“Many years ago, I observed a heartbreak—which became a tragedy. A young couple was nearing the delivery of their first child. Their lives were filled with the anticipation and excitement of this monumental experience. During the delivery, complications arose and the baby died. Heartbreak turned to grief, grief turned to anger, anger turned to blame, and blame turned to revenge toward the doctor, whom they held fully responsible. Parents and other family members became heavily involved, together seeking to ruin the reputation and the career of the physician. As weeks and then months of acrimony [sharp, bitter language] consumed the family, their bitterness was extended to the Lord. ‘How could He allow this horrible thing to occur?’ They rejected the repeated efforts of Church leaders and members to spiritually and emotionally comfort them and, in time, disassociated themselves from the Church. Four generations of the family have now been affected. Where once there were faith and devotion to the Lord and His Church, there has been no spiritual activity by any family member for decades. …

“My paternal grandparents had two children, a son (my father) and a daughter. … [Their daughter] married in 1946 and four years later was expecting a child. … No one knew that she was carrying twins. Sadly, she and the twins all died during childbirth.

“My grandparents were heartbroken. Their grief, however, immediately turned them to the Lord and His Atonement. Without dwelling on why this could happen and who might be to blame, they focused on living a righteous life. …

“The faithfulness of [these grandparents], especially when faced with difficulty, has now influenced four generations that have followed. Directly and profoundly, it affected their son (my father) and my mother when my parents’ own daughter, their youngest child, died due to complications caused by giving birth. … With the example that they had seen in the previous generation, my parents—without hesitation—turned to the Lord for solace. …

“If you feel you have been wronged—by anyone (a family member, a friend, another member of the Church, a Church leader, a business associate) or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reversal, abuse, addictions)—deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. … And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load. … Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually” (“Turn to the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 78–80).

2 Nephi 31:20

Alma 58:10–11

Ether 12:4, 32

Moroni 7:40–48

D&C 59:23

D&C 138:14

Romans 8:24–25

Hebrews 6:10–20

Topical Guide, “Hope”