Loving Message To My LDS Brothers, Sisters

Photo source: Entheta, Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 3.0.

by Glenn Franco Simmons 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently suffered grievous losses that have shocked the world.

In writing this tribute to my LDS brothers and sisters, verses are derived directly from the Book of Mormon and align with LDS teachings (as I understand them) on enduring persecution through faith — a theme rooted in the historical experiences of the early Saints.

“And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage. And I will also ease the burdens which are laid upon your shoulders... And it came to pass that so great was the burden they had to bear, and so great was the sorrow of their hearts, that they could not bear it.” ~ Mosiah 24:13–15

“This passage recounts the experience of believers enduring severe persecution and bondage, during which they receive divine reassurance,” Grok noted. “It acknowledges the profound weight of sorrow while affirming the promise of relief and deliverance, making it particularly apt for addressing the pain of an attack while instilling hope.”

“But Alma said unto him: Trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God. … And he [Alma] said unto them: Be not troubled, for, when you cannot obtain deliverance, ye shall be delivered in mine own due time.” ~ Alma 14:11

“Drawn from the narrative of Alma and Amulek witnessing the martyrdom of faithful women and children for their beliefs,” Grok noted, “this verse provides reassurance in the midst of profound violence and loss. It encourages trust in God’s timing during persecution, offering a message of enduring hope for those impacted by such an event.”

“O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou not comfort my soul in Christ? O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength... that I may be filled with joy and not be cast down.” ~ Alma 31:31

Exterior of Carthage Jail by C.C.A. Christensen depicting the death of Joseph Smith, Jr. A beam of sunlight
from parting clouds prevented a mobster from decapitating Smith's body. Courtesy Brigham Young
University Museum of Art via Wikipedia. Public domain.

“This verse captures Alma’s prayer amid opposition and spiritual turmoil on a mission, expressing deep grief and a plea for divine comfort,” Grok stated. “It illustrates the transformation of sorrow into joy through Christ, making it an appropriate choice for extending sympathy to those grieving an act of hatred against their faith community.”

“Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep. He hath filled me with his love... He hath confounded mine enemies unto the destruction of the murderer of my father.” ~ Nephi 4:19–21

“In this reflection,” Grok explained, “Nephi contemplates personal losses, including his father’s death, and the threats posed by enemies, while affirming God’s sustaining love and protection. This resonates with the context of a church attack, emphasizing divine preservation as a counter to adversity.”

May God continue to bless The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!