Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Eccl. 12:7.)
When I was eight years old my father died of a heart attack, leaving me, my mother and two older brothers.
I was put in a boarding school until my oldest brother, Harland, married and sent for me to come and live with his family.
How thankful I was to be with a family again. I will always remember Harland's singing and guitar playing, and the many heart-to-heart talks we had.
When he died nine years ago from cancer, I felt so helpless. I knew there was a God, but where was He at that time?
A few months after his death, Leonora Brown came into my shop. I admired her knowledge and great wisdom, so I opened up to her. All she said was, "Don't you read the scriptures?" Then she quoted Eccl. 12:7.
Complete joy and peace filled my soul. I knew my brother was at peace and happy where he was.
Sister Brown talked about temple work and modern-day prophets. I felt my spirit come alive for the first time, and I knew what she was saying was true.
I joined the Church the early part of 1979. My husband and three sons joined later that same year. We were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake Temple in 1982.
I am eternally grateful for our membership in the Church, and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the scriptures for the power they have to change lives, and to give comfort to those in need.
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