Comforting a leader who must feel he's been overlooked

1 May 2018

Email to a few leaders:

Brethren,

My heart aches for (Name). 

In the Church it is not uncommon for dedicated leaders to feel, at times, that they’ve been overlooked by the Lord when changes happen.

(Name), who did many outstanding things while HP Group Leader in his personal ministering and leading an exemplary Temple and FH effort in the TC Ward, has in the past two weeks seen his assistant called into the bishopric and his quorum counterpart (EQ president) called to the High Council.

And (Name) was simply released. I’m confident he is hurting, feeling left out and overlooked after giving his heart and soul to his calling.

For most brethren, it would not matter. Some would even celebrate. :) But not (name). We’ve all “survived” those times of feeling overlooked, but it’s still not without pain—feeling you’re not needed or wanted any more by your associates or the Lord.

I realize President (Name) hopes to use (name) as Temple and FH Committee chair. Brother (Name HC), will you please encourage President (name) to make that assignment as quickly as possible to help (name) know that he’s the top priority of the new EQ presidency in their committee considerations?

If there’s something more we can do to bring comfort, I’d welcome your suggestions. At the least, all of us can take the opportunity to express to him what an outstanding HP Group Leader he was when you see (name). 

I had hoped to invite him into the circle to set apart President (name) but when he requested so many of his family to participate, I didn’t feel appropriate to add to the circle. So I dropped the ball, too. 

Any way, I’d welcome all of us being aware of my concern and try to help address it, if we can.

Thanks,

PrL