From Loretta

As I have been looking forward to the Stacey family fast and contemplating the strength of combining our faith and prayers on behalf of this family, a story from the life of Heber J. Grant as told by Truman G. Madsen came to mind.

This experience of President Grant happened when he was an apostle and Lorenzo Snow was the prophet. At the time Pres. Grant’s family was in debt because of some bad investments. (In today’s dollars, probably around three to four million). He had calculated that it would take him at least 13 years to pay back the debts plus interest but he was committed to pay it all back. This was just at the turn of the century.
At the Thursday meeting with the brethren, Pres. Snow said that they were opening a mission in Japan and Heber J. Grant would be called to preside there if his family was able to financially. Pres. Snow asked him, “Heber, what is your situation?” Response, “Oh, I owe a few dollars.” He thought to himself that if the Lord wanted him to serve in Japan then he would be faithful and add more years to paying off his debt. He indicated to the prophet that he would need some time to get his affairs in order, but yes, he would accept the call. The meeting ended, everyone left, and Elder Grant was still stunned and was sitting in his chair. One of the brethren came back, John W. Taylor, and said: “Heber, it’s been made known to me that you made a financial sacrifice today. Comparable financially speaking to Abraham. It’s been made known to me that the Lord has accepted your willingness to go to Japan. And it’s been made known to me that the Lord will open the way and you will leave for Japan a free man financially.” Elder Grant wept and then Brother Taylor went on, “I have more to say to you. I’m going to tell you how to do it. You’re not to plan to make money, you’re to get out of bed every morning and ask the Lord to guide you that day and he will put ideas into your mind and you follow those and you will be out of debt.” Six months later he was out of debt and went to Japan.

I think that this story came to mind because I was excited to have the family start this three months of fasting, faith, and prayer. Last night I was excited to go to bed and this morning I prayed for the members of the Stacey family. Some needs I know personally, but most I do not. I believe that this family can face the challenges and trials that test us because we sustain and comfort each other and are united in asking for the blessings of heaven. The challenges and trials may not pass at this time and new ones may even come, but our fasting and prayers will bring added strength and maybe even make us more aware of the daily tender mercies of the Lord. I’m so thankful for the blessing of family. It has been a wonderful day to fast.

Loretta