The Light Will Win, Part II
In reflection of this weekends events, I have flashed back
quite a bit to the first terrorist attack I experienced in France in the
beginning of this year when I was serving in east Paris. This time it hits a little
harder. Having just lived in and served the people of Paris proper for 6 months
made this attack even deeper.
Paris is a city of light. Perhaps not spiritually and
morally, but to me, the physical lights that shine through the darkness of the
foggy gray days and misty black nights shine a light of hope. I feel there is a
certain unsaid desire within the French to find true joy and healing that comes
from the gospel, they simply don't know or chose not to recognize from where
true joy comes. At times I think they mean "I need love and healing"
when they exclaim, "non, j'ai pas le temps." Or "non, ça ne
m'intéresse pas." In times like these, I am reassured that these people
affected and surrounding are in search for more, and act as Christ would when
it comes down to it. Now, more than ever, the world needs the healing of
Christ's Atonement and peace and comfort that comes in living His restored
gospel. He is the Light. It is His light that will be the source for Paris as
it is truly with His light that darkness dissipates.
I will finish with part of my own email from right after the
Charlie Hebdo attacks in January, still applicable to what I feel and believe.
"Though the world is falling apart and chaos is
surrounding, there is light and goodness. It gives me great comfort to know
that I carry the light that is victorious over dark. Light always beats
darkness. We each carry the light that makes the world better; though our numbers are few, they are growing. I feel it a privilege to be an emissary of
light; to be a soldier in the army of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have no need to
fear. This week I was a bit nervous, but I realized I was not scared. The Lord
had prepared me to handle this week and all the consequences of other's
actions. I do not fear. I know that the Savior lives. He is real. He protects
me. He strengthens me. His work continues.
"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I
the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me,
even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and
that I am to come." Doctrine & Covenants 68:6
I love you and pray for you. Don't worry about me or any of
us in Paris. We are protected and watched over.
Be good. Do more. Look outward."
Avec amour,
Sœur Kate Simpson
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