To the Walpole Family,
On Friday I received a punch to my gut with the news that my dear friend Brennan was caught it an avalanche. It was just a few days prior that I was the one snowmobiling with him. We talked, laughed, had a great time and finished up with a meal together. We discussed gospel topics on the ride home and enjoyed each other’s company very much. It seems just a little while ago that I had the privilege of spending a week with him and Rolf and Garrett in Mexico. He was a good man and friend and I mourn with you his passing.
My feeble words will undoubtedly be inadequate to assuage the pain, to answer the questions, or to bring back that which was taken however from all that I have seen and learned, I don’t think events like what your family has gone through are “accidents” in the sense that there is no greater plan to all of this, nor do I think it an accident that Brennan’s and my paths crossed. It is my firm belief that the timing of our exit from mortality is not accidental even though to our limited understanding it appears so. Brennan is alive and carrying on and will be able to be a great blessing to you who are his family. Of course there are many scriptures that attest to the power of the resurrection and restoration however let me add an independent witness besides what is written that Brennan is alive, he will be at times just as near to you as when he was in his mortal state and you will one day see him again. May I offer an invitation to continue to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ. May the hope of His resurrection be your hope, may the promise of the glory that accompanies affliction be your promise and may the invitation to partake of His goodness be your invitation.
I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through, however I do know that any faith and hope in Christ will not be in vain. We signed up for trials, sorrow and affliction when we came to this earth however “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Let this love be a beacon of hope, of faith, of light in a world that has been darkened by the losing of your husband, son, father, and brother for a season. The restored gospel, which is the good news that we believe in is real, it is true and one day I promise you in the name of the Lord that you will have a more full understanding of why Brennan can no longer be physically with you and this will bring comfort to your hearts.
May I leave you with the words of him whose unworthy servant I am:
“And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent.”
“My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
May the God of Peace bring peace to all of your souls during these times of sadness and mourning.