Put to the Test (Articles of Faith Story)

Put to the Test

The following letter was received several months ago by the father of a young Salt Lake City solider who is serving in the armed forces of our country.

 

I had a most unusual experience the other day, Dad. The colonel from area headquarters was here making an inspection of our post. Our "Commandant" called my buddy (also from Salt Lake) and me in about noon and asked us to serve the dinner at the guest officer's table. He said he had been watching us and liked the way we did things. He especially liked our clean-cut appearance and would appreciate having us do this particular job for him.

Well, we did it, all right! I confess we were a little bit nervous with so many brass buttons around. But we managed to get everything in the right place at the right time, and we didn't spill any soup, either. We sighed with relief when it was over, winked at each other, and turned to leave. But believe it or not, Dad, that colonel got up from the table and stopped us before we could get out of the room.

"Couldn't help but notice you fellows while I ate," he said. "I was so pleased that I spoke to your commander about you. He tells me that you are from Salt Lake City. By any chance do you happen to be Mormons?"

Both of us straightened up a little bit more, I think, as we proudly said "Yes, we are, sir!"

"I thought so," he mused. "But tell me, what do you believe anyway?"

Here was the sixty-four dollar question--bang--right out of a clear sky! Inwardly I shook, and my brain groped for a reply. Unconsciously, I know I uttered a little prayer, for truly I needed help.

And then the words came. Even I was surprised to hear them, so clear and distinct. "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."

I went right on, Dad, and thanks to my Heavenly Father, and my Primary teacher, who so patiently helped me years ago, I was able to repeat every word of those thirteen Articles of Faith.

The colonel just stood and looked at me. I thought he seemed deeply impressed, but I didn't know what to expect. Then he stepped forward and put his hand on my shoulder. When he spoke, I knew that he meant every word.

"Young man," he said. "If you live up to those beliefs you needn't be afraid to go anywhere."