Crisis

The world was turned upside down last weekend when terrorist attacked the city of Paris.  I was deeply saddened by the attacks.  The hashtag #prayforParis started trending and I thought that I could do more than offer a simple prayer. I went to the temple and lifted up my heart to God for the people that were affected by the violence.  These tender feelings have stayed with me all week.

Now a week later we are faced with a global chaos.  Political leaders in our own nation are battling because of the Syrian refugee crisis that was pushed to the forefront of the agenda in light of the recent attacks.  I am torn about the issue. My heart goes out to all of the people who are suffering because of the evil that has surfaced.  

Recently my Church published a letter encouraging members to help the refugees. The following information was taken from: https://www.lds.org/church/news/viewpoint-help-the-refugees-among-us?lang=eng

“It is with great concern and compassion that we observe the plight of the millions of people around the world who have fled their homes seeking relief from civil conflict and other hardships. Thanks to the generous help of our members, the Church is providing assistance to migrants and refugees in several countries.

“Members may contribute to the Church Humanitarian Fund using the Tithing and Other Offerings donations slip. We also invite Church units, families, and individuals to participate in local refugee relief projects, where practical.

“May the Lord bless you as you render Christlike service to those in need.”

“We have been given a scriptural injunction from the Lord to care for strangers among us in Leviticus 19:33–34: “And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself.” 

“We have a responsibility to extend help as well as hope to the hungry, to the homeless, and to the downtrodden both at home and abroad,” said President Thomas S. Monson during his April 1990 general conference address (“Conference Is Here”).

“We can help LDS Charities with this goal. As we read or watch news of refugees today, may we all think about the pioneer heritage we all share as Latter-day Saints and reach out to the strangers or refugees among us.”

Mormon pioneers at Red Buttes Camp on October 19, 1856. The pioneers are trying to light a fire to cook with in heavy snow and wind.

This council from our church leaders seems a stark contrast to the fearful, hatefilled messages that are being broadcast in the news by political figures and other people.  There is much talk of security and making sure that terrorist don’t come into our country under cover as a refugee. I get that.  Certainly we need to take care of the security of our own people first. I totally agree that our national security is a huge concern. 

I just wish there was a way that we could be compassionate and cautious at the same time. All of these thoughts and more have been filling my heart and mind. I haven’t been able to reconcile them all but I have found some comfort from reading the scriptures.

While reading Enos I was struck by something that I had never thought of before.  Enos prays mightily and receives forgiveness for his sins. His very next thought is for his brethren. He says:

 9 Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites ; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them.

Later on in verse 10 Enos talks about how he had received an answer that his brethren would be blessed according to their obedience, and that they would suffer for their sins.  Enos is saddened by this and doubles his efforts in prayer.

Again he says in verse 11:

“I prayed unto him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.”

The Lord then answers in verse 12:

“I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith.”

Enos is realistic about the current situation. He doesn’t dismiss the severity of the circumstances.

 14 For at the present our strugglings were vain in restoring them to the true faith. And they swore in their wrath that, if it were possible, they would destroy our records and us, and also all the traditions of our fathers.

But even though the outlook was bleak, Enos and his people didn’t lose hope. They did their best, even though it was in vain.

20 And I bear record that the people of Nephi did seek diligently to restore the Lamanites unto the true faith in God. But our labors were vain; their hatred was fixed, and they were led by their evil nature that they became wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, full of idolatry and filthiness;

I think that there is a parallel for our day. We have brethren (ISIS/terrorists) who are a wild, ferocious and blood-thirsty people. They want to destroy us and the traditions of our fathers.  We also have millions of people who are displaced and suffering. I think we can take a lesson from Enos and not lose hope and faith. He knew it was bad, but he still prayed earnestly for those people who hated him and his people. 

It never crossed my mind to pray for the terrorists last week.  It  never dawned on me that both sides of the attacks were suffering. After reading about Enos I realized that even though I can’t fix the mess that our world is in, I can certainly pray with Enos like faith for my brethren who are waging war in other parts of the world, and for those refugees who suffer. They are  all my brothers and sisters, because are we not all children of God?  Enos’ faith was rewarded, so why can't my faith be also?

Mormon was another example of desiring good for his enemies. In the Words of Mormon he says:

8 And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be a delightsome people.

I realized after reading these two accounts that I can pray and have hope for my brethren the Syrians, the terrorists, and all those in every country that have been victims of terrorist activity.  I can give financial support to the refugee cause. I can let optimism fill my heart even though things are ugly.  Do I have all the answers? No. But I have hope and faith, and that is enough for today.