Latter-day Saint Life

At the Funeral of a Young LDS Mom, Elder Renlund Shows How to Comfort Others, Even When Words Fail

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Whether we know someone who recently lost a loved one or someone who is struggling, each of us has the responsibility to "mourn with those who mourn" (Mosiah 18:9). Elder Dale G. Renlund recently shared on Facebook an experience that taught him the importance of reaching out in compassion, even when words fail.

This week Ruth and I went to the viewing of a young mother, Julie, who had courageously battled cancer. Ultimately she was called home to her Father in Heaven. She leaves five beautiful young daughters and her loving husband, Nathan. Nathan is a dear friend of mine. As I embraced him at this viewing, tears flowed freely.
Nathan knows as well as I do the truthfulness of the gospel. We both know that the sealing power is real. Nathan will be reunited with Julie again. She will continue to be aware of him and their daughters. We know that the Resurrection and Atonement of our Savior are the part of Father in Heaven's perfect plan that make these things possible.
But that night as I embraced my dear friend, I learned something about what it means to "mourn with those who mourn" (Mosiah 18:9). I could think of nothing to say that fix his wounds. Words felt so trite and hollow. So we each shed tears and together we mourned.

Lead image from Facebook.
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