Tonight, as I write this, my heart is heavy, as I contemplate the news that a child, a young man, of a dear ward family passed away recently. The family is a model that we could all benefit by emulating. They are kind, they care, they participate fully, and are a friend and neighbor to all, in every way. I know about the Savior, about his atonement, and of heaven, and of the plan of happiness. All of these things intellectually reassure me that their son will be fine, as he is born into a bright new day. My heart still aches for the family.
Imagining being in the same situation, I can't bear to think of the pain and the sorrow that this happening must have visited upon the family. A pain that surely will never be healed, and a life that will never be forgotten. Still they wear a brave face, and assure us that all will be well. This is the kind of spirit and grace this family has maintained the entire time we have had the opportunity to know them. This is typical of their service to us, their neighbors and ward family. If only I could hope to be that capable, that kind, and as supportive as they are.
I searched LDS.org for some comfort and something to hold onto.
An excellent talk by Robert Hales came up. Reading it and listening to it thoroughly, it brought some peace. During the day today, I felt such gratitude and thanks knowing that for now, my family has been spared. However, I know at the same time that all of us must necessarily pass through the veil, die, and look forward to our own personal resurrection, and the resurrection and reunion of those who have gone before us.
Russel M. Nelson spoke directly on the subject in
this excellent conference talk in April of 1992. He provides deep insights that are worth reading and hearing.
There is so much pain in the world. I am so deeply grateful that because of our knowledge of the Savior, and the gospel, and through the support of the Church, we can have some comfort. From Corinthians, Chapter 15, verse 20 through 22: "
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
Today on Facebook, an acquaintance posted a comment about "being ready for blessings that aren't in disguise." It made me really think. Often, I take my health, and the well being and even the lives of our families for granted. But not today. This tragedy in our neighbor's life reminds us all, of the blessings that are present every day, and that they are amazing and beautiful. It's not that blessings are disguised, but rather, perhaps we get caught up in the busyness of the day and don't realize that our every breath and those of the ones we love, are truly a continuing blessing. Today those blessings are not unnoticed, and I give thanks with every breath, as I reflect on the blessings we currently enjoy.
There is comfort in the scriptures. In
Matthew Chapter 10, verses 29-31 the scriptures remind us how Heavenly Father is aware of even a sparrow falling, and counts every hair of our heads. He is aware of us and is with us.
Here is a brief collection of comforting references to scriptures worth reviewing: They focus on some of the frailties on our human condition, however, many of them seem to be on point.
If it is inappropriate to reflect on these recent events in a public forum, please do me a favor and let me know, so I can take this down, as I do not wish to hurt anyone, but hope to perhaps somehow extend some small portion of relief, with thoughts of comfort and affection. You can reach me by email, or by posting a comment.
If you have some favorite references about the topic, or wish to share your thoughts, please do comment.
Today, we can pray, and we can give thanks. The rest is in Heavenly Father's hands. I am so grateful for the knowledge that he is there.
I just wanted to quickly share my feelings on the Book of Mormon. In my life, the Book of Mormon has helped me make the decisions that have led my life to where it is today. It's answered my dire questions and my simple questions, both in spiritual and temporal things. It's incredible to think that a book could have such an impact on ones life, but it's not the book, it's the teachings that book provides. The teachings of Christ. Having a constant guide to follow Christ, which also provides us the promptings of the Holy Ghost for every decision we need to make in our life has been extremely valuable to me, and will always be extremely valuable to me.
