Finding Light In The Depths: The Enduring Message Of The "Holes" Poem In LDS Faith

Life can often feel like a series of ups and downs, but sometimes, we find ourselves in what feels like an inescapable "hole." It's a place of despair, darkness, and profound hopelessness. For many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a powerful poem simply titled "Holes" by Scott Lewis and elders from his mission, perfectly captures this universal human experience while offering a profound message of divine hope and redemption. This isn't just a poem; it's a testament to the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the endless love of a Heavenly Father who never abandons His children.

The Depths of Despair: A Universal Metaphor

The poem "Holes" begins by painting a vivid, almost suffocating picture of being trapped. It describes a person who has been in a "dark and deep hole," perhaps for a "very long time." The imagery is stark and relatable: "In the dark and the damp, in the cold and the slime. The shaft was above me; I could see it." This isn't just a physical hole; it's a powerful metaphor for spiritual or emotional entrapment—the feeling of being weighed down by sin, regret, addiction, or overwhelming sorrow.

What makes this imagery even more poignant is the realization that often, we are the architects of our own predicament. As the poem suggests, "This deep, wretched hole had been dug by ME." This line resonates deeply, acknowledging personal accountability for choices that lead us away from light and happiness. The man in the poem "looked at the landscape of holes in the ground. They had people inside, and were seen all around. There were thousands of." This imagery expands the metaphor, reminding us that this feeling of being trapped is not unique; countless others are also struggling in their own "damp, dark and deep" holes.

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Feeling Beyond Reach: A Common Struggle

One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of being in such a "hole" is the feeling of isolation and the belief that one is beyond saving. The poem touches on this profound despair with the line, "That there was a hole. In Christ’s Atonement— That He could save everyone— Except me." This sentiment is a common tactic of the adversary, whispering that our sins are too great, our mistakes too numerous, or our darkness too deep for even the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ to reach. Yet, it is precisely this feeling that the poem, and the gospel, seek to dispel.

The poem's inspiration draws from powerful scriptural narratives of redemption. It's described as "a poem about a person who escapes from a dark and deep hole with the help of a ladder and a rope thrown by God. The poem is inspired by the story of the rich man and Lazarus." Another description notes its inspiration from "the story of Alma the Younger in the Book of Mormon and the missionary work of the author." These scriptural parallels reinforce the idea that no matter how deep the hole, divine intervention and personal effort can lead to escape and transformation.

The Divine Call to Action: "Feed My Sheep"

Just when the despair seems overwhelming, a pivotal moment arrives. "Then the Lord turned to me and He said, 'Feed my sheep.'" This divine command is a powerful turning point. It's a call to action, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not forgotten, and we have a purpose. The Lord's words are direct and empowering: "Get up! Get ready! There's nothing the matter! Take rocks and old sticks and build up a fine ladder!"

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This command highlights a crucial principle of the gospel: while God provides the means of escape, we must exert effort. We are not simply pulled out; we are invited to participate in our own salvation. Building a ladder from "rocks and old sticks" symbolizes using the resources at hand—our faith, repentance, small acts of obedience, and the fundamental principles of the gospel—to ascend. It's a testament to agency and the idea that even seemingly insignificant efforts can contribute to our climb out of despair.

The Promise of Atonement and Deliverance

The core message of hope in "Holes" rests firmly on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The poem beautifully articulates this divine promise:

"He’ll pull us all out of the holes that we’re in,
And save all our souls from cold death and from sin.
So do not lose faith; there is reason to hope:
Just climb up your ladder; he’ll throw down his rope."

This stanza encapsulates the perfect balance of divine grace and human effort. We build our ladder, symbolizing our repentance and desire to change, and then the Lord extends His "rope"—His infinite Atonement—to bridge the final gap and lift us to safety. This imagery powerfully conveys that while we must strive, our salvation ultimately comes through Christ's sacrifice.

The poem subtly references the very source of this divine rescue: "Holes Hands, feet and side Pierced innocence Forgiveness flowed Pure sacrifice Love poured Holes." These lines, though brief, evoke the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose pierced hands, feet, and side bore the weight of our sins, allowing forgiveness and pure love to flow. It is through His suffering and resurrection that we are offered the way out of our own "holes." As one quote beautifully states, "The Father briefly withdrew from Jesus the comfort of His Spirit, the support of His personal presence," during the Atonement, emphasizing the immense cost of this divine rescue.

"Holes" in the LDS Context: A Resonating Testimony

The "Holes" poem holds a special place within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Written by Scott Lewis and Elders from his mission, it carries the authenticity of personal experience and missionary zeal. It's often found in collections of "classic poems recited by members of the Church since the turn of the century," alongside others "perfect for talks on prayer, faith, families, aging, and so on." This indicates its widespread use and applicability in various gospel settings.

As an LDS poet, one individual expressed, "Making these LDS poems ('Mormon' poems) available to others was one of my main reasons for creating this poetry site." This highlights the desire to share messages of faith and hope that resonate with Latter-day Saint beliefs. The poem itself often reminds readers of their own testimonies, as one person shared, "I found this poem called 'Holes' by Scott Lewis and Elders from his mission, and I can't stop thinking about it. It reminds me of my testimony and the missio..." This deep personal connection underscores the poem's power to strengthen faith and inspire action.

The message of "Holes" aligns perfectly with core LDS doctrines:

• The Atonement of Jesus Christ: It is the central theme, offering deliverance from sin and despair.
• Individual Care: The belief that "Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each of us individually and they truly care about" us is a comforting truth reinforced by the Lord's direct call to the person in the hole.
• Agency and Effort: The instruction to "build up a fine ladder" emphasizes our role in repentance and seeking change.
• Hope and Faith: The repeated admonition "So do not lose faith; there is reason to hope" is a powerful reminder that despair is never the final answer.
• Missionary Work: The poem's origin with elders on a mission and its inspiration from Alma the Younger's missionary work connect it to the Church's global effort to share the gospel.

Conclusion

The "Holes" poem by Scott Lewis and his mission elders is more than just a collection of verses; it's a profound spiritual journey from despair to deliverance. It eloquently portrays the human condition of being trapped in darkness, often by our own doing, yet it unfailingly points to the divine way out. Through the Lord's loving command to "feed my sheep" and the empowering instruction to "build up a fine ladder," combined with the ultimate promise of Christ's Atonement—His rope thrown down from above—the poem offers a powerful message of hope. It reminds us that no matter how deep the hole, no matter how long we've been there, there is always a path to escape, a reason to hope, and a loving Savior ready to pull us out of cold death and from sin.