Search Results

The Gospel Doctrine lesson #38 manual objective is “to encourage class members to follow Paul’s example and be faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ even in the midst of trials and tribulation.” Our Objective To bring Paul’s hope of Israel into our current life circumstances. Commentary We come to the final narratives of Paul’s trials and journeys in this reading, and, much as I like to live in the past and be immersed in the experiences of biblical missionaries, these old place names and stories of hardships have been launching me forward in my mind to the present day, to those thousands upon thousands of people whose road from Damascus, Syria fills our hearts and sympathies. There is too much distress and sadness in the world. And I’m not here to prove the importance of these past narratives over and above the pressing needs of the present. Instead, I read scriptures as a kind of lifeline for my present, to guide my choices and give me hope beyond immediate circumstances. Which brings me back to Paul. The lesson asks students to think of “a person in the scriptures with whom you feel you can identify, because of similar thoughts, experiences, or situations.” I haven’t always related much to Paul. He is a firebrand; I am not. He makes strong statements about women being silent and not braiding their hair (!); I like to be listened to, and I like braids. He started out as a bloodthirsty persecutor of Christians, then experienced a dramatic conversion; I have always suspected that Paul would find my peaceful and timid tendencies disappointingly lukewarm. On the other hand, his story compels me to acknowledge our similarities. Deaths from Mediterranean shipwrecks, debates over citizenship, arguments over church doctrines and policies: these are the stories that fill up my newsfeed today, and this is Paul’s world as well. I may see it through different eyes, but, like Paul, I see a world of physical danger, clashing cultures, bureaucratic headaches, and political inanity. In my world, both tragedy’s depths and soaring joy can be elbowed out by petty quarrels and red tape. I am fascinated by Paul’s maneuverings and narrow escapes, so much so that I sometimes forget the hope that drove Paul forward on all these journeys. In these last chapters, he declares it over and over. In Acts 23:6 , in answer to the Jews who challenge him, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.” In Acts 26:6-8 , again on trial, he explains the same hope to Agrippa, “And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” And finally in Rome, Paul says in Acts 28:20 “For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” I have this hope too: that souls are immortal, that God will see us through and beyond death, and that as Paul says, the “just and the unjust” will rise again. But sometimes this hope of a life to come seems at a disconnect from my present here and now. Does the world of the living really gain anything from this hope for a life to come? I think of Paul and wonder at this. He was tireless in his mission. It exhausts me just to read about him! When Paul speaks of chains, it’s not always clear whether he’s talking about a literal prison or his binding commitment to a life of industry, to speaking, planning, organizing, and traveling. His hope for the future did not sap his strength for the present but gave him added zeal. Lucy Mack Smith helps me bridge the cognitive gap between these two realities: the hope for a future heaven and the needs of the now. During the second meeting of the Relief Society of Nauvoo on March 24, 1842, 66-year-old Lucy Mack Smith rose to speak to the women of the society. In Eliza R. Snow’s minutes, “Mother” Lucy Smith, “rejoic’d in view of what was doing— as she came in and look’d upon the sisters, it gave her feelings of deep interest— Wept— said she was advanc’d in years and could not stay long— hop’d the Lord would bless and aid the Society in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked— that her work was nearly done— felt to pray that the blessings of heaven might rest upon the Society.” She continued, “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together.” The concept of immortality isn’t a turning away from this world; it gives fuel to our commitment to cherish the living. Like Paul’s hope, ours is a call to service. Related Mormon Women Project Interviews Service with a Smile , Leslie Graff Those years of recurrent pregnancy loss were really tough for me. It was a very isolating experience, some people might have a miscarriage or two but when you get up to six and seven you are such a statistical outlier, no one can really relate. It’s hard to resolve having that type of experience. I decided I could use my child life skills to help other women through similar experiences. I led pregnancy loss groups through Resolve, which is an infertility organization. So many times I read peoples stories and they always tell their story when they are at the end of it. It’s always something like, “Looking back, it was hard, but its okay now… we adopted this baby or we eventually had a baby ” But that doesn’t really help people who are right in the middle of it. A person who’s in the middle of a traumatic experience like recurrent pregnancy loss doesn’t really know what the end is going to be. So I thought, I want to help other people who are in the same situation as me now. Not when I’m on the other side, down the road, telling everybody it will all work out. Because you never know how it is going to end up. The strings don’t always tie up neatly. A Champion for Diversity , Sui Lang Panoke That whole experience of going through pregnancy and childbirth alone was extremely difficult. Initially, it was probably the darkest time of my life, spiritually. On one hand, I was really disappointed in myself, like “How did I end up here?” This was not part of my life plan. I haven’t always been active in the Church. But, through this experience I found myself on my knees praying day after day for God’s comfort and guidance to help me through this. I was quickly inspired to shift my perspective on my situation and instead of seeing my pregnancy as an obstacle, I looked at it as a gift–the greatest gift anyone could ever hope for. It was the Lord saying, “Come back,” and at the same time giving me the most precious gift of all–my daughter. No one ever aspires to become a single parent–it’s not your childhood dream–but I can honestly say that being a single parent has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. It has led to my testimony growing stronger than I could have ever imagined. I know that I would not have the testimony of the gospel to the extent that I do, had I not gone through this experience. I have gained a deeper understanding of why the Lord has us go through the trials that we go through. It’s all part of His master plan designed to teach us, humble us, and strengthen our faith. I think a lot of people, when they have children, begin to focus more on increasing their spirituality, and it was the same for me. The birth of my daughter ultimately brought me back to the Church. For that, I am truly grateful. What Marfan Means to Maya , Maya Brown-Zimmerman The way we talk about other people and the way we talk about ourselves frames a lot. I read an article where the author talked about people “suffering” from Marfan syndrome. The word “suffering” paints a picture of what you think of the other person and how you think of them handling their issues. We need to be careful of the labels we use because it affects how people see themselves or how they interact with you or other people. We want to use uplifting language. I try to not assume anything negative, so I don’t use “suffering” when I’m talking about another’s illness unless the person tells me they’re suffering. I don’t use the word “victim.” Other Related Women’s Voices The Lord Has Not Forgotten You , Linda S. Reeves Dear sisters, our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, know us and love us. They know when we are in pain or suffering in any way. They do not say, “It’s OK that you’re in pain right now because soon everything is going to be all right. You will be healed, or your husband will find a job, or your wandering child will come back.” They feel the depth of our suffering, and we can feel of Their love and compassion in our suffering. Anchors of Testimony , Mary N. Cook Some of you may feel that you can’t rise above the polluted pond, that your circumstances are too difficult, your trials too hard, your temptations too great. But remember Alma’s promise: “Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” Remember, the stalk of the water lily grows in adversity, and as the stalk lifts the water lily, your faith will support and lift you. Developing Inner Strength , Ellen W. Smoot This is the kind of inner strength I would like to talk about. How do you and I become so converted to the truth, so full of faith, so dependent on God that we are able to meet trials and even be strengthened by them?

