Heart Attack at the Bishops Office

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Visitors walking past the Bishop’s office at a local meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this week were greeted by a vibrant, heartwarming sight: the Bishop Office door covered from top to bottom in colorful, handmade paper hearts.

The colorful display is the result of a traditional "heart attack"—a stealthy act of kindness popularized by Primary children (the Church’s organization for children ages 18 months to 11 years).

A Tradition of Stealthy Kindness

While the term might sound alarming to outsiders, in Latter-day Saint culture, a "heart attack" is a deeply cherished term of endearment. The tradition involves a group—usually a class of Primary children—secretly decorating a person’s door, car, or home with dozens of paper hearts containing written messages of love, appreciation, and scripture verses.

Once the door is covered, the children knock and run away, or leave the display to be found unexpectedly. The goal is simple: to overwhelm the recipient with love.

The origins of the practice date back decades within the global Church community, rooted in lessons that teach children the value of Christlike service and community bonding. It has evolved into a staple activity for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or times when a local leader or neighbor is going through a difficult trial.

Bringing Joy to Local Leaders

For local bishops, who serve as lay ministers balancing full-time careers, families, and the spiritual needs of hundreds of congregation members entirely on a volunteer basis, the gesture carries significant emotional weight.

"Walking up to your office and seeing that sea of color instantly changes your day," said one local attendee. "When people see a door 'heart-attacked' by the kids, there is an immediate sense of joy and warmth. It’s a visual reminder of the innocent, pure love these children have for their leaders, and it reminds everyone who walks down the hallway of the power of small, simple acts of kindness."

In a world that can often feel chaotic, the brightly decorated door in Kansas City stands as a quiet, powerful testament to community, gratitude, and a tradition of love passed down to the next generation.