Attempting to comfort a friend and priesthood leader who was falsely accused

 11 March 2021

Good morning, my dear friend…

You’ve been on my mind and heart ever since the disappointing news that emerged from the events of last weekend. Fortunately, very, very few people in our stake are aware there was a last-minute change to the stake presidency and are aware it involved you. For everyone else, nothing has changed in your life. You are still a loved, respected, and admired former bishop and current member of the Stake High Council and a worthy temple recommend holder. So I hope you can go forward with your head high and with confidence that the Lord is still with you in every way.

In other words, there’s no need to be embarrassed because virtually no one knows what transpired.

I have had a couple of thoughts come to me in my study this morning that may be comforting:

• I read President Ballard’s latest General Conference address where he said: “Each night when I pray, I ask the Lord to bless all who are burdened with grief, pain, loneliness and sadness. I know that other Church leaders echo that same prayer.”

So know that the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is praying for David Hawkins.

• I don’t think it’s a coincidence (it never is, is it?) that in this week’s Come Follow Me study on page 45 there is the header “The Savior can lift me 'up out (my) afflictions.’ " Then it lists five scripture blocks that are all very appropriate for someone who has been wrongly maligned and hurt by others. 

I would just add for the scripture block D&C 121:7-8 to please read through verse 10.

You are a mighty man, my friend, but what you’re shouldering right now may be the test of a lifetime. I’m so very, very sorry you’re in the midst of a fiery furnace of emotions and a broken heart. You’ll appreciate the rich and comforting promises in the scripture blocks listed on page 45.

You’re in my prayers that the pain will not destroy the man and that you’ll not allow bitterness and hurt to overpower you or your faith in the Lord and His Church leaders. The wonderful promise in the Isaiah reference is that God will NEVER forsake us. He is walking with you through this trial and affliction. I hope you’ll be able to see Him.

You are among the Lord’s chosen and great ones. I’m sorry you are being called on to prove it so again in this way.

With love and admiration,

Crismon