BOOK OF MORMON Alma 19:16–17, 28–29. (Suggested reading Alma 18-19) ALMA 19:16 I can stand with faith, even when I stand alone. All those present in the court were overcome with the Spirit and fell to the earth, "save it were one"—Abish. Unlike the others, she was converted unto the Lord many years prior "on account of a remarkable vision of her father." Although she remained alone in her beliefs among the Lamanites, she managed to build and sustain her testimony without any support. At different times in our lives, we may find ourselves like Abish, surrounded by others and yet standing in the minority or even standing alone in our beliefs. Perhaps, you have felt this way while on a mission. Maybe you are the only active member of your family. Whatever the situation, what are some things you can do to strengthen your faith during these times of isolation? ​ See also None Were With Him by Jeffery R. Holland and Keeping the Faith in Isolation by Ryan W. Saltzgiver, Church History Department. ALMA 19:17 God has a work for me to do. What can we learn from Abish's example? As you read through this verse, consider that God has work for you to do, as he did for Abish. President Russell M. Nelson has exclaimed, "My dear sisters, we need you! We need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices. We simply cannot gather Israel without you" (Russell M. Nelson, A Plea to My Sisters General Conference, October 2015). What errands do you feel the Lord has for you on this earth? ​ See also Stand as True Millennials by President Russell M. Nelson and I Have a Work for Thee by Elder John C. Pingree Jr. of the Seventy. ALMA 19:18-30 Press forward with faith. Abish was moved to tears at the sight of the multitude arguing. Much like Abish, your efforts to share the gospel may not always go as you hoped. Many times, our attempts to help with His work will seem to fail miserably, but this does not mean we should lose hope. The Lord is mindful of you and He will guide you in how to proceed. In Abish's case, she reached toward the Queen's hand, hopeful that she would rise. Elder Bednar taught, "In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon, and to trust in Him...We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God's will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps" (David A. Bednar, The Spirit of Revelation General Conference, April 2011). ALMA 19:31-36 My actions can influence generations. As you read through these verses, ponder on these questions: How did the actions of Abish affect future generations? More recently, how have the choices of your ancestors affected you? In 2009, Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught, "The scriptures give us names of several women who have blessed individuals and generations with their spiritual gifts...As we look at the history of this earth and at the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that women hold a special place in our Father's plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Influence of Righteous Women First Presidency Message, September 2009). Think about the people who might be influenced by your beliefs and choices; what can you do to help the rising generation? CONVERSATION STARTERS What do you believe are some of Abish's most admirable attributes? What message has someone shared with you that strengthened your testimony? What are some interesting ways you have shared the gospel? How can you help others prepare to receive the gospel? OTHER STUDY RESOURCES Denelson Silva, Courage to Proclaim the Truth General Conference, October 2022. Russell M. Nelson, Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel General Conference, October 2018. Heather B. Moore, Abish: A Common Servant, A True Testimony Ensign, July 2012. Jade Swartzberg and Shari Whyte, Bringing Abish to Life New Era, June 2007. Howard W. Hunter, No Less Serviceable Ensign, April 1992, 64–67. Why Was Abish Mentioned by Name? Book of Mormon Central. PERSONAL STUDY IDEAS Better understand the role and workings of the Holy Ghost. Holy Ghost Topical Guide by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Strive to become a better missionary. How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes? from Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service. Read Alma 17 and observe the Sons of Mosiah during their mission. Learn how to teach in the Savior's way. Teaching in the Savior's Way by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ACTIVITIES Gather together and invite others to a spiritual event. Abish gathered and invited her people to come to a place where the Holy Spirit dwelled. Invite others to join you at sacrament meeting, a fireside talk, General Conference, or any other event you think would be an uplifting experience. If you can, host your own event! Share your conversion story. In the chapter, we learn that Abish was converted unto the Lord "on account of a remarkable vision of her father" (Alma 19:16). Whether it is a video recording, a letter to your children, or a journal entry — record your conversion story. Was it one significant moment or a series of moments? Use as much detail as you can to describe the steps that led to where your testimony is now. Then prayerfully find a way to share it.

NEW TESTAMENT Acts 9:36–42 ACTS 9:36 As a disciple of Christ, He invites me to bless others. Tabitha is introduced to us as a "certain disciple" and woman who was "full of good works and almsdeeds." Of all the ways to be described, these titles are the most prized. Robert D. Hales said, "Genuine discipleship is a state of being… Disciples live so that the characteristics of Christ are woven into the fiber of their beings, as into a spiritual tapestry" (Robert D. Hales,   Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ  General Conference, May 2017). Tabitha strived to be a true disciple of Christ through word and deed and filled her days with service.   As true followers of Jesus, we promise to serve others as He did. We look to Him as our example and follow His instruction. "The works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do" ( 3 Nephi 27:21 ). What are some of your favorite scripture stories in which the Savior sets an example of service? Consider ways you could bless those around you with your talents as Tabitha did.    To learn more about how you can set goals to foster your talents or develop new ones, visit  You Can Follow the Savior .  CONVERSATION STARTERS What is one thing you would want to be remembered for? Who have you seen bear testimony of Christ through their good works? What is a talent you would like to develop that would benefit others? How has ministering brought you joy? OTHER STUDY RESOURCES Canada Editorial Staff, Tabitha and the Widows of Joppa—Disciples of Faith and Charity   Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website, July 2019. PERSONAL STUDY IDEAS Discover what it means to be a true disciple of Christ. April 2017 Conference Notebook True Discipleship . ACTIVITIES Learn a skill that will help you show love to others. Tabitha used her talent of sewing to donate garments to the widows in her community. You can develop a skill that will help you show love to those around you too. For some ideas visit the Youth Guidebook: Ideas for Growing in All Areas of Life

The Gospel Doctrine lesson 21 manual objective is “to help class members understand righteous principles of government and avoid priestcraft and pride.” Our Objective To awaken to our duties as global, national, and church citizens. Commentary Mosiah 29 focuses on the end of King Mosiah’s reign and establishing the ruling of Judges. Alma 1 to 4 details the Nephites’ struggles as they establish this new form of government and evolve as a civilization. They experienced priestcraft, dissension, war, righteousness, prosperity and inequity. In studying this lesson, I kept thinking about what it means to be a citizen. For the purposes of this lesson, I’m going to use citizenship in its broadest form – to belong to a collective in a recognizable way (ie, legally, by covenant, by birth, by pledge, etc). Citizenship has duties associated with it. Namely, to participate in a way that ensures the success and/or sustainability of that collective. I can think of three ways we are currently being called upon as citizens: globally, nationally, and at church. NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP This is a presidential election year for many countries, including the United States. Citizens are being reminded of the importance of expressing their voices and desires by voting. Mosiah counsels the newly appointed judges, “…to do your business by the voice of the people” ( Mosiah 29:26 ). The Church’s official statement on voting encourages members to be civically informed and to vote. The statement also reminds us that though we are united in building up the Kingdom we come from various backgrounds and experiences, therefore we will have varying political beliefs and this should be respected. [1] Voting is something I’m passionate about. I believe there’s no excuse to not be a