When Everything is Broken: Finding the Savior in the Shrapnel of Life

If you’ve ever been in a situation where the world was suddenly chaotic—where the ground dropped out from under you, or the noise was deafening, or the pain was overwhelming—you know what it feels like to lose contact. You lose your bearings, you lose your safety, and you are left scrambling for anything solid to hold onto.

But sometimes, in the deepest moments of physical or emotional trauma, we find something far more sustaining than a literal lifeline: we find the unwavering knowledge of the Spirit. This is the lesson I took away from hearing the incredible story of Richard Norby, a missionary who was severely injured in the 2016 bombing at Brussels International Airport.

Richard’s account is a powerful, visceral reminder that even when our lives are literally shattered—when we are compromised, bleeding, and full of shrapnel—the Savior’s presence is absolute. He recounts the moment of explosion, the confusion, and the immediate, primal realization that despite the physical horror, there was a spiritual certainty. He didn't just remember that he was safe; he remembered that the Lord knew who he was, where he was, and what he was feeling.

What struck me most wasn't the severity of his injuries—the broken leg, the severe burns, the shrapnel—but the profound spiritual peace that washed over him. In the midst of the chaos, he felt a thought, an instantaneous impression: that the Savior had suffered for all those injuries, for all the feelings, and for every challenge his family was about to face. In that moment, the worry and the fear were eclipsed by the comforting assurance: *It is going to be okay.*

The Spiritual First Aid Kit

When we talk about missionary preparation, we often focus on the skills: how to handle a difficult question, how to teach a doctrine, or how to organize a successful visit. And those skills matter! But Richard’s story teaches us that the most essential skill is recognizing that divine assurance. It’s the knowledge that regardless of the physical injuries—the emotional 'shrapnel' we carry from tough weeks, challenging comps, or personal setbacks—the Savior is already working on the deepest, unseen wounds.

This is the core of what it means to be a disciple anywhere, all the time. When we feel overwhelmed by the 'work,' when our own batteries are low, or when we are facing tough questions from an investigator that leave us speechless, we must remember to pause and reach for that assurance. The Savior knows where you are, even when you feel lost and broken.

Keeping the Assurance Alive

How do we keep that spiritual assurance alive when we are back home, far from the field? We practice the skills of discipleship in the everyday moments.

• Deepening Scripture Study: This is the perfect time to engage with the rich resources available. If you are looking for a place to dig into the Book of Mormon or other scriptures with other members, check out the Book Club or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. This is where the social scripture study layer truly shines.
• Testing Your Understanding: If you are unsure how to answer a tough doctrinal question or need to prepare for a mission interview, I highly recommend checking out Davee's AI Investigator role. He is an amazing co-pilot for walking through those hard questions and building your confidence!
• Nourishing the Mind: Don't forget to feed your spirit with doctrine. I've been reading Gather Israel by Iron Rod lately, and it’s giving me so much heart as I think about the covenants we are called to keep.

The message from Richard’s experience is simple, but profound: our faith isn't just for the good times. It is the anchor that holds us when everything else is in pieces. When you feel that wave of fear or inadequacy wash over you, pause. Breathe. Remember that the Savior already suffered for your wounds, and He is right here with you.

If you're feeling the call to strengthen your spiritual foundation, I encourage you to take advantage of our free weekly Disciple Challenge. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to build skills and feel the Spirit alongside other committed disciples. Let's keep the covenant of discipleship alive, wherever we are!