It was the summer of 1985. Stepping into my lakeside boat to start the engine as I had so many times before, a spark ignited gasoline fumes on the deck. In an instant, I was on fire.
With terrible burns over much of my body, life flickered like a candle in the wind. Very little mattered except the three things in my life that were really important—my family, my deeply held faith, and my ability to sustain those in my business who depended upon me.
As I lay in my hospital bed in indescribable pain, the most comforting, healing power was my faith in God. Yet, even before this unexpected emergency, the over-arching framework that had always given purpose and meaning to my life had been the teachings of the Church that provide answers to life’s greatest questions—Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?
My faith has also imbued me with an optimism about people and their innate goodness. This confidence has benefited me as I have tried to lead a great business. Of greatest importance, however, my faith has helped to make my family the center of my affection and greatest hope.
Religion is very personal and its imprint can run through generations.
For over 150 years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been strong in my family who embraced the “Mormon” Church in the mid-19th Century. My ancestors left England and walked across the plains following covered wagons to the Salt Lake Valley. There they found refuge from persecution and a place to live their religion in peace.
Generations later, that same faith—and purpose—lives in me and in my family, and provides me with the greatest personal fulfillment.
J. Willard "Bill" Marriott Jr. is chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, one of the world's largest lodging companies. He is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. He is married to the former Donna Garff. They have four children and 14 grandchildren.
