Running Toward the Light

For a young Peter Johnson, Christmases were never the same after his parents divorced. He felt a deep hole in his soul that he longed to fill.

Like Peter, all humanity longs to live in love and safety. Such a desire is basic in all of us. But finding that peace isn’t always easy. Often, we seek peace and security from the very people, who themselves, are struggling. The world is filled with many distracting and deceiving voices that claim to have the answer to the happy life.

But, as Peter learned, when we come to hear His voice—the voice of Him who overcame the world, whose voice is pure love—then we come to discover our true identity. We gain a glimpse of our eternal self. We sense our nobility as a son or daughter of God. We have new personal power. We are no longer distracted and deceived by fake voices. We hear the one true voice that heals aching hearts and wounded souls—voice of Jesus Christ.

He is eager to help. He knows each of us. He awaits our invitation.

“When you’re running from the darkness, it’s a feeling of fear,” Peter said. “But when you’re running towards the light, it’s hope. You know you’re running to strength and peace and happiness. We all need to be running to the light.”

[lbradshaw]

I was a very inactive member of the church got into gambling and heavy drinking my life everything just went crazy my life was so messed up until March 2020 i told myself enough was enough. Wife and I almost divorced because of my drinking so I got sober went back to church and now a year later Im the youth Sunday school teacher in my ward and just received temple reccomend last sunday. I love love being back in the light. I thank my Father in heaven everyday for my sobriety. Love you all God bless❤🙏

[andrewclarke]

This was so moving! I've been reading the Book of Mormon (for the first time) and I'm sure I'm on the right path. It's just the beginning of this journey, but I already feel the difference.

[haloguy]

Videos like this make me wish there was something better than a “like” button

[CHUbZ]

I'm incredibly grateful that the church is starting to utilize more creative filmmaking. This is a beautiful story and it was executed wonderfully!

[drc]

I was at Elder Johnson’s baptism. It was a moment you just knew that someone very special had joined the Lord’s Church. I also saw him on his mission ... saw him teach ... played basketball with him on a Pday. He was the perfect combination of humility and pure power. When I became completely bedridden, he came to see me in my home. Of anyone that I have ever gotten to know personally, he radiates light more than any other.

[tarabell]

I've been feeling really really alone for years, single, living in a house full of roommates who don't really care for or like me, far away from family.
I went for a drive just now and ended up at the Fresno temple.
I cried to God and asked him for peace and all I heard was "come home" and now I'm just watching this video balling.

[maramom]

"When you're running from the darkness, it's a feeling of fear. But when you're running towards the light, its hope. You know you're running to strength, and peace, and happiness. We all need to be running to the light." Standing face to face with echoes of our formers selves, we can evaluate today, where am I going ... and why am I running? Loved this, thank you.

[IWDTC]

I love the symbolism of the scene as his younger self is on stage looking at the man he has become, Great video and message, thanks...

[HastyClip]

I'm going through the hardest, most painful moment in my life so far. Sometimes I find it difficult to believe that I have any self-worth. Brother Johnson's story and testimony brought me comfort and hope that God watches over us and guides us. Thank you for this video. His smile and inspiring story brightened my day.

[mrfixall]

I was almost 18 when I found out that I was a son of God. I still remember that feeling.

[Californiasnow]

Life hasn't been going well lately. Lots of anger, stress, financial worries, and pesonal weakness. We just had Elder Johnson at stake conference and I felt the Spirit very strongly. Just feelings of peace and hope. His humility and kindness reminded me of the apostles and made me think 'this is a christlike man. This is what i need to be like.' I'm grateful for his testimony and his counsel.

[RunningWolf-qucr]

I feel ya story…my parents divorced when I was 7, living from house to house…didn’t know where to turn until I finally found Jesus Christ later in life

[franklebatista]

I was in the same path with a divorced, confused mother at age of 12. She left my other siblings with my stepfather's mom. Then, I grew and learned things on my own and facing to many challenges even I quit high school. At age 19, I was working and I was blessed with the blessings of the Gospel of JESUSCHRIST and becuase His mercy and His Church I'm a successful man with a beautiful family today. I know He knew about me, I love God and His Church. Yes, this Church❤❤❤❤❤

[lizkasper]

As a convert myself, I felt so much joy as he said, “I found it. I found it.” That’s how I feel, too. 😊

[MissPinkGirlOfUtah]

By the end of the video I was in Tears, moved from the couch in my living room to my bedroom bawling and praying to my Heavenly Father! Then I prayed asking him to help me have more faith, help me to dispel discouragement when challenges come and to help me know how he knows me and knows everyone else in this world at the same time! Then I went to brush my teeth and had the thought to Wright “ I am a a child of God” on my mirror. I did just that. I like to believe that’s inspiration from the lord leading me!

[normanweishaar]

When I woke up this morning I didn't know I needed this testimony as much as I do now thank you very much

[brynnsiefkes]

“Come​ unto me, all ​ye​ that ​​​labour​ and are heavy laden, and I will give you ​​​rest​.” - Matthew 11:28

[Donttrustthatburger]

there are tears in my eyes.

I will keep trying

[journey]

As a member of the crew for this film (score) - it was my honor and privilege to be involved. A great message that is relatable to all of us. As I worked on this I thought back over the years to see God's hand in my life. So grateful to know that the 'light' is something I can choose to run to and is as close to me as I choose it to be.

[remingtoncharles]

“If we don’t know who we are, It’s very difficult to realize who we can become”