registered voter or an active voter. This is particularly true for women and minorities who have a history of being denied this right. Too many of our brothers and sisters were persecuted, harmed and killed pursuing the right to vote. We dishonor their sacrifice by not voting out of inconvenience. Throughout history, Mormon women have been actively involved in the right to vote. In 1870, suffrage was approved in the Utah Territory, enfranchising “more than 17,000 women, the largest population of female voters in the world.” Emmeline B. Wells , fifth general Relief Society President, was a notable leader in the women’s rights movement. Her newspaper, Woman’s Exponent , was committed to “The Rights of the Women of Zion, and the Rights of the Women of All Nations.” Unfortunately, Utah women lost the right to vote in 1887 when the Edmunds-Tucker Bill was enacted. There was an outcry by Mormon women and national suffrage leaders. In 1895, Utah legislature drafted a new constitution with a suffrage provision which was approved by the U.S. Congress the following year. In 1896, Utah citizens elected the nation’s first female state senator, Martha Hughes Cannon . She ran against several men, including her own husband. That same year, two women were also elected to the Utah House of Representative. [2] When we awaken to our duties as citizens, we continue the work of our foremothers to ensure “…that this land be a land of liberty and every [person] may enjoy [their] rights and privileges alike…” ( Mosiah 29:32 ). GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP After Alma is elected as chief judge, the Nephites have a period where the believers live righteously. They don’t esteem a class of people above another and labor and study together. “…[T]hus they were all equal…” ( Alma 1: 26 ). They are a charitable people. “And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need” ( Alma 1:30 ). During the April Conference, President Linda Burton called us to be global citizens. She spoke directly of the refugee crisis, reminding us that our brothers and sisters stand in need and that we have covenanted to bear one another’s burdens. Just as the Nephites had “no respect to persons as to those who stood in need,” we have a duty to give relief in whatever capacity we are able. Rolling out the #IWasAStranger initiative, President Burton said, “It is our hope that you will prayerfully determine what you can do—according to your own time and circumstance—to serve the refugees living in your neighborhoods and communities. This is an opportunity to serve one on one, in families, and by organization to offer friendship, mentoring, and other Christlike service and is one of many ways sisters can serve.” President Burton councils, “As sisters we make up more than half of the Lord’s storehouse to help Heavenly Father’s children. His storehouse is not composed just of goods but also of time, talents, skills, and our divine nature. Sister Rosemary M. Wixom has taught, ‘The divine nature within us ignites our desire to reach out to others and prompts us to act.’” As we turn ourselves towards God, He turns us towards one another. CHURCH CITIZENSHIP This year, I’ve had the privilege of attending two Young Women presidency trainings one taught by Sister Neill F. Marriott and the other by Sister Carol F. McConkie. A common theme in both trainings was a call for women to be vocal and fully participatory in our auxiliaries and in ward council. It reminded me of President Russell M. Nelson’s conference address, A Plea to My Sisters , wherein he said, “My dear sisters, whatever your calling, whatever your circumstances, we need your impressions, your insights, and your inspiration. We need you to speak up and speak out in ward and stake councils. We need each married sister to speak as ‘a contributing and full partner’ as you unite with your husband in governing your family. Married or single, you sisters possess distinctive capabilities and special intuition you have received as gifts from God. We brethren cannot duplicate your unique influence.” As we navigate this Earth school to the best of our ability, may we remember that we are part of collectives that are bigger than ourselves. Our voices, talents and sensibilities are needed in order for these collectives to flourish. May we be like the Nephites when, “…they were awakened to a remembrance of their duty” ( Alma 4:3 ) and be citizens of our nations, the world, and our church. [1] http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/official-statement/political-neutrality [2] https://theautry.org/explore/exhibits/suffrage/suffrage_ut.html Related Mormon Women Project Interviews A Citizen of the World , Camilla Smith “Everyone needs a family and that tribe to give them strength, but then that strength should be focused outside of the tribe and community rather than trying to keep people huddled together. That’s really at the core of my religious faith.” Defending Freedom in the Air Force , Janice McDowell “If we don’t allow ourselves to look outside our own little world, we don’t realize how similar we are to each other.”

The Gospel Doctrine lesson 1 manual objective is “to help class members understand how the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion and how abiding by its precepts helps us draw nearer to God.” Our Objective To answer the gospel doctrine question: What other witnesses ( besides the official 11 ) do we have that the Book of Mormon is true? Commentary In The History of Joseph Smith by His Mother , Lucy Mack Smith shares Joseph’s reaction to the golden plates being shown to others besides himself. Father! Mother! You do not know how happy I am. The Lord has caused the plates to be shown to three more besides me. They have also seen an angel and will have to testify to the truth of what I have said, for they know for themselves that I do not go about to deceive the people. I do feel as though I was relieved of a dreadful burden which was almost too much for me to endure. But they will now have to bear a part, and it does rejoice my soul that I am not any longer to be entirely alone in the world. I’m struck by Joseph’s joy of no longer being alone in the work of testifying of truthfulness. I wonder if I may be able to capture that same joy this new year in fast and testimony meetings. Can I embrace the edifying power of a shared communal experience? When I’m annoyed that someone’s testimony has gone longer than I believe to be reasonable, can I rejoice in my soul that I’m not alone in the work of being a disciple of Jesus Christ? That is going to be hard. But nevertheless, I do take joy in knowing that there are millions of other witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Perhaps my greatest joy in knowing that I’m one of these witnesses. I’m grateful for the Young Women leaders, Seminary teachers, family members, Apostles and Prophets who encouraged me to read the Book of Mormon that I too could become a witness of the Book of Mormon being another testament of Jesus Christ. Knowing that the daughters of God have always been active participants in His great work has rooted my testimony. Mary Musselman Whitmer, Emma Hale Smith and Lucy Mack Smith played significant roles in bringing forth the Book of Mormon in this dispensation and stand as lasting witnesses of its truthfulness. Mary Musselman Whitmer Mary Musselman Whitmer was the wife of Peter Whitmer, mother of David Whitmer, and the 12th witness of the Book of Mormon. In the summer of 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery moved into the Whitmer house to translate the golden plates. Like Martha of the New Testament, Mary was feeling overwhelmed by the additional housework that was placed upon her. She recounted her experience to her grandson, John C. Whitmer: She met a stranger carrying something on his back that looked like a knapsack. At first she was a little afraid of him, but when he spoke to her in a kind, friendly tone and began to explain to her the nature of the work which was going on in her house (that is, the translation of the Book of Mormon), she was filled with unexpressible (sic) joy and satisfaction. He then untied his knapsack and showed her a bundle of plates, which in size and appearance corresponded with the description subsequently given by the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. This strange person turned the leaves of the book of plates over, leaf after leaf, and also showed her the engravings upon them; after which he told her to be patient and faithful in bearing her burden a little longer, promising that if she would do so, she should be blessed; and her reward would be sure, if she proved faithful to the end. The personage then suddenly vanished with the plates, and where he went, she could not tell. 1 Jacob added: “I knew my grandmother to be a good, noble and truthful woman, and I have not the least doubt of her statement in regard to seeing the plates being strictly true. She was a strong believer in the Book of Mormon until the day of her death.” 