Some things just do not make sense.
With the tragedy that has happened in Boston, one must reflect on the nature of insensate evil. One is often brought to question why a merciful, loving Heavenly Father allows this kind of thing to happen. Surely He could have intervened. Surely He loves His children and wants what's best for all of us. Surely He is good and kind and powerful.
President Kimball spoke to this. Yes, He COULD do something to intervene, but He DOES NOT always, and certainly not in the manner we would chose.
We live in a world that is - by its very nature - evil, depraved, and getting worse. There is so much that is evil. So much of a pervasive undercurrent of bad/wrong/evil/ugliness. It seems that it would pull us down into a cesspool of apathy, or worse - fear and distrust.
It does not have to be that way.
While there is certainly much that is evil in the world, there is also much that is good, wholesome, and nurturing. Interestingly, some of that is only ever visible in times of crisis. The outpouring of love and help and generosity that comes in times of crisis like this demonstrate how much good there really is in the world, much more so than the taint of evil that exists. It would be a disservice to ourselves and the world we live in to focus solely on the negative when there is so much that is good.
I was reminded recently of President Hunter speaking in the Marriott Center at BYU. My brother and I went to the fireside and we arrived a bit late. Just as we were finding a place to sit, a man came out of the audience and claimed he had a bomb. It turned out he was mentally deranged and he didn't actually have a bomb. But it was an example of how something that is evil can interrupt that which is good. Yet, as President Hunter's example showed, we can be steadfast and immovable and abounding in good works. President Hunter carried on to give the speech he'd intended, which, interestingly, was about overcoming adversity and negative inputs in our life. (LINK)
Life goes on. There is much to celebrate and emulate, much to learn and many areas in which to grow, contribute, and serve. It would be a shame to give in to the desire to wallow in despair. Hang in there. Be patient, humble, and look for the good. It's there.
I find much comfort in the following scriptures from the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 78:
17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
20 Wherefore, do the things which I have commanded you, saith your Redeemer, even the Son Ahman, who prepareth all things before he taketh you;
21 For ye are the church of the Firstborn, and he will take you up in a cloud, and appoint every man his portion.
22 And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things. Amen.
With the tragedy that has happened in Boston, one must reflect on the nature of insensate evil. One is often brought to question why a merciful, loving Heavenly Father allows this kind of thing to happen. Surely He could have intervened. Surely He loves His children and wants what's best for all of us. Surely He is good and kind and powerful.
President Kimball spoke to this. Yes, He COULD do something to intervene, but He DOES NOT always, and certainly not in the manner we would chose.
We live in a world that is - by its very nature - evil, depraved, and getting worse. There is so much that is evil. So much of a pervasive undercurrent of bad/wrong/evil/ugliness. It seems that it would pull us down into a cesspool of apathy, or worse - fear and distrust.
It does not have to be that way.
While there is certainly much that is evil in the world, there is also much that is good, wholesome, and nurturing. Interestingly, some of that is only ever visible in times of crisis. The outpouring of love and help and generosity that comes in times of crisis like this demonstrate how much good there really is in the world, much more so than the taint of evil that exists. It would be a disservice to ourselves and the world we live in to focus solely on the negative when there is so much that is good.
I was reminded recently of President Hunter speaking in the Marriott Center at BYU. My brother and I went to the fireside and we arrived a bit late. Just as we were finding a place to sit, a man came out of the audience and claimed he had a bomb. It turned out he was mentally deranged and he didn't actually have a bomb. But it was an example of how something that is evil can interrupt that which is good. Yet, as President Hunter's example showed, we can be steadfast and immovable and abounding in good works. President Hunter carried on to give the speech he'd intended, which, interestingly, was about overcoming adversity and negative inputs in our life. (LINK)
Life goes on. There is much to celebrate and emulate, much to learn and many areas in which to grow, contribute, and serve. It would be a shame to give in to the desire to wallow in despair. Hang in there. Be patient, humble, and look for the good. It's there.
I find much comfort in the following scriptures from the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 78:
17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
20 Wherefore, do the things which I have commanded you, saith your Redeemer, even the Son Ahman, who prepareth all things before he taketh you;
21 For ye are the church of the Firstborn, and he will take you up in a cloud, and appoint every man his portion.
22 And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things. Amen.
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