These remarks were delivered by Elder Legrand R. Curtis Jr. at the Utah State Capitol September 7, 2018, during a media event to encourage participation in the National Weekend of Prayer for Faith, Hope, and Life (September 7–9, 2018). Read a press release about the event.
Good afternoon. I am Elder LeGrand Curtis, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thank you to Gov. Herbert and Lt. Gov. Cox for providing this opportunity, and thank you to the other faith leaders and concerned citizens joining together today.
As people of faith, we strive to remain aware of those around us who are in need. During this Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are grateful to be part of a community effort to help those among us whose suffering and loneliness may seem unbearable.
Suicide is a growing problem around the world, and it is vital for communities to work together to address this concern. We are grateful for the opportunity we have had to work with the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition in recent years and to join the governor’s task force earlier this year.
We are pleased to participate in this event to show our support for the National Weekend of Prayer for Faith, Hope, and Life, and we encourage our congregations and the members of our congregations to participate in this prayerful endeavor. Join your prayers with the many others participating this weekend in such a worthy cause. Together, we can help to provide hope, from the true source of all hope, to those who desperately need it.
Prayer is essential to the success of this effort, both for those seeking help and for those seeking to help. Our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ, can understand and provide comfort. They can also open our eyes to see others’ needs and inspire us to act. We need more than prayer — we need action.
Prayer facilitates action. To those experiencing loneliness and despair: pray for help from God and ask for help from others. Talk to someone; don’t try to endure alone. Seek professional help—help lines, social services, and counseling. To those eager to help: pray for those in need and reach out to them. Let them know you care and offer a listening ear. There are many available resources, including some provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that can help you know how to talk about suicide and how to help in other ways.
My prayer is that we will all recognize things that we can do to help those around us who might be struggling and that we will have the courage to do those things. I pray for those who feel marginalized and alone that they will know they are our brothers and sisters. I pray that they will feel loved, valued, and needed in their homes, their congregations, and their communities. I pray they will know of the genuine love and concern we have for them. Their struggle is our struggle.
I pray for all who are gathered here today. I am grateful to live in a community that comes together to help those in need.
May God bless us in this endeavor.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.