I was going to talk about the time, when we went as a family to California, at the end of May in 1982. The occasion was an Elders Conference in Santa Cruz. We stayed with my parents and also drove up north to visit our church friends in Eureka. Looking at my photos I am reminded of those good old days, when my home state was beautiful and safe. For example today, the city of Oakland where I was born, and Thomas and I lived in, is listed as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Now at the beginning of this new year the world is watching in horror the devastation taking place in southern California. Whole communities, homes, property, lives, wildlife and much of the beauty of the city has been destroyed. Thousands of people will have to figure out how to rebuild their lives in the midst of chaos. This is a reminder for all of us, that nothing in the world lasts.
I don’t usually talk about current world events, but it is no coincidence, that I just listened to an old sermon from Thomas. It was recorded in the summer of 1982, after we returned from California. He addresses the topic of finding security, confidence and identity when trials come upon us.
What do we do if we lose everything; our home, our health, our job, and the stable life, we are accustomed to? Where can we find peace and hope for a new future?
