Thank you Elder/Brother Marks. We've met on a couple occasions @ the City Branch. I've known the Dentons for a long time & know of the deep & abiding Love she has for you. Thank you for sharing this chapter of her story that shows the depth of Her love of the Gospel, and all of Heavenly Father children, You Honor her well. I look forward to talking about this with James & Barbara.
Carol Marks-WalkMay 25, 2018
My eyes are leaking…..a shared Marks characteristic! I have heard of your love for the Dentons and knew that was where OUR Denton's name came from, but I'd never heard the complete "Mama" story. I couldn't help but feel the presence of YOUR Grandma standing by my side as I read the story and wept. Yep, I know your Mama and your Grandma are acquainted now, both caught up in outbragging you to each other! Loren, what a blessing and a thrill to be your aunt and to have to opportunities to listen and learn from your words. What joy and pride you bring to the generations who have gone on in our family, and those yet to come to our family. But even greater, what joy and pride you are to the Denton generations, those gone, those here and those yet to come. Love, AC
TJMay 25, 2018
So beautifully written. I can only thank you for sharing. I am a better person for it.
Denise CottrellMay 24, 2018
With tears rolling down my cheeks, I thank you for sharing this special story with so many. We all have so much to learn, and with true stories like this that touch our very souls, progress can and will be made. Thank you again. Mama's quote has been written down and will be remembered -- and used !!
Kay RookhuyzenMay 23, 2018
A wonderful story well told and well written. Thanks so much for sharing this experience.
Kathleen ChinMay 23, 2018
My late husband, a Chinese-American man, joined the Church when he was 32 years. He was drawn to the special feeling he had every time he frequented a precision tooling business in Silicone Valley, owned by a “white” Latter-Day Saint Family. People in the church and everywhere else have ALWAYS asked me, “Your husband is Chinese? From China?” I always respond, “No. Chinese from LA—Los Angeles.” Chuckles almost always follow. My husband was 5’ 11 3/4” and weighed 200 - 220 lbs. He started weightlifting in 6th grade, and thought, “Maybe if I get strong, they’ll leave me alone.” It became a lifelong habit. I tell people, “We were married 26 years. He didn’t miss 26 DAYS of working out. He did it like most people brush their teeth...no talking about it, planning it...he just did it.” I mention this because being Asian in California during and post-WWII was very difficult. My husband eventually made his peace with all the racism and bullying he experienced growing up. He even grew to understand why the former G.I.’s had some VERY complex and negative feelings about those of Asian ancestry—given that their enemy was the Japanese. His family was the first Chinese family to purchase a home in Fullerton, CA. A kind neighbor carried a petition throughout the neighborhood, when she was almost nine-months pregnant, to remove the “red line” deed restrictions that only allowed “white, Protestant” families to purchase homes in their subdivision. My husband’s parents ordered him never to fight the other boys in the neighborhood. He eventually grew to understand their reasons. Still, getting beat up everyday on the way home from school prompted the lifelong habit of weightlifting. He got strong alright, and he finally stopped getting beat up. Fast forward to him joining the church. He was single, had never married, had also NOT served a mission, and had NOT been to the temple. Single LDS women were reluctant to date him—all the prejudice of his past came screaming to the forefront. He once made the comment, after he had gone inactive, “These people are hypocrites! They have EVERYTHING. They have the TRUTH, and they act like THIS?!” Luckily, “the firm, but gentle, grasp of the truth” drew him back. When he was in his 50’s he observed, “Sometimes generations have to die before REAL change can happen.” I liken it to the “generation” of the Children of Israel freed from Egypt having to wander in the wilderness for 40 years and eventually die, before their children could inherit the Promised Land. Some people can’t let go of the “false traditions of their father’s.” Thank you for an AMAZING story! I LOVE people who love others—no matter what! They are TRUE examples of loving others as our Savior Jesus Christ does! They give EVERYONE hope!!
Linda WestoverMay 23, 2018
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. I'm sure there are many in the church today -- of all races and nationalities -- who must also try not to let someone else's bad moment affect their testimony. Perhaps your story will remind us all to watch our tongues and actions so we will not be the ones to make membership in the church harder for any person.
GlendaMay 23, 2018
What a beautiful account of incredible love and faith that we can all learn much from. Your dear "black Mama" truly exemplified the Saviour's teaching to be "A light to the world" to "glorify your Father which is in Heaven" and in doing so blessed her family,descendants and those familiar with her and her story. Thank you so much for sharing.
