Spencer's Miracle

It was Friday, October 25^th and Ben got a phone call. It was Brayden Luke, the deacon’s quorum president. “Can Spencer give a talk on Sunday?” I said I’d ask him. I went to the kitchen table where he was doing homework. “Spencer, would you be willing to give a talk in church the day after tomorrow?” Immediately my 12 year-old son froze and his countenance changed. I knew why. Spencer was extremely bright and was the most obedient person I know. But he had his limits, diagnosed with autism and A.D.H.D. at age 7, he had some trials and struggles that were unique to him. One of them was a fear of speaking in front of large crowds. Still I talked to him about the blessings of responding when we are called to help at church. That we should always say “yes”. That it always works out. “So Spence, do you want to speak on Sunday?”

After a long pause he answered, “Uhhh, not really,” in his newly acquired deep voice. I tried to coax, persuade, and reassure him, but in the end he declined. “What if we tell them that you’d be happy to do it, but preferably with more advance notice?”

“Yeah, but when I do, can you come sit behind me?”

“Sure, Spence, I can do that.”

Our regrets were sent via Ben to the deacon’s quorum president who found himself in a bind. Who would speak on Sunday? Big step-brother Ben selflessly volunteered to speak in Spencer’s place.

The topic was discussed in detail as a family on a scenic drive Friday night. “The atonement.” We tried as a family to make it personal and make it real. Saturday night came and went with Ben becoming extremely sick to his stomach. He was up all night. On October 27^th, Sunday morning came with Ben unable to get out of bed. Now we were in a bind.

I suggested we call the Bishop and cancel, I felt like that was the only option left, but Alfonso felt like we should give it one more try. He asked Spence if we wrote a talk for him, if he would be willing to go up and read it into the microphone. We offered extra re-assurance and coaxing, and in the end Spencer selflessly agreed to give the talk in Ben’s place. But with one sweet condition, he wanted to help write the talk.  

That Sunday morning, the clock never ticked so fast. Yet somehow and rather peacefully, with Spencer’s help, a talk was written, edited, approved and printed within minutes. A true miracle. We said goodbye to an ailing Ben and rushed to church. The chapel was a bit chaotic with the previous ward’s primary program practice going overtime. Yet the Young Men of our ward were able to prepare the sacrament, and the organist and I were able to get through the maze of children and get the meeting’s music ready.

5 minutes before the meeting began, and just moments after the primary rushed out,  Dieter F. Uchtdorf walked in. I had to do a double take, but fortunately I was able to recognize him quickly and do my best to not get too star-struck.  He approached the stand, shook the bishop’s hand, the counselors, and mine. WOW. It really was him! An apostle of Jesus Christ. A member of the the FIRST PRESIDENCY of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Here in our building. To worship with our small congregation. I exchanged a shocked glance with my husband and hid behind the organ while the organist and I, struck with amazement, got our bearings.

Spencer, was seemingly preoccupied with his impending talk and came up to the stand to talk to me when President Uchtdorf reached out to shake his hand. They shook hands and Spencer didn’t even look up. I took him to the side and said, “Spencer, do you know who that is?” “No.” “That’s Dieter Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency of the church! Do you recognize him from conference?” “Really?” His face lit up, “Wow!”

Oh my goodness, Spencer’s talk! “You’re so lucky, you get to give a talk today! I’ll sit behind you like we talked about. Don’t worry Spence, just say a prayer and Heavenly Father will help you. It’ll be okay.”

The meeting began. Our bishop conducted and quite frankly seemed nervous but collected. He announced President Uchtdorf as the presider over the meeting. There was a tangible excitement in the air during the songs and announcements. Spencer looked a little nervous as he helped pass the sacrament and afterwards came to sit by me on the stand. I sensed his worry and whispered to him, “How are you?”

“Scared.”

“Oh Spencer, is it because President Uchtdorf is here?”

“Yeah, that’s part of it.”

“Don’t worry, he’s just a man and an apostle of Jesus Christ. Which means it’s just like the Savior is here. and HE LOVES you. Just think about how much he loves you.”

He still seemed worried so I said, “Lets make a signal. You go up and give the talk and if you have any trouble at all, and want me to stand with you, all you have to do is turn around and look at me and I’ll come up. Does that work?”

“Yeah.”

After the first youth speaker, it was Spencer’s turn. He started shaking and very slowly approached the microphone. The room wasn’t filled by any means, but he obviously felt the pressure of the crowd. I could see him struggling at the pulpit. Within 10 seconds he turned and made eye contact with me. That was our signal. My cue. I struggled for a split second. Should I go up? Or should I make him do it on his own? He’s 12 after all.

No. We had an agreement and that was my cue. I stood up, walked to him and quickly put my arm around him and held him tightly. He still couldn’t speak. With my arm around him, I asked him if he wanted me to start giving the talk for him.

“Yeah.”

I started and improvised the wording a little, “Today. . . we would like to talk to you about the atonement. First we want to discuss the meaning of the word atonement. . . .”

With each word, I began to feel the spirit so strong. It was unmistakable. I finished the paragraph and my eyes filled with tears. Spencer gained courage and started reading the next paragraph. He was so, so brave. The spirit continued to grow and while I absolutely love my son, I felt an even greater outpouring of love for the courageous 12-year-old at my side. I could see through my cloudy teary eyes others in the congregation wiping their tears away. I think everyone could feel the Spirit’s presence that day.

Spencer finished his talk. It was followed by all of the priesthood brethren singing, “Ye elders of Israel.” President Uchtdorf smiled and turned around often to see them. They did a great job. There really is power in the priesthood.

The two sister missionaries in our area spoke and finished with extra time left in the program. Elder Uchtdorf then addressed us. He talked about the musical # and how it reminded him of the small wards in Germany he’d visit and that the whole congregation seemed to go up when the choir sang. He commented on the other speaker sand how he appreciated the messages. And then, he singled out Spencer.

“Spencer, you are a hero! What a remarkable and courageous young man. To be willing to fill in for your brother last minute. Spencer, you have been blessed with a handsome voice.  Continue practicing and you will one day be a great speaker.”

After the meeting, he greeted all who wished to shake his hand. But when Spencer approached President Uchtdorf, he received a big hug. I watched in amazement from the sidelines.

A prophet of God, blessed my son, and the whole congregation that day. He is truly an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have no doubt.

I’ll never forget the day he came to visit and bless us.

The following Friday, November 1^st a letter came in the mail, addressed to Spencer from the office of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We are opening it tonight.