We Live in an Evil World

This morning when I got to school there was news circulating around the faculty that a 5th grader's older sister died yesterday morning. As more unraveled it was a boy in Miss. E's class. Miss E is about my age, and had just had a meeting with the boy's dad last week.

More of the story unraveled and we heard that the step-sister was only 16 years old and attends the high school about 2 blocks up the road. Two fishers found a beaten and charred body in a dirt parking lot around 7 am Sunday. The girl's step-father has admitted to strangling his daughter and then taking her to the park. (news story)

The 5th grader obviously didn't come to school today. Our principal visited the home and told the 5th grade team that he hasn't talked to anyone about it yet, but the rumors say he locked himself in a closet at home. That means that poor C. was probably in the house when his dad lost his temper.

I can't believe what an evil world we live in! I have heard stories like this before, but it seems so much more real when it happens close to home. I cannot even image what must have taken over the father to go to such great extremes. While I have had my eyes opened to the evil, poverty, and cultural clashes of the U.S. over the past few months in this school, I still cannot even find a place in my thoughts to see how someone could go that far. If nothing else I would think they would at least worry about what would happen to them... I guess not.

While this horrible thing is inexcusable, I do know that I can turn to Heavenly Father for help and guidance through this horrible mess of a world! Gordon B. Hinkley, the beloved prophet of my generation one once said, "I do not know that things were worse in the times of Sodom and Gomorrah...We see similar conditions today. They prevail all across the world. I think our Father must weep as He looks down upon His wayward sons and daughters." this seems to be increasingly true. As I was searching for talks on the subject of living in an evil world I came across this comforting talk by Richard G. Scott.

My prayers go out the family in Durham, and all those around the world who suffer such violence! Hopefully Bro. Scott's words can inspire the rest of us to keep choosing the right and push on with steadfast in heart!