JanetMay 23, 2018
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
JswartsMay 23, 2018
Thank you for this inspiring message. It is a beautiful story and touches my heart.
Ben CotterMay 23, 2018
Thank you for sharing your story about your Mama. May we all reach out and love one another regardless of any differences we may have.
YvonneMay 23, 2018
Thank you for this beautiful story. As a racially mixed individual I have lived through my share of prejudice. Thank God for the gospel and for the knowledge of who we really are. That knowledge gives strength and eases tears. We each chose a story to live while on this earth to give ourselves experience and knowledge. I am thankful for my struggles for the empathy it gives me.
J. LyonsMay 23, 2018
A beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
John ColemanMay 23, 2018
Thank you for relating this wonderful story!
You're right, it needed to be told. It made my day to read of your life with Sister Denton.
ShannonMay 23, 2018
I love this! Thank you for sharing. I live in the South and have a dear black friend
I have quietly been sharing the gospel with and I would love to invite to church, but haven't dared because of how I have seen others treated and ignorant comments. Not very Christian. I so love this amazing woman who didn't keep others rude comments come between her and the Lord!
Karla CampbellMay 23, 2018
Beautiful story! Thank you! We had similar experiences while living in Texas in 1978 where after the branch president of our small branch read the announcement that all worthy male members could receive the priesthood, he made hurtful comments which expressed his negative feelings about what to me was a wonderful, long awaited event. There were no black members in the branch and sadly, they would not have been welcome at that time. I sincerely hope that has changed!
RickMay 23, 2018
This is so beautiful. Thank-you brother Marks for writing this and Meridian Magazine for publishing. Wonderful.
VPOPEMay 23, 2018
Thankle you for sharing your tender story. My heart is full of love and admiration for our dear sweet black brothers and sisters. I too have a "mama" that I love dearly. One of her granddaughters is preparing for a mission. I'm so grateful for each sister and the love they share with me.
John B HewlettMay 23, 2018
Wonderful and heartwarming missionary story. What a learning experience missions provide for young and old missionaries alike. When we associate with those of different cultures, and experiences it more fully prepares us for mortal understanding and acceptance of others. I found the same experience with the Polynesians, and those of different socioeconomic status throughout the years. God bless these modern pioneers for their unique contribution to our refining and understanding.
MonetMay 23, 2018
This should be made into a movie! What an incredible story! We need more of these! Thank you SO much for writing this during such a divided time in our culture.
Steve PetrieMay 23, 2018
I loved reading this exceptionally written story. It touched my heart and soul, bringing to the forefront memories of my own 'mamas', brothers and sisters from 2 missions in Brazil that blessed my life then and always.
VickyMay 23, 2018
Such a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing!! Loved this!
Lori Finlay HamiltonMay 23, 2018
Thank you, Thank you for this beautiful article!!! With tear filled eyes, I loved every detail you shared. And yes, I remember that June 1978 day, when I pulled to the side of the road, burst out bawling for this revelation!
I have lived in ATL for 18 years now, and also a blessed member of the Saints Unified Voices choir. Some of my most spiritual moments in life have been singing praises to and with my beloved friends with beautiful ebony skin. We all love the Lord and His gospel very much. Some just have not read the Book of Mormon or heard of the fullness of His gospel.
I pray that members will share this glorious broadcast with their friends - of all color - as the massive choir represents all color and it will move souls!!!
Hallelujah!!!
Jim HastingsMay 23, 2018
I am waiting for the tears to clear so I can write this simple tribute. Well written, gospel principles expressed in a Christ like way, I have gone through a similar situation, but with a dark skinned step child. The results of my confrontation did not turn out well. All I can do now is try to stop him from being a enemy of the Church....You bring HOPE with this story....tks....
Helene MatheeMay 23, 2018
I was baptized on May 5, 1991. A time of heightened segregation for South Africa. By then we were used to white young men with white shirts and black badges walking our streets. We know our story but you just showed us your side of meeting people like us and what the experiences were for missionaries when they first meet people like us. We loved on them like only Coloured folk can. We definitely show our love by feeding others. Thank you so much for taking me back to my own conversion. It felt like the story of so many of us in the beginning.
Lorena HolmsteadMay 22, 2018
Thand you for sharing this story! I loved it. I will remember to never let aomeone’s bad moment get between me and the Lord.
DJMay 22, 2018
Beautiful- thanks for sharing. I can feel the warmth of her personality and testimony, and it has strengthened mine.
