The day suddenly became a black day on March 22. Suddenly in it so terribly close: terror in Zaventem and Brussels. More than 30 dead and 200 wounded. Horrifying images that haunt you all day.
The feelings I felt today are a mix. It is constantly said, 'we should not be afraid,' but may I perhaps make a case for the fact that we are afraid, but perhaps don't want to admit it? How can you not be afraid of this terrorism?
However, we must not let ourselves be paralyzed. That is something completely different. But I am afraid. Afraid of becoming a victim myself and having to abandon my family. Afraid that something might happen to my children. Afraid that I don't have the right answer when my children say they are scared now.
Is there an answer to terror? Can we win this war? As a Mormon, I am hopeful on the one hand, but also fatalistic on the other. Hopeful because I know that whatever happens, there is always the resurrection. That if we trust in Christ, everything will be fine in the infinite. But also fatalistic because I know that as we enter the last days, this is just a foretaste of all the misery that will be unleashed upon the world.
Today I also received criticism because I was one of the first to use #PrayForBrussels on Twitter. Prayer and religion are now being spat out again, just like after Paris. And I understand that. The reaction 'why does God let this happen?' is a legitimate question that can only be answered if you understand the Plan of Salvation and accept that God strictly adheres to our agency.
But I prayed a lot today. Prayers with tears in my eyes for the dead, that they may now find rest and peace in the spirit world. Prayers for the many wounded and the doctors and nurses who must now care for them. Prayers for the families of the victims. And yes, also prayers that we may be spared from more terror. Prayers that my family would be safe. Prayers that friends who were in Brussels today would be safe.
That is certainly my answer to terror. Prayer to lay my pain before Heavenly Father, to trust in Him. A prayer to have courage to continue living and find answers to restore confidence in my family. A prayer to make others feel that religion is not bad, but is misused by bad people.
May I call upon you to join me in this prayer? However difficult it may seem now…
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