My thoughts on the COVID19 pandemic

“How many of us, at times, try to resolve life’s challenges ourselves, without seeking the intervention of the Lord in our lives? We try to carry the burden alone.

As some are faced with trials and afflictions, they say, “Why won’t God help me?” Some have even struggled with doubts about their prayers and their personal worthiness and say, “Perhaps prayer doesn’t work.” Others who have suffered with sickness, discouragement, financial crisis, rejection, disappointment, and even loss of loved ones may say, “Why won’t the Lord heal me or help me with my son? Why didn’t He prevent her death? Does life have to be this unhappy?” Yes, one might even cry out, “O God, where art thou? … How long shall thy hand be stayed?” (D&C 121:1–2.) Jesus taught that we pass through all these trials to refine us “in the furnace of affliction” (1 Ne. 20:10), and that we should not bear them unaided, but “in [the] Redeemer’s name” (D&C 138:13). In spite of our feeling, at times, that He has forgotten us, He testifies, “Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee …

“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” (1 Ne. 21:15–16.) I testify that the Lord, through His grace, can continually assist us in our daily lives and in our physical and mental sickness, pain, transgressions, and even in all of our infirmities. (Mosiah 14:5; Alma 7:11–13; Alma 34:31.)”

-Gene R. Cook

Life is confusing.
It’s hard.
It’s unfair.
It’s so many things.
But it’s also so beyond beautiful.

How blessed are we to be loved so much by our Father in Heaven, who gives us trials that are “more precious than of gold” (1 Peter 1:7)?

Growth cannot come without trials.

I don’t know how this is all going to work out after this pandemic ends. BUT, I know that somehow, it will.

I know that He and His Son will never do anything “save it be for the benefit of the world.” (2 Ne. 26:24.). We will come out of this stronger, wiser, more compassionate, more whole, more of who He needs us to be. And I’m so grateful for a Father in Heaven that gives us exactly what we need to become the best that we can be.

I miss the temple, the House of the Lord, due to its closure. For now, I’ll remember, admire, and pray.