2 Emma Hale Smith In addition to being Joseph’s wife, comforter, and confidant, Emma Hale Smith worked as scribe at various times during the translation of the golden plates. Shortly before her death, Emma bore her testimony of the Book of Mormon. “My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity. I have not the slightest doubt of it…Though I was an active participant in the scenes that transpired, and was present during the translation of the plates…and had cognizance of things as they transpired, it is marvelous to me, ‘a marvel and a wonder,’ as much as to anyone else…The plates often lay on the table without any attempt at concealment, wrapped in a small linen tablecloth which I had given him [Joseph] to fold them in. I once felt the plates as they lay on the table, tracing their outline and shape. They seemed to be pliable like thick paper, and would rustle with a metallic sound when the edges were moved by the thumb, as one does sometimes thumb the edges of a book…I know Mormonism to be the truth; and believe the church to have been established by divine direction.” 3 In an interview with Parley P. Pratt, when he was visiting Nauvoo, Emma said, “I believe he [Joseph] was everything he professed to be.”  4 Lucy Mack Smith Though Lucy Mack Smith never saw the golden plates, Joseph did show her the urim and thummim – “examining it with no covering but a silk handkerchief, found that it consisted of two smooth three-cornered diamonds set in glass, and the glasses were set in silver bows connected with each other in much the same way that old-fashioned spectacles are made…” Lucy was a fierce defender of her son, Joseph Smith, the restored gospel and the Book of Mormon. On one occasion she spent the night with manuscript of the Book of Mormon concealed in a trunk under her bed preventing it from being destroyed by “a group of religionists.” 6 At last, as if led by an invisible spirit, I came to the time when the messenger from Waterloo informed me that the translation was actually completed. My soul swelled with a joy that could scarcely be heightened, except by the reflection that the record which had cost so much labor, suffering, and anxiety was now, in reality, lying beneath my own head-that this identical work had not only been the object which we as a family had pursued so eagerly, but that prophets of ancient days, angels, and even the great God had had his eye upon it.“And,” said I to myself, “shall I fear what man can do? Will not the angels watch over the precious relic of the worthy dead and the hope of the living? And am I indeed the mother of a prophet of the God of heaven, the honored instrument in performing so great a work?” I felt that I was in the purview of angels, and my heart bounded at the thought of the great condescension of the Almighty. Thus I spent the night surrounded by enemies and yet in an ecstasy of happiness. Truly I can say that my soul did magnify and my spirit rejoiced in God, my Savior.On the fourth day after they had met, the three men delegated by the council came to perform the work assigned them. They began, “Mrs. Smith, we hear you have a gold bible, and we came to see if you would be so kind as to show it to us?”“No, gentlemen,” said I, “we have no gold bible, but we have a translation of some gold plates, which have been brought forth to bring to the world the plainness of the gospel and to give to the children of men a history of the people that used to inhabit this continent.”I then proceeded to give them the substance of what is contained in the Book of Mormon, particularly the principles of religion which it contains. I endeavored to show them the similarity between these principles and the simplicity of the gospel taught by Jesus Christ in the New Testament…“Well,” said the foremost gentleman with whom I was acquainted, “can we see the manuscript?”“No, sir, you cannot see it. We have done exhibiting the manuscript altogether. I have told you what is in it, and that must suffice.”He did not reply to this, but said, “Mrs. Smith, you, Hyrum, Sophronia, and Samuel have belonged to our church for some time, and we respect you very highly. You say a great deal about the book which your son has found and believe much of what he tells you, but we cannot bear the thoughts of losing you, and they do wish-I wish-that if you do believe those things, you never would proclaim anything about them. I do wish you would not.”“Deacon Beckwith,” said I, “even if you should stick my body full of faggots and burn me at the stake, I would declare, as long as God should give me breath, that Joseph has that record, and that I know it to be true.” 7 My soul is rejoicing! What other witnesses of the Book of Mormon have impacted your life? Related Mormon Women Project Interviews To Always Serve and Love , Bérengère Doby There were some preparatory things that were very necessary for me to receive. The only real testimony that I needed was to have a testimony of The Book of Mormon and that Christ came to the American continent. I already had a testimony that the Church was true and that The Book of Mormon was true, but it was not as strong as what I was able to receive just a few months before I left on my mission. In fact, that was a really an important experience for me. I’m someone who doesn’t like to read at all. But I decided to read The Book of Mormon. So I spent my days reading The Book of Mormon. My mom said, “This does not happen. You must be sick.” Page after page, I read for a month in order to know every line of this wonderful book. It was a need, an internal drive to read, to learn, to understand, and to receive what The Book of Mormon needed to give me. When I came to 3 Nephi when Christ arrives and he visits the children and all the people gather around him, I cried and cried. I was all alone in my bedroom and I thought, “I hope no one comes in right now. They’re going to think something is wrong with me!” It was that moment when I received a profound testimony of The Book of Mormon and of Christ coming to the American continent. I needed that in order to have strength during my mission, I think. Her Version of Having It All , Marie-Laure Oscarson So, the elders started teaching me in the library, and I felt the Spirit very strongly when I was with them. They would teach me the gospel, and I would feel so good. After I would return home, that feeling was gone. I shared my concerns with the missionaries. They gave me the Book of Mormon and said, “You’ve got to read.” My doubts lessened when I read the Book of Mormon. As I read, the book became my best companion. I read, and I cried. For the first time in my life I felt the deeper connection that I had been searching for. It got to the point where I could not depart from the Book of Mormon, and I would sleep with it right next to my pillow. It was a safety blanket for me–it was the law, the safety, the peace, the truth, and the light that I had been looking for. I could feel power in its pages. It was wonderful. “You Pass”, Maria de Jesus Cristina One time I was invited by some ward members to go on a trip to Nauvoo. I wasn’t very prepared for this trip, but I went anyway. Many members went together on this trip in large vans. I remember that it was raining, and it was very cold. We went to visit Nauvoo, and the other church history sites. We went to the jail where Joseph Smith was held prisoner, and it was there that I gained my real testimony of the church. When I entered into that jail I felt something strong–something beautiful. There was a tape recording with the voices of Joseph Smith and Hyrum, and while it was playing I felt a warmth inside of me. It was so strong! I began to cry, and I couldn’t stop. And I knew, I really knew, from that moment, that it was real. That God really can talk to us, that nothing is impossible, and that we can receive revelation. The Spirit testified to me that it was true, and that everything Joseph went through to give us the church, to give us the Book of Mormon, that all of this was real. It was so real. This is how I received my testimony. Other Related Women’s Voices My Great-Great-Great Grandmother, Emma Hale Smith , Gracia N. Jones Finding [Emma’s] testimony reminded me how precious each soul is in the sight of our Savior, whose compassion and power to save is beyond all comprehension. All of us make mistakes and are in need of repentance. Whenever we withdraw from the fellowship of the Saints and cease to partake of the sacrament on a regular basis, we tend to lose our way and become subject to misunderstanding—especially if our course has been set by real or imagined injury to our feelings, or pride. This could happen to any of us, including my dear great-great-grandmother.As I reflect upon all I have learned from Emma’s life, I feel great reverence for the testimony she has borne of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon and for her precious vision of Joseph and her baby. Her legacy to us in her final witness is that she and all of us, through the ordinances restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith, have the opportunity to be with our families in eternity. Glad