Editor's note: Looking back at the stories of 2008, Mormon Times staffers reflect on a few that touched their lives

I’m not a crier, and sometimes I think my tear ducts don’t work.

But during the rehearsals of the 364-voice women’s choir, We Also Sing, led by Merrilee Webb, I learned that they do work -- and rather well, too.

After hearing my sniffles, a kind lady slipped a tissue into my hand.

The choir wasn’t just singing; the members of it were worshiping Heavenly Father through songs.

In the front section, I could see the women’s eyes -- smiling and bearing testimony of gospel-related truths.

I contemplated: Are my eyes showing the joy of the gospel?

At the rostrum, Webb unexpectedly asked me to introduce myself to the talented choir. I walked to the front and their presence immediately overwhelmed and awed me at once.

I blurted out, "You’re beautiful." I learned more so that righteousness and virtue are an unparalleled beauty.

I thought, "Am I feeling a minute fraction of what Sister Julie Beck feels when she’s in the presence of sisters in the general Relief Society meeting?"

There is nothing small about who and how Webb and the choir members live their lives.

I know because I saw their light and cried.

The evening of rehearsal and interviewing choir members was over a few hours later.

The effects of that night, however, continue on indefinitely: "to arise, and sit down" as a woman of the gospel.

E-MAIL: jfrancis@desnews.com