stay strong

Many of you are now familiar with the horrible tragedy that occurred last week in Houston, TX.  Six of seven members of the Stay family were brutally murdered in their home by an ex-brother-in-law of the Stays.   Sadie emailed me last Monday to share this horrific news.  Sadly, Sadie also told me of connection with this family.  Sadie's current companion, Sis. McLean, before being transferred to College Station, served in the Stay family's ward.  She was very close with the family and spent time with them in their home, including skyping her own family from the Stay's computer just last mother's day.
       So, once again, as I have done so many times in my life, I have found myself on my knees again asking, "why?" In the end, I always come back to this…. There are some things in this life that I will never understand.  And that's okay.  That's what faith is about. Trusting in our Heavenly Father's love, no matter what.    I am SO not great at memorizing scriptures, or helping my kids memorize them for that matter.  But, several years ago, we decided to come up with our "family" scripture. It's one that I've reflected on again and again.
     "And now,  I Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Ether 12:6

Cassidy Stay, age fifteen, was the only survivor of her immediate family.  Miraculously, she survived, and was able to call 911.   She also testified of the help of angels,

"[Angels] protect [God's] children in times of great need. After she had been shot on Wednesday, she said it felt as though the angels were there with her, putting their hands over her mouth - whispering to her to be quiet, 'I was quiet when I needed to be quiet,' she told us." said Lyon to KPRC-TV, "We have wondered whether those angels might have been her brothers and sisters."

Today, Sadie sent me this picture.  A blue ribbon in memory of the Stay family. 

Prayers matter.  Prayers count.  Please join me in asking our Heavenly Father to bless Cassidy and all of those affected by this senseless act.