Sunday, March 4, 2012

An Elect Lady

Many children grow up haveing hero's in their life, some like Superman and others like Spiderman but for me the one person I have always admired and considered as a hero is Emma Hale Smith. She is a woman of faith, and elect lady, and a person that I continually hope to be like. Emma withstood so many trials and hardships through out her life. It is said of Emma,“I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure—she has been tossed upon the ocean of uncertainty—she has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman.” I know that Emma truly knew what was right in her heart, if she did not she could not have endured with the patience and faith that she had. I have often spent hours pondering upon her life desiring to understand her and her faith. Lately I felt as though I too have been tossed upon the ocean of uncertainty. It has been an interesting time in my life, one of great change and great learning. I have found that often times those around you do not understand your feelings and the motivations behind your actions. They do not understand, not because they are bad people, but because they simply are not in your place. Never in my life have I felt the spirit so strongly confirm my actions while the world and those around me discourage them. I know what the spirit of the Lord has told me and I know without a doubt that no matter the opinions of those around you, the only opinion that matters is the Lord's. I have learned that sometimes you know things with your heart that you don't know with your head.
    I imagine that Emma often found her self doing things that the world would see as "stupid" or "impracticle", but I believe that she found strength through her God and through the love of her life, Joseph. I know that Emma endured trials beyond the extent that any other woman should have been able to endure. I know that she knew her place in the kingdom of God and did all in her power to follow the Lord's plan. Thanks to Emma's example and the gospel in my life I too know that the spirit speaks to our hearts. I know that the Lord knows me and has a great plan for me. I know that everyday in my life I have the choice to feel the spirit and be guided to become an instrument in the Hands of God. I know this gospel is true and I cannot express my gratitude for Emma and her life and the strength it gives me to continue day by day. I am immensly grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice that allows me to one day return to my Father in Heaven. I know that the day I will cross the veil to the otherside I will see my Savior, my family, and Emma and Joseph. I know one day I will be able to thank her in person for the blessing and example that she has been in my life. She truly is an Elect Lady.

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