Comments | Return to Story
Bro. Duane LevelsMay 26, 2018
Thank you Elder/Brother Marks. We've met on a couple occasions @ the City Branch. I've known the Dentons for a long time & know of the deep & abiding Love she has for you. Thank you for sharing this chapter of her story that shows the depth of Her love of the Gospel, and all of Heavenly Father children, You Honor her well. I look forward to talking about this with James & Barbara.
Carol Marks-WalkMay 25, 2018
My eyes are leaking…..a shared Marks characteristic! I have heard of your love for the Dentons and knew that was where OUR Denton's name came from, but I'd never heard the complete "Mama" story. I couldn't help but feel the presence of YOUR Grandma standing by my side as I read the story and wept. Yep, I know your Mama and your Grandma are acquainted now, both caught up in outbragging you to each other! Loren, what a blessing and a thrill to be your aunt and to have to opportunities to listen and learn from your words. What joy and pride you bring to the generations who have gone on in our family, and those yet to come to our family. But even greater, what joy and pride you are to the Denton generations, those gone, those here and those yet to come. Love, AC
TJMay 25, 2018
So beautifully written. I can only thank you for sharing. I am a better person for it.
Denise CottrellMay 24, 2018
With tears rolling down my cheeks, I thank you for sharing this special story with so many. We all have so much to learn, and with true stories like this that touch our very souls, progress can and will be made. Thank you again. Mama's quote has been written down and will be remembered -- and used !!
Kay RookhuyzenMay 23, 2018
A wonderful story well told and well written. Thanks so much for sharing this experience.
Kathleen ChinMay 23, 2018
My late husband, a Chinese-American man, joined the Church when he was 32 years. He was drawn to the special feeling he had every time he frequented a precision tooling business in Silicone Valley, owned by a “white” Latter-Day Saint Family. People in the church and everywhere else have ALWAYS asked me, “Your husband is Chinese? From China?” I always respond, “No. Chinese from LA—Los Angeles.” Chuckles almost always follow. My husband was 5’ 11 3/4” and weighed 200 - 220 lbs. He started weightlifting in 6th grade, and thought, “Maybe if I get strong, they’ll leave me alone.” It became a lifelong habit. I tell people, “We were married 26 years. He didn’t miss 26 DAYS of working out. He did it like most people brush their teeth...no talking about it, planning it...he just did it.” I mention this because being Asian in California during and post-WWII was very difficult. My husband eventually made his peace with all the racism and bullying he experienced growing up. He even grew to understand why the former G.I.’s had some VERY complex and negative feelings about those of Asian ancestry—given that their enemy was the Japanese. His family was the first Chinese family to purchase a home in Fullerton, CA. A kind neighbor carried a petition throughout the neighborhood, when she was almost nine-months pregnant, to remove the “red line” deed restrictions that only allowed “white, Protestant” families to purchase homes in their subdivision. My husband’s parents ordered him never to fight the other boys in the neighborhood. He eventually grew to understand their reasons. Still, getting beat up everyday on the way home from school prompted the lifelong habit of weightlifting. He got strong alright, and he finally stopped getting beat up. Fast forward to him joining the church. He was single, had never married, had also NOT served a mission, and had NOT been to the temple. Single LDS women were reluctant to date him—all the prejudice of his past came screaming to the forefront. He once made the comment, after he had gone inactive, “These people are hypocrites! They have EVERYTHING. They have the TRUTH, and they act like THIS?!” Luckily, “the firm, but gentle, grasp of the truth” drew him back. When he was in his 50’s he observed, “Sometimes generations have to die before REAL change can happen.” I liken it to the “generation” of the Children of Israel freed from Egypt having to wander in the wilderness for 40 years and eventually die, before their children could inherit the Promised Land. Some people can’t let go of the “false traditions of their father’s.” Thank you for an AMAZING story! I LOVE people who love others—no matter what! They are TRUE examples of loving others as our Savior Jesus Christ does! They give EVERYONE hope!!
Linda WestoverMay 23, 2018
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. I'm sure there are many in the church today -- of all races and nationalities -- who must also try not to let someone else's bad moment affect their testimony. Perhaps your story will remind us all to watch our tongues and actions so we will not be the ones to make membership in the church harder for any person.
GlendaMay 23, 2018
What a beautiful account of incredible love and faith that we can all learn much from. Your dear "black Mama" truly exemplified the Saviour's teaching to be "A light to the world" to "glorify your Father which is in Heaven" and in doing so blessed her family,descendants and those familiar with her and her story. Thank you so much for sharing.
