Monday, October 18, 2010

Reverent Soldier

Today, I can't help but liken our full-time missionaries to soldiers. Our young Mormon men and women who leave all that they know behind them for two years to serve the Lord are much like the men and women that we see in uniform on the news every day. Our military people are putting their best feet forward to valiantly help save our country. And while Mormons have many soldiers serving our country as well, our young missionaries are putting their entire souls into saving our world and our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we lose a soldier, people line the roads waving flags and their services include every honor that they deserve accompanied by that 21 gun salute. When we lose a missionary, it's much more quiet.

Today, I salute this young man.

Nicholas Taylor Ferrin
8/4/1989 - 10/17/2010


You have made us so proud, Nick. We watched you grow and you inspired us as we attended your farewell. We didn't know how symbolic that day was, but we know now that all who attended were in the presence of a Celestial man in the making. Thank you for making us laugh. Thank you for being real. Thank you for showing us how to conquer this life. We love you and will miss you.



Nick was our friend. He was serving from our ward in Portland, Oregon when he suffered a Brain Aneurysm on Saturday. His parents flew up yesterday to say goodbye to their son. We are all so saddened by this and hope that you will join us in prayer on behalf of this amazing family.

7 comments:

Chris, Mom,and Grandma said...

very nice post Karen, thanks for sharing this, my heart goes out to there family, I can't even imagine.

Mistie said...

Karen, I am so sad to hear about Sheri's son. Thank you for posting such a wonderful tribute to him and to those that serve our Father in Heaven and loose their life during their service. Give my love to Sheri. She will be in my prayers. Much love, Mistie Rash

Tina McKinnon said...

I have no appropriate words... my heart aches for the family but jumps with joy for Nick... his questions are answered...

Jill Ferrin Bailey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jill Ferrin Bailey said...

Michael is my brother Nicholas is my nephew. Thank you so very much for what you have done for him and for letting the world know about our sweet Nicholas. We will miss him forever.
Jill Baileyu

Natalie said...

These are beautiful words.

Nick will truly be missed.

Shari said...

Beautiful. From one Missionary Mom to another.... I love you Karen Shaker!