Tidings from Cumorah , Susan W. Tanner How grateful I am to live in this great and marvelous day when the gospel has been restored! I express my witness of and gratitude for the two great prophets, Moroni and Joseph Smith, who met in that upper bedroom and then worked together in bringing forth the Book of Mormon. Let me conclude by echoing the joyful exclamation of the Prophet Joseph about the restored gospel:“Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! …“… Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. …“Brethren [and sisters], shall we not go on in so great a cause? … Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. …“… Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, … offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” ( D&C 128:19, 20, 22, 24 ). A God of Miracles , Sydney S. Reynolds In this dispensation we witness the great miracle of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. It began when a young boy entered a grove of trees near Palmyra, New York, and poured out his heart and his questions to a God he believed could answer him—the God of miracles. And miracles have followed in this dispensation—mighty miracles—including the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, which is itself another testament of Jesus Christ. Looking for additional perspectives on this lesson? We recommend Mormon Sunday School , Meridian Magnetize  and LDSLiving . 1 Daniel Peterson,  Defending the Faith: Mary Whitmer, 12th witness to the Book of Mormon , Deseret News, July 18, 2013 2 Richard Lloyd Anderson,  The Whitmers: A Family that Nourished the Church , Ensign, August 1979 3 Gracia N. Jones,  My Great-Great-Great Grandmother, Emma Hale Smith , Ensign, August 1992 4 Interview by Parley P. Pratt, Jr. recorded by Nels Madsen, 27 November 1931, LDS Archives; cited by Mormon Enigma , 2nd ed., 297–298. 5 Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by his Mother , pg. 47 6 Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by his Mother , pg. 69 7 Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by his Mother , pg. 71-72

The Gospel Doctrine lesson #2 manual objective is “To help class members see, through the examples of Lehi and Nephi, that safety and salvation come through obedience to the Lord.” Our Objective To help class members learn through the example of Sariah. Commentary The writers of the Book of Mormon, as far as we know, were exclusively men. As with all scripture in our Standard Works, the Book of Mormon offers a male perspective and presents mostly male stories. Women who faithfully read the scriptures become adept at finding personal meaning in the stories of men, at identifying with male characters, and at understanding female stories through the lens of male narrators and family members. These are useful skills, and have been valuable to me as I have made a home in the scriptures. (Unfortunately for male readers, they have little opportunity or need to develop these same skills since the gender disproportion in the scriptures lies in their favor. If I were a man, I would not feel much need to try to relate to Ruth, Mary, Abish, or Emma, since so many male models are available to me. I hope there are many men who prove this assumption wrong). Because not much is said about women in the Book of Mormon, it is easy to fall into the trap of over-simplifying female figures, particularly by viewing them as merely an attachment to a man’s story. Note that the Guide to the Scriptures entry on Sariah says: “In the Book of Mormon, the wife of Lehi (1 Ne. 5:1-8; 8:14-16; 18:19) and the mother of Laman, Lemuel, Sam, Nephi, Jacob, Joseph, and daughters (1 Ne. 2:5; 2 Ne. 5:6).” That is all. But is that really all we know about Sariah? Is it all that is worth mentioning? That she is related to some well-known men, and to several unnamed, unnumbered women? I took an hour, and found what I believe to be every verse in the Book of Mormon that mentions Sariah. This is what the text tells us, with no elaboration. She was goodly ( 1 Ne. 1:1 ). She traveled with Lehi into the wilderness ( 1 Ne. 2:5 ). She had mourned because of her sons’ long absence on their dangerous mission to Jerusalem ( 1 Ne. 5:1 ), she thought they had perished ( 1 Ne. 5:2 ) and she was filled with joy and gladness when her sons returned safe ( 1 Ne. 5:1 ). She complained against Lehi, and called him a visionary man, because of her presumed loss of her sons ( 1 Ne. 5:2 ). She was comforted by Lehi’s assurance that her sons would return safely ( 1 Ne. 5:6 ), and her joy was full and she was comforted when they returned ( 1 Ne. 5:7 ). She rejoiced and with Lehi offered sacrifice and burnt offerings, and gave thanks to God ( 1 Ne. 5:9 , assuming the pronoun “they” continues to refer to Sariah and Lehi in this verse). Nephi instructs Laman and Lemuel to honor her ( 1 Ne. 17:55 ). She gave birth to Jacob and Joseph in the wilderness ( 1 Ne. 18:7 ) in the days of Lehi’s greatest sorrow ( 2 Ne. 3:1 ). She was very old once the family was crossing the ocean ( 1 Ne. 18:17 ) and had gray hairs ( 1 Ne. 18:18 ). She suffered much grief because of her children ( 1 Ne. 18:17 ). She became bedridden with sickness on the boat, along with Lehi ( 1 Ne. 18:17 ). She nearly died because of her grief over Laman and Lemuel’s iniquity ( 1 Ne. 18:17 ). Her sons Jacob and Joseph were very young and still in need of nourishment from her when she was thus sick and grief-stricken ( 1 Ne. 18:19 ). Now that we have the plain facts, we can begin to make some logical inferences about Sariah’s life and character. Our instinct as Mormons tends toward painting everyone as heroically (or villainously) as possible, so this is something to be careful about when reading between the lines. Here is one example of an insight we might gain from the verses about Sariah: Sariah may have followed Lehi into the wilderness not because she had a sure testimony of his calling by God to do so, but because she did not want to separate from her family and/or because socially she had no stable alternative. We don’t know how “on board” she was at the beginning, but we do see a shift in chapter 5. Nephi provides two direct quotes from his mother. When her sons have not returned with the plates she says ( 1 Ne. 5:2 ), “Behold thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness.” Can we imagine her anguish? She has abandoned everything familiar to her in order to remain with her husband and children (at least) and to be obedient to God (at most). Now her sons are presumed dead, and she fears for her own life and Lehi’s. When her sons return her second quote stands in antithetical parallel to her first ( 1 Ne. 5:8 ): “Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them.” Surely we are all allowed to make the same journey as Sariah — to come to know the Lord’s will and the Lord’s goodness gradually through trials of obedience, through experience, through loss and salvation. (I love that Nephi chose to include his mother’s testimony and witness, certainly the exception among writers of his time and of the Book of Mormon. He clearly honors her faithfulness here, and elsewhere in the text.) We could tell other stories about Sariah, based on the few verses we have about her. We might consider what it was like to bear, nurse, soothe, and clean newborn babies in the desert, especially in light of Israelite laws surrounding menses and childbirth. We might imagine how her grief on the boat was intensified by her inability to provide nourishment to her vulnerable young sons, whose anxiety on her behalf she must have known ( 1 Ne. 18:19 ). Even without reading in between the lines, we can see her as an autonomous figure. How would we all benefit from reading the story through her perspective on occasion? As Lehi’s entry in the Guide to the Scriptures now stands, Sariah is not even mentioned. What if we experimentally turned the tables, and Lehi’s entry read, “Husband of Sariah, who left her home in Jerusalem by the command of the Lord to seek a land of promise for her posterity ( 1 Ne. 2:5 ), who led her family in goodness ( 1 Ne. 1:1 ), who remained faithful through intense grief and physical trial ( 1 Ne. 5:1 ; 2 Ne. 3:1 , 1 Ne. 18:17 ), and who bore personal witness of the power of God ( 1 Ne. 5:8 ).” Related Mormon Women Project Interviews Choosing Good and Making Change , Bethany Brady Spalding One of my favorite parts of Mormonism is its rich feminine theology: an understanding of a Heavenly Mother; the knowledge that Eve’s choice in the garden of Eden was deliberate and courageous; the many ways in which Christ championed and elevated women. But as a mother to three Primary-age girls, it has been difficult that in the Church—my faith community wherever I have lived—there are so few stories, songs, and role-plays about women and girls. My daughters, as young as they are, feel that acutely. Celebrating the Unseen Woman , Heather Farrell I got my degree in Public Health and did a Women’s Studies minor. I learned that God did not make women unequal, but in the way our world is set up, we don’t see women. They’re invisible. A lot of the classes I took asked us to look for what the issues are for women and to talk about them. I realized that a lot of the anger I had was simply because women aren’t talked about. I think that’s central to my blog. Once you know that there are women in the scriptures, you can bring them out and talk about them. Choosing God and Abundance , McArthur Krishna We used to think there weren’t enough women in the Book of Mormon to fill a book, but when I read and researched the Book of Mormon really thoroughly, specifically looking for women, I found over a hundred instances when women are mentioned—even though they’re not often mentioned by name. Our books—including the current Girls Who Choose God Bible stories—have both named and unnamed women. Even if women aren’t named, it’s important to understand that they were active participants. Other Related Women’s Voices Look Up and Press On , Elaine L. Jack In this quest for the best in us, we are like Sariah, who, with Lehi and their family, left Jerusalem at the Lord’s command. We stand with our ‘family, and provisions’ (1 Ne. 2:4), and we travel through the wilderness. We give ‘thanks unto the Lord our God.’ (1 Ne. 2:7.) Sometimes we grieve because of the hardened hearts of those we love. Some moments we are ‘filled with joy, and … exceedingly glad.’ (1 Ne. 5:1.) At other times we ‘exhort … with all the feeling of a tender parent’ (1 Ne. 8:37), whether we are physical mothers or not. We toil. We encounter conflicts. We strive for faith. We ‘[suffer] all things.’ (1 Ne. 17:20.) Yet, like Sariah, we keep moving towards exaltation, the ultimate promised land. Application of Welfare Principles in the Home: A Key to Many Family Problems , Barbara B. Smith Sariah, the wife of Lehi, had the wrenching experience of leaving their home and their possessions to travel in the wilderness. We are not told of the trials she may have experienced; but going on foot, living in tents, and cooking over an open fire could have been devastating after their comfortable life in Jerusalem. We do read of her anguished waiting when she feared her beloved sons had perished in their return to obtain the plates. (See 1 Ne. 5:2.) But in spite of troubles, she did love and serve her family. With the return of her sons, she knew of a certainty that the Lord had commanded her husband to flee into the wilderness, and in their safe return she found the assurance that the Lord was with them. (See 1 Ne. 5:8.) Their circumstances did not change; they still slept in tents. But she had joy and comfort in the knowledge that the Lord was guiding them. In that light she could carry on and meet further difficulties as they came. Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Strong Women from The Book of Mormon , McArthur Krishna & Bethany Brady Spalding Sariah chose to love unconditionally. Even though she grieved over Laman and Lemuel’s actions, she tried to encourage them. As the wise matriarch of her family, she counseled her children and reminded them that God had protected them. Regardless of her sons’ choices, Sariah tried to love them as God loves. Sariah’s wisdom and love influenced generations. Her children were among those who settled the promised land, and many of her descendants were visited by Jesus Christ. Featured image by Kathleen Peterson from Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Strong Women from The Book of Mormon Looking for additional perspectives on this lesson? We recommend Mormon Sunday School , Meridian Magazine  and LDSLiving .

The Gospel Doctrine lesson #3  manual objective is “To help class members understand the symbols in the vision of the tree of life and the application of these symbols in their lives.” Our Objective To help class members consider that the tree of life might be a symbol for Heavenly Mother , in addition to being a symbol for Her Son. Commentary In May 2005, just weeks before I entered the MTC to begin my full-time missionary service, I sat with my father in front of our family’s old desktop computer, and streamed “The Worlds of Joseph Smith”: An International Academic Conference at the Library of Congress, marking Joseph Smith’s bicentennial. One of my BYU philosophy professors would be speaking. It was not his words that blew me away, but a woman, an Old Testament scholar, named Margaret Barker . My brother transcribed her words here . She began the relevant portion by stating that “the familiar story of Adam and Eve is the reworking of an older story, after memories of the loss of Eden and the loss of the older temple had merged. The tree that had been intended in Eden for human food was the Tree of Life,” which tree “gave wisdom and eternal life.”* Barker continued, Isaiah, who prophesied in the years before 700 BCE, spoke of a female figure and her son and also of a great tree that had been cut down…His contemporary, the prophet Micah, spoke of a woman in travail, who had gone out of the city, but would give birth to the great Shepherd of Israel. Who was this mother and what was the great tree?Piecing together other contemporary evidence, we could conclude that she was Wisdom, the one whom Josiah eventually purged from the temple, but whose symbol, the Tree of Life, had been removed many years earlier, in the time of Isaiah, and then replaced. …Her son was the Lord. We can deduce this from the Dead Sea Scrolls’ version of Isaiah’s Immanuel prophecy (Isaiah chapter 7). And here is the part that cracked me open: …The Tree of Life made one happy according to the Book of Proverbs, but for other detailed descriptions of the tree we have to rely on the non-canonical texts. Enoch described it as perfumed, with fruits like grapes. But a text discovered in Egypt in 1945 described the tree as beautiful, fiery, and with fruits like white grapes. I don’t know of any other source which describes the fruit as white grapes, so you can imagine my surprise when I read the account of Lehi’s vision of the tree whose white fruits made one happy; and the interpretation of the vision, that the virgin in Nazareth was the mother of the Son of God after the manner of the flesh.This is the Heavenly Mother (represented by the Tree of Life), and then Mary and her son on the earth. This revelation to Joseph Smith was the exact ancient Wisdom symbolism, intact, and almost certainly as it was known in 600 BCE. I have since heard Fiona Givens suggest many of these same things, including that the tree of life (and trees more generally) may be symbols of our Heavenly Mother. It helps me to look for Her, and to see Her, in our world and our sacred texts. It’s one of the reasons I love the book, Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Strong Women from the Book of Mormon so much. The illustrator, Kathleen Peterson, included a native mesoamerican tree alongside every story. *Michael Austin wrote a very thoughtful post at By Common Consent, recently, considering the Adam and Eve story alongside the story of Nephi and Lehi’s visions. “The narrative arc of this vision—the act of eating a piece of fruit and being ashamed—is one of those stories that invariably focus our attention back to a type: the story of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis. But there is a difference here–and it is one with profound implications for the way that we read the entire Book of Mormon: in Lehi’s vision, eating the fruit is the right thing to do.” Related Mormon Women Project Interviews Ties That Bind , Pauline Sanchez We’ve just begun, earth life is just the Primary. We know in the pre-mortal life we were there with our Heavenly Father and our Heavenly Mother. We were there in this wonderful place where we learned with each other, but in a very sterile situation. We are let free here on the earth. We are a little more expanded, experienced. We won’t experience everything because we aren’t capable of experiencing everything yet. But there’s going to be enough joy and enough sadness, enough light and darkness in our lives, enough storms and enough suffering to enjoy the blessed peace and love and happiness so that we can move forward to another experience. Patience and Joy , Patience Omorodion Because there’s something that gives me joy from the Book of Mormon—when Lehi talked about the spacious building. How the people who were walking went to eat the sweet fruit, how they pick it and they eat. But when they look at those that were in the spacious building and they did turn away. They turn away because they were many, and they thought because they are few in that place that they are not secure. I want to encourage every woman, as a Latter-day Saint, we should never be afraid of any group of people, no matter how many they may be. Whether they are outside or inside the Church. As long as we are holding on the tree, we are going on the right way. We should continue and never give up. We should never let any mockery disturb us from the right path. The only way we can resolve this problem is through constant prayer, constant scriptures reading, and be attentive to the Holy Ghost. I know that is very true. It has helped me a lot. Taught