Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. — James 1:27
My father died when I was 10 years of age. I was the third of seven children that my mother was left to raise alone. I struggled spiritually for many years. Yet, the patience and love shown to me by the members and leaders of the Colorado Springs 1st Ward helped to keep me from straying too far from the Lord. For example, Brother Harvey Johnson took me fishing about once per month during the summer months. While talking together in the car, I could tell he cared about me. After we had talked for a while he would subtlety bring up some gospel principles to plant a spiritual thought into my heart and mind.
Members who moved out of the ward also did not forget our family. One family in particular, the Stoddards, showed extra love towards us. I remember seeing Brother Dan Stoddard sitting on the stand in stake conferences. Looking back, I realize that he was a member of the stake presidency. At the time, however, it made little difference to me what calling he had. What did make a difference was how he and his family treated my family. For example, when I was about age 13, my mother had asked me to lower the grass in the parking strip so the water would not run off so easily. I completed about a third of the project over several days but then I became discouraged because of the tree roots and hard soil.
The Stoddards saw my discouragement and the concern of my mother about the project not being completed. They decided to come over as a family project one Saturday and helped me complete the project. They made me feel at ease by complimenting me on what I had done by myself and pointing out how hard it would be for one boy to be dealing with the hard soil and tree roots all by himself.
Many times I have thanked the Lord for the pure religion displayed by these members and leaders for me, a fatherless child. I have tried to follow these examples of pure religion by looking out for others who could use some spiritual encouragement when they are struggling.
— Bishop David Ray Carver, Kaysville Utah
"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you. Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax (801) 237-2524. E-mail: churchnews@desnews.com