My Dear Brothers And Sisters My Testimony...

My dear brothers and sisters, my testimony this morning is that the soulstirring message that we have heard has come from the Lord; that his speaker was the officially chosen servant to speak to the world today, President David O. ¶

McKay. Historically, this has always been the mission of a prophet — not so much to foretell as to forthtell. I trust that many besides the group in this congregation will have borne upon their souls the same testimony that this message comes from the Lord through the Lord's servant. ¶

Within the past week we have had an experience in our home that has caused me some serious reflection. We have been blessed with our sixth child — a sweet little girl. Last Sunday morning I was called to the hospital about 4:00 a.m. As I was driving there I noticed that in my haste I had forgotten my wallet. I thought for a moment that I should return and get it, and then I thought, "I haven't time." Later, I stood by the bedside of my companion and observed the processes that are normal and natural in childbirth. When in a moment of anguish a poignant cry of pain escaped her lips, that wallet didn't seem very important. ¶

Now, I am not trying to depreciate a wallet, nor the temporal security that it symbolizes, for I think it is necessary, and that the Lord intends by prudence that we have sufficient of the world's goods. However, I think there is something purifying that comes into the heart of a father when he stands by the side of his wife during the processes of childbirth, and I thought of the real values of life. The things that took on the most significance were life itself and its purpose. ¶

The wallet was not of most value. ¶

Life and the life of a loved one was. ¶

The family and its choice relationships assumed their proper importance. The love that exists between a husband and a wife, how precious it became! And then above all, the thing of prime importance was the knowledge of a gospel plan of salvation that gives meaning and purpose, direction and worth, to life — a gospel plan that raises the childbirth process from a purely physical thing to a partnership with our Father in heaven in keeping his first commandment, and in bringing his spiritual children to tabernacle in temporal bodies. ¶

I was grateful for the knowledge that our family ties, sealed by the Holy Priesthood of the Lord and based upon obedience in righteousness to his commandments, would continue throughout eternity. I was grateful for the knowledge that love, as President McKay mentioned, will endure forever, and that those things that matter most will survive and have meaning not only in this sphere, but in others also. ¶

Now, as I pay tribute to my wonderful wife, I pay tribute to another group of women in this Church. I looked into their faces as I came to the pulpit this morning. These are the wives of the General Authorities. I think all of us know that at least once a week they share their husbands with all of the Church — always two days, sometimes three, ofttimes more. For the wives there is no compliment on a fine talk after the conference, no thanks for some question answered, for some help given, ofttimes not even a thought. However, few of these Brethren could serve as well without the quiet, sustaining, invisible, yet real strength that comes from the companionship of a good wife. The women's work is in the home with their children or grandchildren, sustaining their companions, serving in the Church and community, and sharing their husbands with the rest of the Church. Although their work has an everydayness about it, it requires as much service and dedication as other kinds of work. ¶

Then, as I go about in the wards and stakes, I find literally thousands of wives who do the same thing, who give service, even sacrifice, in permitting their husbands who hold the priesthood, to go to countless meetings and give thousands of hours of service to their fellow men. ¶

Surely Milton must have been thinking of such as these as he penned these words in the sonnet on his blindness: ¶

"They also serve who only stand and wait." I am humbled by the great service that is given in this Church by these women, of whom this great Singing Mother's Chorus is but symbolic. ¶

I would pay my respects, too, to one other group in the Church — the unsung and unheralded. Without their efforts the work of this Church would come to a standstill. These are the office personnel, the secretaries, the office managers, the custodians, the department heads, the clerks, the stenographers, the operators — all who give so unstintedly of their time and service in the Church Office Building, and elsewhere, because of their spirit of dedication and devotion to this work. ¶

I humbly pray that the Lord will bless his children who serve him. I am grateful beyond expression for a Church that is organized by the Lord Jesus Christ, that permits, even obligates, his children to serve in his cause, a Church in which the lay members not only participate, but lead, a Church in which each one of us can find expression for his talents and growth in his character as he strives to earn his salvation and to serve his fellow men. ¶

I know that God lives, that Jesus Christ is his Son; that he lives, that he directs this Church and his prophets here on this earth. I am grateful for the Church organization that gives us a medium of service to mankind and growth for ourselves. May each of us in our own contribution find satisfaction and joy in service to our fellow men and to our Lord, I humbly ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