing is real, and joy is within the reach of every person—especially when focus is placed on the healing and redemptive power of Jesus Christ.

Throughout her years of counseling and teaching, Carrie has seen hope lift people out of darkness, strengthening capacity to endure even the heaviest of storms and challenges. As the scriptures affirm, “Hope is an anchor to the soul” (Ether 12:4, Hebrews 6:19).It provides “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3).

Hope is life-saving, and it is life-changing. Healing from depression, overcoming anxiety, saving a troubled marriage, conquering a persistent addiction, rising out of the shadows of grief and trauma—these are among the effects of hope that Carrie has witnessed throughout her decades as a speaker and professional counselor.

Extending Hope, Faith, and Love—Through Music

In sharing her message of hope and healing, Carrie uses not just words, but also music. Wherever Carrie goes, she uses original music to inspire and uplift others. Over the last two years, Carrie has gathered the songs used most often in her teaching into three CD recordings, each reflecting one of the three foundational principles of hope, faith, and charity (1 Cor. 13:13):

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HOPE—CD 1: Hold on to Hope (2016). Songs inspired by real people facing real challenges, then finding real hope in Christ. Songs include: “Lit Up from the Inside” (a woman finds healing after the suicide of her son); “For Right Now” (a grieving mother finds comfort after infant loss); “He’s Been Here Before,” “Tender Mercies,” Behold, I Am with You,” and “Hold on to Hope.”

FAITHCD 2: Trust in the Lord (2017). Religious songs used in Carrie’s classes on Christ-centered healing and for Relief Society or youth conferences, including:“His Love Lights the Way,” “Armed With Strength,” “Bring It Unto Him,” “Held in Reserve,” “For Thy Good,” and “Under Construction.”

LOVE—CD 3: Love’s Umbrella (2017). Contains songs used in Carrie’s classes on marriage, family, communication, and parenting. Songs include: That’s When Real Love Starts,” “Enjoy Them Now,” “Part of the Answer,” and “Don’t Be Afraid.”

These songs are available for download at Morning Light Music, along with Carrie’s downloadable sheet music. They are also available for download or physical CD purchase at CD Baby; and as digital downloads on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube, and carriewrigley.com.

Carrie has also set to powerful new music The Living Christ, the family proclamation, Articles of Faith, and Young Women’s theme, to help youth and others more easily memorize these sacred texts. This music can be downloaded without charge from the Free LDS Sheet Music section of Morning Light Music. These musical settings have helped many people to not just memorize these inspired words, but to also feel and express their life-changing power.

Carrie often ponders something an LDS music producer told her years ago, when she was a young mom, just starting to write songs. He observed: “When you do what you will someday do for LDS music, it will be because you’re a counselor.” Now, she joyfully carries out that inspired prediction, extending hope through words and Morning Light Music. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalms 30:5).

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