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Wee Granny

Any of you whose heart and home have been torn asunder by hate and anger will appreciate just how precious and rare is Zion.

The Lord called his people ‘Zion’ because they were of one heart and one mind and dwelt in righteousness. ‘Zion’ – they are a people who are one in the love and doctrine of Christ, enjoying his peace and power. There is no earthly society closer to perfection than Zion. They are the love of heaven on earth. God and His prophets have been trying to frame Zion for more than 6000 years. But before Zion can be built on our land and into our government, it must be established in our hearts and homes. Will it ever happen?

Many years ago there lived in Scotland a small but strong woman named Mary Murray. She wasn’t even five feet tall. While still young, her beloved husband James Murdoch was killed in a mining accident leaving her with seven children to care for.

Mary went to work – worked hard. They lived on oatmeal, potatoes, and salt. As the children grew they hired out. And eventually Mary and her family were able to build their own thatched roof cottage. They had none of the world’s wealth, but they knew much love in that humble home.

Then missionaries came and taught the family the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of the children immigrated to the United States. Finally in 1856 at the age of 74, Wee Granny Murdoch set out on the 6000-mile trek to Zion. For six weeks she endured the hardships of ocean travel, followed by a trip across the country to Iowa City by rail.

Then in late July, Wee Granny began the last leg of the journey to Zion, with the Martin Handcart Company. Now it was late in the season. And because it was late, they walked to their very limits each day, which eventually became too much for her frail body. And at Chimney Rock Nebraska, on October 2, 1856, Wee Granny Murdoch lay on the prairie breathing her last.

“Tell John,” she said – speaking of her son, “I died with my face toward Zion.” And there they buried her beside the trail.

Mary Murray Murdoch died believing she did not make it to Zion. But when Wee Granny set her heart on being one with the Lord and His people, she was already there.

The word ‘diligent’ is used often in scripture. It means to be constant and persistent, in our efforts to accomplish something. Now, if you would know the Savior’s peace in your heart, in your home, your community, and your nation, do as did Wee Granny. Set your face toward Zion, and be diligent and determined to the last end! It is the only way we will obtain it. It is worth the journey? It is, I promise!

Lorilee Richardson of South Jordan, Utah provided the account and is the great-great-great granddaughter of Mary Murray Murdoch, “Wee Granny.”

Sources:

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.tellmystorytoo.com/member_pdfs/mary-murray-murdoch_1260_593.pdf

https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/memories/LLQF-FDG