Saturday, May 25, 2013

Tragedy and Triumph

There have been a lot of events recently throughout the world that have caused me to reflect on the nature of mankind, the choices that people make, and the effects of tragic events in general. From the Boston Marathon attack to the tornado that tore apart Moore, Oklahoma to the sickening murder of a British soldier in the streets of London, many things have given us all cause to mourn.

Although I mourn for the lives that have been lost and torn apart by tragedy, yet I have hope for mankind. I know that both God and Satan are real, and I see every day the influence of both of them in my life and the lives of those around me. Some people lose faith in God when they see the suffering that they have to experience. This doesn't need to happen. When we understand God's plan more completely, we can draw nearer to Him when tragedy strikes instead of pushing Him away.

I know that God's plan for us is dependent on the principle of agency. God will not force us to choose His ways, and so He allows us to make bad choices. However, He prepared a way for us to repent of the bad choices that we make through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ.

As time goes on, we will see a continuing polarization in the society of the world. There are going to be frequent causes to mourn. However, it is essential that we also see the reasons to rejoice. Look for the courage and strength of those who are helping and those who are standing up to the sources of evil and tragedy. Recognize the first responders, honor the victims who show the strength of the human soul, praise the people who sacrifice time, sweat, blood, and money to give to those who have lost so much. Choose to be among those who help. You never know when you might be the one suffering and feeling eternally grateful for someone giving to help you.

God loves you. He always has, He always will. The worth of every human soul is greater than the combined wealth of the entire world. Let us treat each other with that knowledge in mind.

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