‘Beauty for ashes’ - 8 glimpses of goodness amidst the Michigan shooting aftermath

In the middle of the horror, I'm struck by the courage, the love, the nobility still evident. If you're watching, it's always there somewhere..

Fire rages at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints where a shooting and fire happened in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. | Brian Taylor

Like others in my faith community, I’ve been feeling the weight of this weekend - digesting fragmented reports of a worship service much like my own - besieged by a man attempting to drive into the worship service, then shoot as many as he could, then light the whole building on fire (some have argued this reflected a military tactic of creating a disturbance that draws people out to then be shot).

Even amidst the horror, though, I’ve been struck by moments of sheer beauty and goodness, including these five below. Keep watching for them in your own experience, they’re always there!

1. Paula’s worries about her primary kids

Early reports are the adults shielded children from bullets, while others returned to the building to escort others out of the fire.

Some witnesses described severe worry any parents naturally feel about their children. But in this video, at about 1:30 in this video, I was moved to see Paula’s mention of her faith, followed by her love for children not her own: her “primary children” in a class she must have taught.

2. A peaceful response

It’s become popular in America to announce the vengeance and revenge you hope to see, even if only metaphysically. Compared with the muscular, take-it-to-the-bad-guys attitude so often witnessed following other violent acts, I’ve appreciated - like this commentator notes - the peaceful response from my brothers and sisters of faith in Michigan.

That commentator was reflecting on this video here:

And here’s the local leader of the congregation speaking:

3. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan leaders

Say what you want about Michigan’s governor, but I’ve found her written and verbal comments beautiful….especially her remark at the press conference: “Your grief is our grief.”

And this at the end of the Governor’s official statement: “we will continue to hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”

I’ve also been so impressed by the local police chief, the county official - and the state crime and FBI heads. In an age where everything is being questioned as suspect and corrupt, I’ve found so much to admire in the response to this and the Charlie Kirk shootings.

4. Friends reach out … just because

My dear neighbor has a best friend shot in the attack, and we’ve sought to support him. But no one needed to reach out to me.

Yet knowing the faith connection, two of my dearest friends, Arthur and Gary sent me notes over the last day - just as a way to share love.

Pastor Grogan, who pastored an Assembly of God Church in Champaign when I attended school there - and became a dear friend and spiritual mentor, later spoke with me on the phone, and offered a prayer at the end. He then followed up in email saying this:

“I was thinking about you yesterday and wanted to reach out with sincere love, compassion, and prayers. The Michigan church shooting and arson attack by a crazed individual who apparently disliked people of your faith makes me so very sad and brokenhearted. I was filled with anguish upon hearing the bad news and immediately thought of you.

We have different beliefs about biblical and theological perspectives, but our connection means more to me than any of our differences. What matters most to me is the person you are—your kind heart, honesty, sincerity, passion for faith and living rightly, and the shared memories we’ve built over the years.

I want to emphasize that my love and care for you are not dependent on what you believe. They stem from my deep appreciation for you as a person and as my friend. I hope that those in your faith know there are many of us who do not hate you, and we certainly do not see you as the “anti-Christ.”

Assure your faith community and personally recognize that whatever pain, hurt, or fear you may be experiencing, please know that I am here for you and share in your mourning of this loss. If you ever need to talk or simply want a distraction, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am always here to listen.

I always enjoy our prayer times together on the phone, as we did today.

With much love and respect,

Papa G

PS: When we don’t have answers, and we are hurting, it is good to lament. There are numerous lamenting Psalms in the Holy Bible that I pray out loud during difficult times: Psalms 6, 22, 42, 69, 74, and 88.

Monique also received this from a friend she met at a retreat earlier this year: “Monique and Jacob, I heard the heart breaking news about what happened at the church yesterday. I’m keeping you and your loved ones in my heart and sending you so much peace - we all need it. Xoxo. Bonny.”

My friend Liz Joyner said, “I’m just so deeply sorry this happened to your beautiful community of people. It’s getting too awful.”

Seriously - how can I despair too much with friends like this in the world? For me, they bear witness of a loving God watching over us all.

5. Fundraiser for Thomas Sanford’s son and wife

An online fundraiser for Thomas Sanford’s family was established, which prompted a response from his heartbroken family. On a week when some were reminding Americans of all the reasons we’re presumably “not Christian,” Latter-day Saints sent their own message through actions.

6. Running into the burning building over and over

My colleague Tad also wrote about the heroism of people running into the fire to bring people out.

7. Catholic Church’s love in Utah

I was also personally touched by a special mass held by a small Catholic church in Utah for President Nelson who passed away - in part motivated by the hatred and violence directed at Latter-day Saints on Sunday.

8. Thanks, Jamal

Lastly, I just have to give a shot-out to this guy, Jamal - who used his own time to make a video just to reach out with an expression of love and support. Seriously, brother, this made my day. (: