My parents were alcoholics. When my father died at 51, I was angry with him and anyone else who drank. I wondered at times if there was anyone else in the world who felt like I did. The crazy part of it is that my father was a minister. I had asked him questions about life that he couldn’t answer, so I was just a very confused young mother looking for a better way to live.
In 1978 we moved into a little red brick house in Oklahoma City. Looking back, it’s a wonder that we bought it because of the shape it was in. The best thing about it was the next door neighbors. My daughter, Joey*, became friends with one of the daughters and started going to church with them. I watched this family and wondered what was different about them. They worked and played together and seemed to actually enjoy it!
The day that Donny Osmond got married, my neighbor and I got into a conversation about it. She told me she belonged to the same church he did. When I sounded curious, she asked if I’d like to know more. She said the missionaries were at her house quite often and if I wanted, they could teach me there.
I talked to Joey, who was all of 11 at the time, and we decided we wanted to learn more. We knew after the first discussion that we wanted to continue. We felt something there that we’d never felt before.
So we continued and we were ready to be baptized. I was stunned when I found out my husband had to give his approval. At this point he had no interest and didn’t want us joining this crazy church, either. We fasted and prayed about it, and within the week, he agreed to let us. I believe his words were, “I don’t care. Just quit bothering me about it.”
When I went to church that day, I told the bishop he had agreed to our baptism. Being a bit skeptical about what that meant, he asked me to tell him exactly what my husband had said. That day, when we got home from church, the bishop walked over and started up a conversation with my husband. Yes, that bishop was the man next door! He told my husband how happy he was that he had agreed to allow us to be baptized. At that point, I guess my husband felt like he couldn’t fight it any longer.
Joey and I were baptized that next week. For the next 20 years we struggled to fight against the adversary. My husband hated our involvement in the church and did everything he could to keep us from going. We moved several times and each time he hoped we’d just forget about it.
It didn’t happen. Joey was a faithful young woman with her eyes set on a temple marriage. She entered the Manti Temple and married her sweetheart while my husband and I stood outside. Twenty years after our baptism, with my husband’s heart being softened after going to a regional conference to see President Hinckley, he, too, was baptized.
After that twenty year struggle, we’re into year 15 of having an eternal marriage.
Life is good. Joey has been sealed to her parents and we have been able to go to the temple to see our grandson take out his own endowments and encourage him on his mission.
The last 15 years have been much easier than the first 20! We are all so grateful for the blessings of the gospel in our lives.
~ Joyce Moseley Pierce ~
*Joey is Joey Hall – one of my favorites. She briefly described her experience in the comment section of last year’s event. (Link here.)
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What a powerful story. Thank you for not giving up and thank you for your example:)
Hugs. After the trials of our faith (and, frequently, our patience) come the blessings.
What a remarkable story of continuing with faith in the face of adversity. You are a great example. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story!
Kristin
Well, I knew that Joey’s mom was a convert, but I don’t think I knew that Joey is! What a great story of perseverance! I’m glad to know Joey and her family, and glad to get to know Joyce a bit through cyberspace.
— Jen (my sis set up Joey and her husband on their first date, and I’ve known her husband for over 30 years)
Hugs to Joyce! Thank you for your faith and sharing.
hugs Joyce!
Hooray for good neighbors, a sensitive child, and good ol’ dedication. Terrific story!
Thank you for your story. It is beautiful!
“And a little child shall lead you”. Way to go, Joey, and hugs and happiness for both of you.
Joey, what a beautiful story of faithfulness, strength and courage from a beautiful woman….thank you for sharing.
What a beautiful story. MMM, I want to say thank you for posting the link to last year’s post as well. I went back and read the comments and am sitting here with tears in my eyes at the beauty of it all. I too am a lifetime member, wonder how I got so lucky, and LOVE to hear conversion stories. Thank you!!
Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing.
Wow Joyce, what a story! Hugs and thanks to you for sharing.
This is such a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing, Joyce! It is amazing to see the Gospel changes lives.
Wow, what an example of dedication! I’m happy your husband joined and you were sealed!