By Her Mothers , Annalaura Solomon And as I grew in my membership in the Church and grew into myself a bit, I’ve had too many thoughts on this to count, some I keep and some I don’t. I think that having a pattern of equal visibility for men and women is an eternal principle, that neither receives exhalation without the other satisfies much of my concern for an eternal pattern of women’s equal worth in the church. That there is a mother there, the LDS belief in Heavenly Mother, sort of complicates how we look at marriage in mortality. We can’t afford to over simplify or settle for empty justifications either. I’ve sort of hung my hat on that a few different times. Other Related Women’s Voices Hold On , Ann M. Dibbs Holding to the iron rod is not always easy. We may let go because of peer pressure or pride, thinking we can find our own way back—later. When we do so, we are leaving our safety equipment behind. In Lehi’s vision he saw many who let go of the iron rod. Nephi says, “And many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads” ( 1 Nephi 8:32 ). In difficult times in our own lives, we may find we are also “wandering in strange roads.” Let me reassure you that it is always possible for us to find our way back. Through repentance, made possible by the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can regain and recommit to a strong grip on the iron rod and feel the loving guidance of our Heavenly Father once again. The Savior has extended an open invitation to us: repent, hold on, and don’t let go. The Scriptures, My Rod and My Strength , Lenet Hadley Read In his vision of the tree of life, Lehi portrays those who cling to the iron rod (the “word of God”— 1 Ne. 15:23–24 ) as opposed to those who are drawn to the great and spacious building. How does that vision relate to woman? What are the special lures that the great and spacious building offers the woman of today? Is it only priesthood holders who must cling to the rod? How can a woman “cling” to that which she does not know? Or how can she delineate clearly the distinction between rod and mist unless she thoroughly knows the circumference of the rod?If my study of the scriptures has done no other thing for me, it has made me painfully conscious that God’s people have often tended to fall into a slumber of security (the mist)—believing their present state of being to be the right one, possessing Christ’s name and his teachings—but all the while drifting slowly into the ways of the world. Lehi’s vision is pertinent—in our day! Its powerful message of the need to cling to the iron rod (a solid, thoroughly known iron rod) is true—in our day! That rod is for man—and also for woman.Women in the Church are constantly receiving counsel regarding things we ought to do to improve ourselves in different areas. We are encouraged to improve in cultural accomplishments, homemaking skills, physical capacities, etc. All such counsel is of worth. Yet we must not forget that there are greater and lesser counsels. The scriptures themselves teach this. The most pointed example is the incident of Mary and Martha. Looking for additional perspectives on this lesson? We recommend Mormon Sunday School , Meridian Magazine  and LDSLiving .

The Gospel Doctrine lesson #4 manual objective is “To help class members understand Nephi’s vision of the future and how the warnings and promises in it apply to us today.” Our Objective To help class members understand that God invites both men and women to know things of the spirit, and to highlight examples of women in the vision Nephi saw. Commentary In 1 Nephi 10:17 , we read: I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father … was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which I the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him …. One of the most profound messages of this lesson is that we (both men and women) can receive revelation if we seek it. Like Nephi, we can ask to know and understand things of the spirit. As we read in Joel 2:28-29 : I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy … upon the servants and the handmaids will I pour out my spirit. President Julie Beck elaborates on revelation in her 2010 Conference talk : The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism lead to the blessing of always having the Lord’s Spirit with us. Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord’s Spirit with us. Being in the right places allows us to receive guidance.We are also told that this Spirit will enlighten our minds, fill our souls with joy, and help us know all things we should do. Promised personal revelation comes when we ask for it, prepare for it, and go forward in faith, trusting that it will be poured out upon us. Nephi’s Vision In response to Nephi’s inquiry, he had a powerful vision. I note that Nephi had this vision in the midst of troubled times. He and his family were living in a harsh wilderness, moving about in uncertainty, and enduring the persecutions of his brothers. This is a reminder to us that we can also have revelations (and visions) even in the dark times of our lives. Nephi sees several forthcoming events in vision. Looking back historically, we know many of these events involved brave and faithful action by both men and women. Included in his vision were: 1. The European discovery and colonization of the Americas. Many people where involved in this discovery and colonization, including women. We know some of the more famous names: Abigail Adams, Martha Custis Washington, and Betsy Ross. There were other women involved as well. These stories taken from Women Making America by Heidi Hemming and Julie Hemming Savage. On April 26, 1777, with the Revolutionary war brewing, sixteen-year-old Sybil Luddington galloped off into the cold and rainy night to alert her neighbors – near Danbury, CT – of an impending British attack. Mercy Otis Warren wrote biting satire in Boston newspapers – starting in 1772. She fanned the flames of patriotic sentiment. Readers knew exactly who was being lampooned: British public officials. What they did not know was that the author was the busy mother of five boys. 2. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the Gospel. Many stories of the great women involved in the restoration are written in Daughters in My Kingdom . The woman who inspires me most is Emma Smith. She showed boundless courage in her work and support of the restoration. This story , as told Valeen Avery and Linda King Newell, exemplifies this. Emma and her young children fled Missouri with other Church members following Governor Boggs’s extermination order (see History of the Church, 3:175). When the Saints surveyed the frozen Mississippi River, they discovered the ice was not thick enough for the travelers to cross in their wagons. Instead, they walked. Emma crossed with her 4 children. Strapped under her skirts were the bags containing the only copy of the Prophet’s translation of the Bible. 3. The blessings promised to the faithful There are many women in the Book of Mormon and other scriptures who were blessed because of their faithfulness: Nephi’s wife, the Queen to King Lamoni, and Zelophehad’s daughters to name a few. (See Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Strong Women from the Book of Mormon .) We hear stories of women today whose lives are blessed because of righteous living. Sister Neill Marriott tells a personal story about the temple in a conference talk from 2014. Related Mormon Women Project Interviews Following the Spirit During Life’s Twists , Sally Miner Murray And when you’re working on a good cause, Heavenly Father blesses you with knowledge. And you’re working with these sweet, humble people who are just trying against all odds to do what they’re supposed to do and who know the Spirit. Trail Blazing in Belgium , Linda Vergauwen To be a member of Christ’s Church has brought me so many blessings! Now I can see the whole picture a lot better. I enjoy life. I don’t know what challenges lie in the future, but I know I always will learn something from them. I love the gospel. I love my Savior. Other Related Women’s Voices What I Have Learned About Mighty Prayer , Mary Jane Woodger We are women now, not children, and we are expected to pray with maturity. The words most often used to describe urgent, prayerful labor are wrestle, plead, cry, and hunger. In some sense, prayer may be the hardest work we ever will engage in, and perhaps it should be. It is pivotal protection against becoming so involved with worldly possessions and honors and status that we no longer desire to undertake the search for our soul. “One Thing Needful”: Becoming Women of Greater Faith in Christ , Patricia Holland I know that God loves us individually and collectively as women, and that he has a mission for every one of us. As I learned on my Galilean hillside, I testify that if our desires are righteous, God overrules for our good and that heavenly parents will tenderly attend to our needs. Looking for additional perspectives on this lesson? We recommend Mormon Sunday School , Meridian Magazine  and LDSLiving .

