#PorteOuverte

We are all saddened by the tragedy that struck the City of Lights last night. We have all asked ourselves, "How could something like this happen?" I don't have all the answers, in fact, I don't have any answers, but I am amazed by the outpouring of love on and also from the Parisians.
#PorteOuverte was trending via social media by locals inviting tourists and other visitors to come into their homes to find safety and refuge from the horror. The hashtag translates to "Open Door" and I thought: if something like this were happening our hometowns here in America, would we be leary of inviting strangers into our homes, or quick to open our arms to offer comfort to the stranded?
This beautiful act of kindness and love reminded me of the covenants I made at baptism:
"And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." (Mosiah 18:8-9)
If you have made this covenant, it applies to all. It does not matter where a person is from. It does not matter their circumstance. It does not matter their appearance. This covenant is applicable to every person in this world. Are we not all children of God? Do we all not belong to the same eternal family? Are we not all brothers and sisters?
I would hope that if tragedy ever strikes and I am in the position to either invite or turn away people in need that I would whole-heartedly choose to serve and love.
The people of Paris are suffering. Therefore, we should be mourning with them.
We can't continue to watch people suffer and simply say, "Oh that's sad, but how does this affect me?"
Especially if you have stepped into the waters of baptism, and have taken upon yourself the name of the Savior, Jesus Christ, it affects you. The very loss of these lives, although unknown, affects you.
We've lost over a hundred brothers and sisters in a rather tragic way. We continue to lose brothers and sisters as they fight for our freedoms. We lose brothers and sisters on a day to day basis: whether by murder, sickness, suicide, accident etc. We should be mourning with the sad. We should be lifting up the down-hearted.
Although we are not in Paris, we can still mourn with and comfort those who are grieving.
I do think this is one reason why social media is such a blessing--we can easily contact those who are hurting and give words of encouragement. Even just knowing that someone supports you can bring just as much comfort as a hug. We are in this together.
As children of God, we are always in this together.
Our arms are open. Our doors are open. Our hearts are open.
God bless Paris.
My prayers are in their behalf this day.