So, it's been a weird 24 hours in my world. That world being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, specifically one living in the US and one who has lived in Michigan.
Last night, our prophet passed away. I didn't enjoy most of the media obits of him. It's not unexpected, but they really reduced him down to the equivalent of a business leader. He wasn't. Russell M. Nelson was a prophet of God, and when you remove that part from what he did, it becomes mundane. (Although, even as a human being, he was quite extraordinary). And, since he passed away in the later evening, it didn't really hit the news cycle until today. Or wouldn't have, anyway.
I went to my church meetings today, and when I checked my phone after getting home, I saw a message from a friend (also a member, a dear friend I work with) saying how terrible what happened in Michigan was. And I had not heard about Michigan, but I 'heard' pretty quick after that.
Obviously, because I live in the US, this is not the first time a shooting at a religious center has happened. And, honestly, I always knew one day a shooting would happen and it would be my faith that had been shot up. When it is so common, you can't think your special. And every single one is a tragedy, but some hit closer to home. I know it sounds awful to say this one hit a little different (as did the one at a Michigan school a few years ago, where my niece knew people who lost someone, or the shooting at UVU a couple of weeks ago, when my niece was on campus, although far from the event). Because I know what a Sunday meeting looks like for them. I know what that congregation looks like, even if it wasn't my congregation. I could have walked through that building and picked out which room was used for what. I know what the lessons in the classes would have been on. And I lived in and loved Michigan. It's a wonderful place full of good people. I still care about their success and well-being, because I am connected.
It may sound awful, but I would like to point out connection is what helps us see others as ourselves. And now I have a new connection to other groups, other faiths, who might have been involved in this kind of event, because I know how it made me feel. I just wish we could have a connection for a different reason.
Anyway. It was weird, because today should have been about the passing of a prophet, and suddenly was about an act of violence that President Nelson pleaded so many times to turn from, not just in the Church but everywhere. He wanted and worked for us to be peacemakers and he was one. I read about the person who did this, some of the details of his life and I felt heartbroken for him, too (which I think President Nelson would have done, as well).
I am supremely grateful to the law enforcement officers, who have refused to speculate about anything. Somehow, I think the only thing that could make this worse would be to use it as political fodder to stoke more anger and problems. They have been so professional and wise in how they have handled things, which is even more impressive considering what an incredibly long and difficult day they have had. No one went to work today thinking this is how it would end.
I saw a video about President Nelson, that seems to capture not just his life, but all the hope and peace the gospel brings, and felt appropriate. Easy for me to say, but it is possible to find peace and hope in the face of devastation. I know people mock thoughts and prayers and I get that they can't be the only thing we do but prayer is incredibly powerful, and I'm glad that a heartbroken community will be the subject of many petitions to Deity, because God will help them. Bad things happen, and they happen to a lot of really good people. It's not because God causes them or doesn't care. Don't blame God for our choices. But God and Jesus Christ sustain us and stands by us when the bad things happen. President Nelson taught that and it was for moments like this.
