It's been a difficult weekend

This past weekend was a lot to take in.

Times are getting tougher from mass shootings to government shutdown in the USA, an annihilation of a people in Gaza, and so much more.

Early Saturday morning, an employee at Eastern State Hospital where Van works was shot and killed when responding to a gunman.

Saturday night, our beloved prophet, President Russell M Nelson passed away at age 101. The loss in our faith community was deeply felt.  

Sunday morning a gunman attacked an LDS chapel during the Fast and Testimony meeting in Grand Blanc, Michigan, killing 4 people and destroyed the church building by crashing his vehicle into it and igniting a fire.

I felt so many emotions from disbelief to deep sadness, and deep for the people affected by these events.

Following the identity release of the Eastern state employee that was killed, staff have decorated her car with flowers, notes, and remembrances of Colleen.  She was known as a loving approachable woman, always ready to help and lend a hand. She was a mother and a valued employee.

As I have listened to Russell M Nelson bless, counsel, instruct, invite, prepare, and testify since 2018, I have developed an opinion that he is the most Christlike person I have ever been acquainted with in my lifetime.   I saw it in his calm sincere communication, his gentle humor, his fervent hope, and his undeniable joy. I have come to believe in his unwavering testimony, and I am convinced that he had a personal knowledge of both God, our Heavenly Father, and his son, Jesus Christ.

 Bishop Jeffrey Schaub, of Grand Blanc Michigan expressed the following statements.

“These are hard times. This is the largest trial any of us likely will ever endure in Grand Blanc,

"These are the types of situations you don't think you can carry.  And I don't think alone any of us can.'

'I know that through our Savior Jesus Christ, we can find joy again,” he said. “I know that with his help, there can be healing, and I know as we focus on him, we can have joy.' "Not today, not tomorrow, not for many days, but our community will be okay, and we will feel joy again.'

I appreciate so much this message of hope.