Ride, Boldly, Ride Till you find Eldorado

One of my favorite movies of all time is a movie called "El Dorado". It is a John Wayne movie that is a great contrast between the good guys and the bad guys. In the movie one of the main characters quotes a poem by Edgar Allen Poe called Eldorado. As I was thinking about the poem, I realized how the poem can relate to the gospel. This poem is a great example of our road to the Temple.

Our Gallant Knight

Gaily bedight,                                                     

A gallant knight,                                            

                   

In sunshine and in shadow,                        
Had journeyed long,                                    
Singing a song,                                          
In search of Eldorado.                                
                                                                             
But he grew old -                                      
This knight so bold -                                  
And o'er his heart a shadow                      
Fell as he found                                          
No spot of ground
That looked like Eldorado.

And, as his strength                                    
Failed him at length,                                    
He met a pilgrim shadow -                          
"Shadow," said he,                                      
"Where can it be -                                      
This land of Eldorado?"                              
                                                                 
"Over the mountains                                
Of the Moon,                                            
Down the Valley of the Shadow,                
Ride, boldly ride,"                                      
The shade replied -                                  
"If you seek for Eldorado!"     

So here is the start of our journey of life. All of us pressing forward. As we all know our journey is in sunshine and in shadow, the journey looks long but we want to continue moving on to find happiness and peace. Eldorado is a place where wealth(peace) can be found. 

In our journey, we can grow tired and "old". Sick of being lost in our journey for a place that cannot be found. The beginnings of doubt set over a heart as that  happiness and peace cannot be found.


 And as our physical strength becomes exhausted, we begin to slow our search. Then looking to another source of light and knowledge, God is asked, "where can it be-this land of Eldorado?"God answers by sending someone to touch your heart.


Then the journey continues, over the mountains of doubt that can seem impossible to overcome. Down the valley of disbelief as you plant your own seed of faith, "Ride, Boldly Ride" till you find the  truth yourself and you can find the path that leads to Eldorado.

Oakland Temple.

I testify that Eldorado is the Temple where eternal life begins. It is a place of peace and progression. A place where true happiness can be found. It is where all of us can behold the grace and love our Heavenly Father has for us. It is where our families can be sealed together for time and all eternity. I know if you seek for Eldorado, you will find it at the temple. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.