There are so many in the world right now who are having a hard time, myself included.
The Hortman family in Minnesota, whose lives were shattered by a shooting.
The family and supporters of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in Utah.
The friends and loved ones of Iryna Zarutstka, brutally killed in a senseless, racist attack on a train.
The hundreds of school children and community members in Evergreen, Colorado, who are reeling from another school shooting.
These tragedies, and countless others we don’t always see, remind us that behind every headline are real people whose worlds have been turned upside down.
I’m going to share some words from a church leader—now, please don’t discount it because it’s “not from [your] church” or “I’m not religious.” I’d ask that you please watch it before deciding its merits. In 2008, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared a message at General Conference titled “Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time.” Though he spoke from the pulpit, his words are universal—meant for anyone who knows sorrow, grief, or loss:
“We are aware that many … are experiencing trials and hardships of such intensity that the underlying feeling in their hearts as they approach our Father in Heaven in prayer is ‘Hope ya know, I’m having a hard time.’ … There is no grief, no pain, no sickness so great that the Atonement of Christ and the love of Christ cannot heal.”
For me, these words are not about one religion; they are about our shared humanity. Every one of us will face moments when all we can say is: “I’m having a hard time.”
In those moments, may we also remember the power of reaching out to God, our loving Heavenly Father, reaching out to family, to friends—and may we extend compassion to others who are walking through their own storms.
If you take a few minutes today, I’d encourage you to listen to Elder Cook’s message. His reminder of hope, endurance, and love is something the world desperately needs right now.
Watch below:
Here is a link to the entire talk if you are interested in reading more.