In his book, "All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience," Elder Neal A. Maxwell wrote: "A mortal life may need to be 'shortened' … but if so, it may be done in order for special services to be rendered by that individual in the spirit world, services that will benefit thousands of new neighbors with whom that individual will live in all of eternity."
That book was in Laney Peacock's car when she died on Aug. 13 while hiking in Willard Canyon, about 50 miles north of Salt Lake City. In her short 20 years, Laney, of the Eagle Mountain YSA Ward, Perry Utah Stake, proved that one person can make a difference and her service and love continue to inspire others.
In a journal entry written less than a month before she died, Laney testified of the truthfulness of the gospel.
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. That's all there is to it. It is true. No doubt about it."
Her mom, Tina Peacock of the Brigham City 8th Ward, Brigham City Utah Stake said that particular journal entry of June 21, 2011 was different from others. "This was a tender mercy that Heavenly Father gave to us because [Laney] was talking to us and we felt like she was talking to everybody."
Laney had a strong testimony of the importance of missionary work. During college she organized a club that would write missionaries and their companions.
"Keeping the commandments and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ are the two most relevant things we can do to assist our fellowman in our time," Elder Maxwell wrote.
Laney understood this counsel and wrote, "Taking the Gospel to people around the world is no sacrifice! It is a privilege."
Her friend, Elder Solomon Anderson, serving in the Alpine German-Speaking Mission, wrote to her family, "My sorrow has not been that of one without hope."
That hope in the Resurrection and also in eternal family is a truth that Laney would often convey to her family. Brother and Sister Peacock noted that when their family went through tough times it was Laney who would point out blessings they were receiving. Laney's dad, Wade, recalled a journal entry in which Laney wrote that if people understood the Atonement, they would never be unhappy.
Julianne Bennett of the Logan YSA 50th Ward, Logan Utah YSA 6th Stake, knew Laney only a short time but her life was changed forever.
"She has left handprints in many people's hearts and lives (including mine) and has left a set of footprints, an example, for us to follow so we too can return home to our Heavenly Father's presence once more."
The handprints and footprints of Laney reached beyond her family and friends but her parents had no idea of the extent of her influence.
Brother and Sister Peacock said Laney was always "out doing something." After the funeral, notes and posts on Facebook came from people they did not know.
"To us it really opened our eyes that she had been out about doing good," Brother Peacock said.
Brother and Sister Peacock recalled that Laney and friends would "chalk" people's driveways with nice messages and Laney would often take treats to people and invite members of the ward to the temple.
"Always. Always, strive to be worthy to enter the temple! Keep that your goal!!!" Laney emphasized in her journal.
When her twin sisters turned 12, Laney took them to perform baptisms for the dead.
"She had a great influence on many to go to the temple," said Bishop Kevin Packer of the Eagle Mountain YSA Ward. "I believe that she was one that quickly followed the promptings and was quick to offer a smile and do a kind gesture."
He said that Laney would often invite members of the ward to the temple. According to Sister Peacock, Laney knew she wanted to be married in the temple and was dating the kind of young man who was close to the Spirit and was a worthy priesthood holder. She was sad when friends did not stay close to the Church, but at her viewing, a couple of those friends remarked that they were going to change the way they lived.
"You are a son or daughter of God," Laney wrote. "You deserve more than the best and don't let anyone tell you differently."
Laney also wrote of the importance of school.
"High school only matters in one respect, class," wrote Laney. "Go. Don't skip." According to her dad, Laney was known as an athlete in school but she wanted to be known for more than sports. She felt that it was in Brigham City where she made a difference. That was evident as around 700 people attended her viewing and 1,100 were at the funeral.
Elder Maxwell wrote: "We knew before we were born that we were coming to the earth for bodies and experience that would have joys and sorrows, ease and pain, comforts and hardships, health and sickness, successes and disappointments. … We sometimes think we would like to know what was ahead, but sober thought brings us back to accepting life a day at a time and magnifying and glorifying that day."
Laney magnified her time on earth as she went about doing good. Her parents hope that her testimony will impact others and influence them to choose the right just as Laney would have.
Elder Joshua Wray, one of Laney's best friends, is serving in the Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission. In a letter to the Peacock family, he wrote, "We need not suppose that this is the end. I declare that through our tears we have great reason to rejoice in that great plan of happiness that right now more than ever brightens our hopes and anchors our faith."
Laney's testimony
Laney Peacock of the Eagle Mountain YSA Ward, Perry Utah Stake had a great impact on thousands of people. About a month before she died, Laney wrote her unyielding testimony, which continues to bless the lives of others.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. That's all there is to it. It is true. No doubt about it. Pray. Read your scriptures. GO TO CHURCH. It may seem like the Primary thing to say, but aren't we supposed to be like unto a child? For real! If it is right, do it. If it isn't right, don't. It's as simple as that.
Take advantage of the fact that your Heavenly Father is ETERNALLY there for you. Pray to him in all times. GO TO THE TEMPLE!!! Always. Always, strive to be worthy to enter the temple! Keep that your goal!!
SHARE THE GOSPEL! Share it with everyone you know! Don't go to heaven and have your friend, neighbor, co-worker, anyone say "You knew the truth all along, why didn't you tell me about it?" SHARE THE GOSPEL. Go on a mission. They are for EVERYONE!!! Go. I promise you won't regret it. Taking the Gospel to people around the world is no sacrifice! It is a privilege. Treat it as such.
Read the Book of Mormon, over and over and over again. Never stop reading it. Gain a testimony and share it often! You never know who you could help.
DO NOT SETTLE!! You are a son or daughter of God. Not of just anyone, of GOD!! Humbly and without pride, act that way. You deserve more than the best and don't let anyone tell you differently.
LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES! Don't ever make the same ones I did. CTR, always. Love EVERYONE! Even that "weird" kid next door. Because everyone is weird. We all are! High school only matters in one respect, class. Go. Don't skip. Work, hard and be a Valedictorian. I wish I would've! High school is nowhere near the best time of your life! Not even close. It's definitely necessary. But life after is so much better. Forgive others. Forgive yourself. And treat everyone with respect; NO MATTER WHAT!
CTR
Signing off,
Laney Lynn Peacock
2011
20 Years Old
Happy as can be :)
