Dear sisters and brothers,

Peace to you, your loved ones, and your communities.

I’m sure many of you are following the heart-rending news of the murders of University of Idaho students Ethan, Madison, Xana, and Kaylee. We are shocked and saddened by the loss of these young people and the impact of that loss on their families, friends, and the entirety of Idaho.

When tragedy afflicts us, whether in our own lives or in our communities, we can feel helpless or lost. We may search for simple answers for why such horrible suffering is allowed to exist in our world. Unfortunately, life is rarely simple. We cannot possibly understand what motivates some to so heinously lash out against others with murderous violence. We cannot possibly know why four young lives were ripped from this world too soon. We cannot possibly know how this case will continue to unfold and how justice will be served. However, what we can know is where we can turn when we are faced with such incomprehensibly grievous events.

Psalm 46 tells us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Though we will not find simple answers in our troubled world, we can find comfort in God and in our communities of faith, caring for and supporting one another in these difficult times.

Therefore I ask this of each of you—reach out to one another in love. Offer what help you can and seek support from others if you are in need of help yourself. Though we may feel as though we are walking in darkness, we walk this path together, in God’s love.

Blessings,