Hope for a Better World

By Hadley Gebs

The author lives in Wyoming, USA.

Recently I have been reflecting on everything that has happened in the world in such a short period of time. The COVID-19 pandemic has spread all over the world, leaving many people in isolation, leading to the temporary closing of temples and meetinghouses, and affecting tens of thousands of missionaries. Some people have reacted in fear, panic, or even hopelessness.

As I studied my scriptures one day, I turned to a verse that helped me understand that we are not alone in this difficult time. It reads, “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4).

After reading this scripture, I realized that there is always hope. Even at a time when things seem scary, there is always hope.

Though I have seen the negative reactions of some people, I have also noticed hope all around me. In many, it shows up as a willingness to serve. Even though we are practicing social distancing, we can still minister to others. There are accounts of people throughout the world who are donating anything from money to food to help those in need. I have heard of many who are in the process of helping those who are unemployed continue to pay their bills and provide food for their families. I’ve even seen it in my own town when a manufacturing company decided to donate 1,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to the city.

My family has looked for ways that we could minister—even when stuck at home. We decided to frequently send messages to those we minister to, telling them how much we care about them and asking them if there is anything we can do for them. We have looked for ways to use our talents to serve. My family loves to cook, and we plan to make dinners for my grandpa and leave them at his home when he is recovering from surgery in a few weeks. I and some of my siblings play the piano. We decided to record some songs to send to the widows in our ward, who love to hear us play. When you think about what you can offer, even if they are small things, you’ll find there are so many different ways to minister and share light with others.

There is still goodness in this world. Sometimes we need to look for it. And sometimes we need to be it. God will never abandon us. I know that He is with us every step of the way. If we look forward with faith, we can make it through this trial with the hope of a bright future.