Hope as a Legacy: Remembering President Russell M. Nelson

On September 27, 2025, the world lost a prophet, surgeon, teacher, and gentle guide—Russell M. Nelson passed away at age 101, the oldest president in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As his life is honored and so many look back on his teachings, I want to reflect on one thread that ran through so much of his ministry: HOPE!

In times of turmoil, grief, and uncertainty, his words about hope were a balm. They pointed us toward something stronger than optimism—something eternal. Below are three powerful teachings about hope from President Nelson, woven together with reflections and application for our lives.

“A more excellent hope is mightier than a wistful wish … Hope becomes an anchor to the soul.”

This line comes from his talk “A More Excellent Hope”, delivered at BYU on January 8, 1995.

In that address, he taught:

“A more excellent hope is mightier than a wistful wish. Hope, fortified by faith and charity, forges a force as strong as steel. Hope becomes an anchor to the soul. To this anchor, the faithful can cling, securely tethered to the Lord.”

In this metaphor of an anchor, President Nelson invited us to see hope not as a fragile dream, but as something grounding and secure—even when storms batter us. It’s a hope tethered to God, not to our fluctuating feelings or circumstances.

When I think of this quote now, I see it as a call: don’t drift in despair—cling to the divine. Let your hope be “more excellent” because it is anchored in Christ, not in what the world promises.

“We can always have hope. Always!”

In The Power of Hope, he taught:

“Regardless of how desperate things may seem, remember — we can always have hope. Always! … I repeat, there is always hope!”

This was not a casual encouragement but a firm proclamation. To someone in their darkest hour, this is medicine for the soul: hope is not withdrawn just because circumstances look bleak. In fact, it is in those nights of the soul when hope is most needed and most precious.

President Nelson’s life itself exemplified this. He faced trials—world wars, medical challenges, losses—but he never lost that steady refrain: hope is always available.

“Because of Him, guilt becomes peace, regret becomes relief, and despair becomes hope.”

In a Palm Sunday invitation article “The Peace and Hope of Easter”, President Nelson observed:

“Because of Him, guilt becomes peace, regret becomes relief, and despair becomes hope.”

This phrase beautifully illustrates the transformative power of the Atonement. It’s not just that hope “exists”—it’s that Christ’s grace changes the very nature of our internal experience. Where we felt guilt, we can find peace; where regret weighed heavy, we can find relief; where despair threatened to consume, hope can rise.

In a world where circumstance often feels beyond our control, this is a precious reminder: the inner transformation of hope is possible, even when outer circumstances lag behind.

Applying His Words Today

As we mourn his passing and celebrate his legacy, we can carry forward his message of hope in concrete ways:

Anchor your HOPE in Christ

When anxiety, grief, or uncertainty swirl, return to the anchor. Pray, read scripture, cling to covenants. Let your hope be tethered not to circumstances but to the eternal.

Remind yourself: “We can always have hope. Always.”

In your heart, declare that truth. Write it on your mirror. Let it rise against the lies of despair.

Let the Atonement transform your inner world

When guilt, regret, or despair knock, turn inward: “Because of Him … despair becomes hope.” Offer your heart to Christ and allow His grace to heal you from the inside out.

Share hope

President Nelson didn’t just live hope—he shared it. Post a quote. Write a blog (or pin). Offer kindness. In little gestures, we become conduits of the hope he embodied.

Legacy of Hope

In the coming days, prayers, tributes, and remembrances will flow from many voices. He was a global leader, a teacher of truth, a man of deep faith. But among all his contributions, I hope we remember his teachings about hope! He consistently spoke and embodied hope.

May his words continue to buoy weary hearts. May we carry that torch forward—anchored in Christ, always hopeful, always reaching outward.