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.