On the Most Difficult Journey of All

On the most difficult journey of all
Mists of darkness arose all about
With the safe and narrow way now lost
There was fear, confusion, and doubt

This family of travelers soon grouped
With either of the opposite sons
Those faithful and determined still trooped
Unlike the weaker, ungrounded ones

Then midst jeering taunts and alluring paths
Those steadfast pressed their way forward
Holding fast to an rod of iron they'd grasped
While the others fell away wayward

Thus only some reached their destination
To a splendid tree found at last
Twas God's love in manifestation
With the most delicious fruit too sweet to pass

The other group became lost or carnal
While continually loved ones called and invited
But most of their hearts had failed or hardened
Due to the choices on which they'd decided

[Verse 1] On the most difficult journey of all Mists of darkness rose around The safe and narrow way was lost Fear and doubt were all around [Verse 2] This family of travelers grouped With either of the opposite sons The faithful and determined trooped While weaker hearts came undone [Chorus] Hold fast, hold fast, when the road disappears Hold fast through the jeering and fear An iron rod through the turning night Leads the faithful toward the light [Verse 3] Amid the taunts and tempting paths The steadfast pressed ahead They grasped the rod and would not turn Though many strayed instead [Chorus] Hold fast, hold fast, when the road disappears Hold fast through the jeering and fear An iron rod through the turning night Leads the faithful toward the light [Bridge] And some arrived where branches spread With fruit more sweet than words can tell God's love made visible and near A living joy beyond the veil [Verse 4] The other group grew lost or carnal Still loved ones called their names But hearts grew hard by chosen roads And none could shift the blame [Final Chorus] Hold fast, hold fast, let compassion remain Call through the darkness, through sorrow and pain The narrow road leads beyond our sight To love made living, beautiful, bright [Outro] Hold fast Keep walking The tree is waiting Beyond the mist

Safety for the Soul
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Ensign, November 2009, 88