From the book 50 Things That Really Matter to Latter-day Saints. . . (multiple authors)
Alisha Geary writes:
“As a child I was afraid of many things. Being alone in the dark or imagining the monsters under my bed would send be crying to my parents’ bedroom. If I could just be with my parents long enough, the fear would go away. Many nights I would sleep by their bed until I felt okay about going back to my room.
When I was in the most need of comfort, my mother would sing me a lullaby. “Whenever I hear the song of a bird, or look at the blue, blue sky. . .” The words would wash over me, and I knew that even though it was still dark, I would be okay. To me the “Lilac Tree” song was ultimate comfort. My brother and I always knew that we were loved when we heard this song. Soon my brother would sing it to comfort me, and I began to sing it to myself.
Growing up, I faced situations and deeper darkness than I had dealt with as a child. I still sang the song. At first it was a comfort because it embodied the security of parents that I knew for sure loved me. As I have matured both physically and spiritually, I realize that this particular song is not just comforting because of my parents. All the beautiful things in the world, lilac trees, rain, roses, and blue skies are symbols of my Heavenly Father’s love for me. The song reminded me that I was a part of His creations and that He was there.
In the blackest of nights, I have literally crawled onto my knees to be with my Heavenly Father and my elder brother Jesus Christ. I have learned that it is only though a knowledge of their love that peace will come. The Atonement covers not only our sins, but also our heartaches, our sicknesses, our weaknesses. At those moments of pain and despair when I have become like a little child again, the words of the song have come to me as gentle answers from two beings who love me more than I can ever comprehend.
The message and true meaning of the “Lilac Tree” song is one of universal comfort for children and adults alike. Life will somehow be okay, hearts can be healed and peace can come from the symbols and reminders of a loving Heavenly Parent whose only desire is that we have the security and warmth of His almighty arms. All these symbols give me strength and courage because I know that the “Lilac Tree” song will always be with me to comfort me and all of God’s children with the reminder that, “Heavenly Father loves me.” ~Alisha Geary, 50 Things that Really Matter to Latter-day Saints (Deseret Book Distributors, 40 East South Temple, Salt Lake City 84111) 2007. (801-534-1515)
