Safe Harbors

         

          This week I received news that my friend and neighbor had passed away. I was impressed with the openness of his family during the funeral service. They talked about his battle with addiction and how although it ended up taking his earthly life his spirit lives on and has the ability and opportunity to fulfill his eternal potential still. You'll be greatly missed around here, Josh.
          We had the opportunity to listen to the General Women's broadcast this week as well. The messages were perfectly synced. There was a quote from Sister Marriott that I really loved. She said, "Love is making space in your life for someone else." They talked about reaching out, serving more, and loving all.

          My heart has been repeating the lyrics to one of my favorite EFY songs following these two experiences.

Safe Harbors:
There are refugees among us
That are not from foreign shores;
And the battles they are waging
Are from very private wars.
And there are no correspondents
Documenting all their grief,
But these refugees among us all
Are yearning for relief.

There are refugees among us.
They don't carry flags or signs.
They are standing right beside us
In the market check out lines;
And the war they've been fighting
It will not be televised,
But the story of their need for love
Is written in their eyes.

This is a call to arms,
To reach out and to hold
The evacuees from the dark.
This is a call to arms,
To lead anguished souls
To safe harbors of the heart.

Can you see through their disguises?
Can you hear what words won't tell?
Some are losing faith in Heaven
'Cause their life's a living Hell.
Is there anyone to help those
Who have no where else to flee?
For the only arms protecting them
belong to you and me.

This is a call to arms,
To reach out and to hold
The evacuees from the dark.
This is a call to arms,
To lead anguished souls
To safe harbors of the heart.
Can you feel the pleas of the refugees
For safe harbors of the heart?

This is a call to arms,
To reach out and to hold
The evacuees from the dark.
This is a call to arms,
To lead anguished souls
To safe harbors of the heart.
Can you feel the pleas of the refugees
For safe harbors of the heart?

        My friend Josh Curtis said of today, Easter, "It is a good time and reminder that there is redemption for us all, and renewal, and that a tomb was empty so that we need not be." 

     I'm grateful to be trusted with the responsibility to reach out and hold my brothers and sisters. I'm also grateful for everyone who has been there for me. I'm grateful for a perfectly understanding Savior, friends and family who love and support me, and for the opportunity we each have to try again and again.

Happy Sunday, I love you!