A few hours after closing on his new home, Josh Ferrin noticed a tiny scrap of carpet hanging out from the attic in the garage and decided to investigate. He lifted the carpet and found a metal box filled with rolls of paper money: $45,000 cash in small bills. The previous owners of the home, who had grown up during hard times, had saved that money and hid it there—just in case. Their children, unaware of the hidden stash, sold the house to the Ferrins after their parents passed away.
Without hesitation, the Ferrins contacted the family who sold them the home and returned the money.1
National media picked up on the story. Many were surprised and inspired by this notable act of honesty. The Ferrins didn’t return the money for recognition or reward. They prized the peace of a clear conscience. They wanted to pass on a legacy of honesty to their children. But more than anything, they returned the money simply because it was the right thing to do.
Somewhere along life’s path, this family, like so many others, learned that honesty really is the best way of life, that integrity is more valuable than any amount of money.
In a world where we hear too much of dishonesty, scams, greed, and cheating, let’s remember the quiet examples of integrity all around us. As a wise leader said, “There will never be honesty in the business world, in the schools, in the home, or anyplace else until there is honesty in the heart.”2
Some might think Josh Ferrin’s choice to be honest would be a hard one. But he would tell you it wasn’t. An honest heart turns what could be a difficult decision into a clear choice for peace and happiness.
1. See Wendy Leonard, “Family returns $45K found in garage attic,” Deseret News, May 19, 2011, A1, A8.
2. Richard C. Edgley, in Conference Report, Oct. 2006, 77; or Ensign, Nov. 2006, 73–74.
Program #4273
Musical Selection:
1. Simple Gifts
Shaker Song; arr. Mack Wilberg; Oxford University Press
2. Gloria in excelsis
Franz Schubert; Public Domain
3. O God, Our Help in Ages Past (Organ solo)
William Croft; arr. Andrew Unsworth; Arrangement Unpublished
4. Pilgrims’ Hymn
Stephen Paulus; Stephen and Michael Dennis Browne
5. Spoken Word
6. Choose the Right
Henry A. Tuckett; arr. Mack Wilberg; Arrangement Unpublished
7. I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me
C. Hurbert H. Parry; Novello
Music & the Spoken Word
A program of inspirational music and spoken word.