In Memoriam

My cousin Nicholas was killed in a car accident on Monday while moving across the country. He had just come back from Afghanistan in November and this photo was from his homecoming. He has left behind a wife and 2 little boys -- a 3 year old and a 10 month old -- and the news is just devastating on so many levels. My heart is breaking for his little family. He was one of best and the brightest and he will be missed by so many who love him.

A few months ago, I felt very strongly prompted to send him and his wife a copy of the Book of Mormon, along with my testimony. For those of you who know me very well, you will realize that this was kind of a big deal seeing as to how I'm sort of a big chicken and not very prone to active missionary work. However, the feeling wouldn't go away and I finally decided that if God was telling me to do something, I better do it.

I want to include the letter I sent to Nicholas and Miranda not only for my own records, but as a public testimony of what I know to be true. I fully realize that the majority of my blog following base are also members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But for those few who may not be -- this is what I believe:

"Dear Nicholas and Miranda,

I'm writing to you today and sending this book because for the last week -- and at various other times throughout my life -- I have felt very strongly impressed to give you this gift and bear testimony to you of what I KNOW to be true.

Above all else, I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I've often wondered if you (and others in the family) have ever been curious about our religion and what we believe. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is the keystone of our religion and contains a fulness of the gospel. In companionship with the Bible, this book -- as the title states -- provides another testament of Jesus Christ. One of my favorite passages in these scriptures is found in the book of 2 Nephi 25:26, where the prophet Nephi says:

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. (p.100)

I know that the Book of Mormon contains the word of God.

Nicholas, I have always been impressed with you -- even when we were just little kids. You have a spirit and goodness about you that is very tangible. I'm certain that people who don't even know you very well are able to feel this strength emanating from you. I think this goodness comes from your pure heart and your faith and belief in God and His love for each of us.

Miranda, even though I don't know you as well as I know Nicholas, I can still sense your kindness and goodness as well as the love you have for your husband and children. Part of our Heavenly Father's great plan of Happiness for us is the opportunity for families to be together FOREVER. This divine plan enables family relationships to endure beyond the grave. I am so happy for this knowledge.

Please read this Book. I KNOW it is true. I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us. God hears and answers our prayers. The Spirit testifies to all those who earnestly seek to know God's will -- for By the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of ALL things. (Moroni 10:5, p. 529)

I love you guys. I hope that this letter and gift in no way offends you. Please know that I only want to share with you the things that are so precious to me. If you ever have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me.

With much love,
Jessica

www.mormon.org is a good reference if you're curious about anything else we believe.

(Missionaries are a good reference, too.)"

I know that Nicholas is in a better place. It is for those who remain here on earth without him that the peace which surpasseth all understanding is needed. He was a leader among men and a true disciple and follower of Christ. I'm grateful to have known him and to have been his cousin.

I want to close with a quote that has filled my heart with comfort and hope:

Even though seemingly unjust circumstances may be heaped upon us, and even though unkind and unmerited things may be done to us—perhaps by those we consider enemies but also, in some cases, by those whom we thought were friends—nevertheless, through it all, God is with us.

We are not alone in our little prisons here. When suffering, we may in fact be nearer to God than we’ve ever been in our entire lives. That knowledge can turn every such situation into a would-be temple.

Regarding our earthly journey, the Lord has promised, “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88). That is an everlasting declaration of God’s love and care for us, including—and perhaps especially—in times of trouble.

-- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (Lessons from Liberty Jail, CES Fireside September 7, 2008, BYU)

Until we meet again cousin.

Nicholas Bourgeois and Family