The Story of Marie

The Prophet Joseph Smith has been misunderstood by many, due in large part to half-truths, rumors and innuendo.  These words of his help understand his vision and his motive: "We don't ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more."

This is the story of Marie.  She came and got more.  She was baptized last Sunday.

Marie and Sister Custer

Marie is 83 and has been a widow since she was 54. As a child her mother physically abused her. She went through her life with a very low opinion of herself. She would often wonder as she looked in the mirror as a teenager, “What is wrong with me?”

When she was 26, she met and married her husband. He came from an Irish Catholic home and she loved him very much. They had 4 children. He died almost 30 years ago.

The way she came in contact with the church is through Sister Smith. Sister Smith served as the Relief Society (women’s organization) president in her ward while her husband was attending graduate school in Philadelphia. Sister Smith lived on the same block as Marie and befriended her. Actually, it was 3 month old Thomas who befriended Marie.

Marie says, “I needed a man in my life, and there he was, Thomas, 3 months old." Sister Smith would help Marie often, but did not mention the church much. Marie started asking questions when Sister Smith invited her to the church. Now Marie has been coming to the church for the past two years and constantly talks about the peace she feels there. She declined the invitation to be baptized for a year and a half because she did not feel worthy. President, there is another side to this story.

Two months ago our sister missionaries, Sister Lloyd and Sister Custer, went to Marie’s house and, moved by the Holy Ghost, boldly invited her to be baptized. She declined. They went home and prayed fervently that night. The next day, Marie had an experience in Relief Society which told her that the Church was true and the she should be baptized.

Imagine making such a profound change in your life at age 83! Marie had the courage to act on the tender feelings that came to her heart. She replaced fear (of change) with faith and trust in God. Marie knows that there is more for her and that God will bring her back together with her beloved husband who has been gone for almost 30 years. She looks forward to this reunion. I always marvel at stories like this.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” (Matthew 11:28-30).