JanetMay 23, 2018
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
JswartsMay 23, 2018
Thank you for this inspiring message. It is a beautiful story and touches my heart.
Ben CotterMay 23, 2018
Thank you for sharing your story about your Mama. May we all reach out and love one another regardless of any differences we may have.
YvonneMay 23, 2018
Thank you for this beautiful story. As a racially mixed individual I have lived through my share of prejudice. Thank God for the gospel and for the knowledge of who we really are. That knowledge gives strength and eases tears. We each chose a story to live while on this earth to give ourselves experience and knowledge. I am thankful for my struggles for the empathy it gives me.
J. LyonsMay 23, 2018
A beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
John ColemanMay 23, 2018
Thank you for relating this wonderful story! You're right, it needed to be told. It made my day to read of your life with Sister Denton.
ShannonMay 23, 2018
I love this! Thank you for sharing. I live in the South and have a dear black friend I have quietly been sharing the gospel with and I would love to invite to church, but haven't dared because of how I have seen others treated and ignorant comments. Not very Christian. I so love this amazing woman who didn't keep others rude comments come between her and the Lord!
Karla CampbellMay 23, 2018
Beautiful story! Thank you! We had similar experiences while living in Texas in 1978 where after the branch president of our small branch read the announcement that all worthy male members could receive the priesthood, he made hurtful comments which expressed his negative feelings about what to me was a wonderful, long awaited event. There were no black members in the branch and sadly, they would not have been welcome at that time. I sincerely hope that has changed!
RickMay 23, 2018
This is so beautiful. Thank-you brother Marks for writing this and Meridian Magazine for publishing. Wonderful.
VPOPEMay 23, 2018
Thankle you for sharing your tender story. My heart is full of love and admiration for our dear sweet black brothers and sisters. I too have a "mama" that I love dearly. One of her granddaughters is preparing for a mission. I'm so grateful for each sister and the love they share with me.
John B HewlettMay 23, 2018
Wonderful and heartwarming missionary story. What a learning experience missions provide for young and old missionaries alike. When we associate with those of different cultures, and experiences it more fully prepares us for mortal understanding and acceptance of others. I found the same experience with the Polynesians, and those of different socioeconomic status throughout the years. God bless these modern pioneers for their unique contribution to our refining and understanding.
MonetMay 23, 2018
This should be made into a movie! What an incredible story! We need more of these! Thank you SO much for writing this during such a divided time in our culture.
Steve PetrieMay 23, 2018
I loved reading this exceptionally written story. It touched my heart and soul, bringing to the forefront memories of my own 'mamas', brothers and sisters from 2 missions in Brazil that blessed my life then and always.
VickyMay 23, 2018
Such a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing!! Loved this!
Lori Finlay HamiltonMay 23, 2018
Thank you, Thank you for this beautiful article!!! With tear filled eyes, I loved every detail you shared. And yes, I remember that June 1978 day, when I pulled to the side of the road, burst out bawling for this revelation! I have lived in ATL for 18 years now, and also a blessed member of the Saints Unified Voices choir. Some of my most spiritual moments in life have been singing praises to and with my beloved friends with beautiful ebony skin. We all love the Lord and His gospel very much. Some just have not read the Book of Mormon or heard of the fullness of His gospel. I pray that members will share this glorious broadcast with their friends - of all color - as the massive choir represents all color and it will move souls!!! Hallelujah!!!
Jim HastingsMay 23, 2018
I am waiting for the tears to clear so I can write this simple tribute. Well written, gospel principles expressed in a Christ like way, I have gone through a similar situation, but with a dark skinned step child. The results of my confrontation did not turn out well. All I can do now is try to stop him from being a enemy of the Church....You bring HOPE with this story....tks....
Helene MatheeMay 23, 2018
I was baptized on May 5, 1991. A time of heightened segregation for South Africa. By then we were used to white young men with white shirts and black badges walking our streets. We know our story but you just showed us your side of meeting people like us and what the experiences were for missionaries when they first meet people like us. We loved on them like only Coloured folk can. We definitely show our love by feeding others. Thank you so much for taking me back to my own conversion. It felt like the story of so many of us in the beginning.
Lorena HolmsteadMay 22, 2018
Thand you for sharing this story! I loved it. I will remember to never let aomeone’s bad moment get between me and the Lord.
DJMay 22, 2018
Beautiful- thanks for sharing. I can feel the warmth of her personality and testimony, and it has strengthened mine.
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