In his address at the April 1991 general conference, Elder Marvin J. Ashton spoke of a report by local newspapers about the devastating effects of a fire that gutted a low-cost housing apartment. One elderly gentleman who had escaped the fire was asked by a reporter, "What were you able to save?" He responded, "Only the things you see: my clothing." The old man's next comment was simply, "Thank God there were no serious injuries or casualties."

Elder Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve said: "What did we hear from this tragedy? A voice of gladness from someone who could have been bitter and angry with the situation but chose to share a mature sense of values. He was bigger than that which had happened. He saw beyond the present and gave appreciation and hope for conditions and people in the future."Disappointments, death, losses, or failures are real and difficult to manage but should never cause us to have barbed tongues, lasting resentment, or negative attitudes. The gospel encourages us to develop the capacity to learn from the past and present and see the opportunities that can be ours in the days to come.

"From the Doctrine and Covenants we are given this counsel: `Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things.' " (D&C 128:19; see also Isa. 52:7.)

Elder Ashton added: "The Lord would have us mingle our voices of gladness with His to give strength, encouragement, and joy to His children.

"I recall as a young boy going with my father to visit an elderly widow living in humble circumstances. We shared a couple of boxes of food with her. When we were leaving, her remarks touched my heart. She said, `Thank you, Bishop, and please come back again, even if it's just to say hello.'

"This was probably the first time I realized that the food items were appreciated but the words of encouragement and the personal visit were of greater value.

"In the world, where there are often voices of pessimism and negative feelings, the voice of gladness is welcome indeed. Some seem to live with doubt, fear of the future, and sorrow for the past. If it is our nature to criticize or demean, we can cause the voices of gladness to be silenced. We need those who bring gladness into our lives. We need those who give encouragement and reflect optimism.

"Sincere yet simple words of praise can lift souls and bring gladness. Mark Twain remarked that he could live two months on one good compliment. In the words of the biblical proverbs of Solomon: `A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.' (Prov. 25:11.)

"Encouragement can be quick and simple, but it is a voice of gladness that is needed by everyone."