The curse upon the Nephites was terrible, but even at this point, Samuel does not foreclose hope. They still had the opportunity to repent. Contrast the Nephite reaction to that of Ninevah in Jonah 3, in which a prophet similarly proclaimed destruction but the entire city promptly repented. The Lord does not apply the curse without first giving people ample opportunity to avoid it. We have only our own pride standing in the way of a change of heart, and the Lord will welcome us as we return to his ways.