COVID-19

We are in the throws of COVID-19.  Every single day we get notice of something else has been shut down because of this virus.  There is so much fear in the United States and the world right now.  The lines in the grocery stores are long and the shelves are bare.  This is what I ran into at Costco.  I stood in line for nearly 45 minutes.

Its mayhem and it is scary.  I believe the devil uses fear as a weaponin the hearts of men because he knows it stops the work of God from progressing.  There is a scripture that I keep repeating in my mind:  "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear"  (D&C 38:30)
We have been counselled by prophets and church leaders to be prepared physically and spiritually.  Remember the quote by Gordon B. Hinckley:  "I have faith that the Lord will bless us, and watch over us, and assist us if we walk in obedience to His light.  His gospel, and His commandments.  He is our Father and our God, and we are His children, and we must be in every way deserving of His love and concern."

This message was from Russell M. Nelson:  "We live in a time of turmoil.  earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under aattack, and divorce rates are rising.  We have great cause for concern.  But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith  We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.  Start with your children.  You parents bear the primary responsibility to strengthen their faith.  Let them feel your faith, even when sore trials come upon you.  Let your faith be focused on our loving Heavenly Father and His beloved son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Teach that faith with deep conviction.  How you deal with life's trials is part of the development of your faith.  Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth.  President Thomas S. Monson has given us his prophetic witness.  He said:  "I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure.  Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments."  Be of good cheer.  The future is as bright as your faith."