The Gospel Doctrine lesson 5  manual objective is “to inspire class members to follow Nephi’s example of faith and willing obedience” Our Objective To find individual application in the faith and diligence of the collective history of 1 Nephi. Commentary We tend to treat the first part of the Book of Mormon as the coming-of-age story of a single prophet, Nephi. There’s good reason for this: Nephi speaks from a strong first person perspective, and as he tells his own history, we see him growing into adulthood, learning how to receive inspiration from God, and eventually shouldering responsibilities of leadership for his small family and followers. It’s within the chapters of this reading ( 1 Nephi 19:23 ) that Nephi “liken[s] all scripture unto us,” and I hope that both men and women can relate to the individual story of Nephi, who found his personal place in God’s plan. But the narrative of this reading is also a collective history, one that describes the establishment of a new branch of the house of Israel. Although there is a sad lack of individual women’s voices in 1 Nephi 16-22 , when read more closely, this collective history includes men and women alike as vital members. Nephi’s individual story is set within a coming-of-age story of a covenant family of God, one that includes wives, daughters, and mothers. Meredith Nelson’s post on Lesson #2 shows with beautiful clarity Sariah’s path from discouraged doubter to believer and testifier. Sariah expresses her fears in Chapter 5 , but this is followed by her inspired recognition of the Lord’s blessings and her family’s purpose. She ultimately expresses her ratification of Lehi’s vision and of their journey. We don’t have a record of any other individual woman’s conversion to Lehi’s vision. But a similar spiritual process is collectively echoed eleven chapters later, when Nephi direct quotes the daughters of Ishmael. Their father Ishmael has just died, probably from the hardships of the journey, and their grief is intensified by their “much affliction, hunger, thirst, and fatigue”( 1 Nephi 16:35 ). Like Sariah, they complain against Lehi. But also like Sariah, they receive a witness of the importance of this journey. This witness comes from the Lord himself. Nephi records in 16:39 : “And it came to pass that the Lord was with us, yea, even the voice of the Lord came and did speak many words unto them . . .” At this crucial moment when the small family group is bereft of Ishmael’s patriarchal leadership, Nephi and Lehi do not speak in defense of their visionary plan. It is the Lord who speaks, and everyone hears. What does the collective Lehite history teach us about prophecy and spiritual guidance? Nephi and Lehi’s roles as prophetic leaders were important, but they could not fulfill this role as isolated individuals. In this, the Lehites are at a clear advantage over the people of Moses, who laments in Numbers 11:29 , “would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” Nephi, possibly remembering Moses’ plight, begs his family to be receptive to the spirit, pleading with them to “inquire of the Lord” ( 1 Nephi 15:8 ). It is in chapters 16 and 17, we see (in fits and starts) the people of Lehi beginning to do just that, seeking inspiration and understanding through their response to the Liahona, which is described by Nephi as an instrument for the collective group, “And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were written upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and our wives. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them. And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it”( 1 Nephi 16: 27-29 ). The Liahona experience stands in marked contrast to Lehi’s solitary visions in that the collective family witnesses and interacts with the instrument (v. 27). Faith and diligence to this curious instrument is required of everyone (v. 28). Finally, in verse 29, the Lord gives the group understanding and insight into his will. I’m told that women are good at thinking collectively, though I don’t know how fundamental this is to our nature. With a collective mentality, it can be easy to slip into a culture of thoughtless deference, an avoidance of individual agency. But the women of 1 Nephi did not simply defer. For this collective group to come into its own as people of God, each member had to become individually engaged, receiving and acting upon the word of God in faith and diligence. Can we as families, congregations, and as the larger body of the church be described in such a way? In October 2003, President Hinckley confirmed this ideal collective mentality, a kind of collective that depends on and reaffirms the testimony of each individual. Speaking to the women of the church, he said “You know as I do that God our Eternal Father lives. He loves you. You know as I do that Jesus is the Christ, His immortal Son, our Redeemer. You know that the gospel is true and that heaven is near if we will cultivate it in our lives.” “ To the Women of the Church .” Oct. 2003. Related Mormon Women Project Interviews All Here Together , Bianca Morrison Dillard I have a lot of questions, but I feel more comfortable and confident sitting with those questions. I don’t feel like I have to necessarily put them on a shelf and not think about them anymore. I can hold them and say, “This is my faith and these are my doubts, and it’s all here together, and I feel confident in the core principles that I am going to follow.” Another reason that I feel so excited about Mormonism is that Mormonism is sort of like the wish for more light, truth, and knowledge. Like the wish for more wishes! We believe in light, truth, and knowledge wherever it is found. It’s all a part of the Gospel, and I find that really exciting. On Listening, Music, and What It Means to Be Human , Catherine Ramirez Trust yourself. Believe in your dreams and proceed with as much faith and diligence as you can. Pray for guidance and express your gratitude for all the help you receive along the way. Looking for additional perspectives on this lesson? We recommend Mormon Sunday School , Meridian Magazine  and LDSLiving .

The Gospel Doctrine lesson #6 manual objective is “To help class members have a greater desire to ‘choose liberty and eternal life’ through Jesus Christ, ‘the great Mediator of all men’ (2 Nephi 2:27).” Our Objective To find ways to connect to the scriptures and liken them unto women, even when the language and examples don’t include women, so that we might all choose liberty and eternal life through Jesus Christ, the great Mediator of all women and men. Commentary Section 1 of this lesson tells us, “Lehi counseled his sons to “arise from the dust … and be men.” It then asks, “What are the qualities of a righteous man?…How can we help young men choose righteousness over the world’s definition of manhood?” There’s some great content in this lesson. Yet when I read it, I feel a disconnect—just a slight one. After all, I’m used to feeling this disconnect and my mind immediately, subconsciously goes to work to repair it. The wording of the lesson makes it apparent we should apply Lehi’s counsel to men today. But what about me? Should I also arise from the dust and be a man? Or arise and be a woman? And is that different? Do those qualities of righteous men apply to me? This gendered approach, of course, isn’t unique to Lehi or this lesson. Neil L. Anderson notes in his 2011 Liahona article, “The Book of Mormon: Strengthening our Faith in Jesus Christ”: “On one occasion I pulled from its pages specific counsel from fathers to sons—it totaled 52 typed pages…The specific roles of women and daughters are to some extent unmentioned, as is common in ancient writing…We treasure the precious morsels that speak of women and mothers.” But the disconnect doesn’t end with fatherly advice to sons. The scriptures in general, and in this lesson in particular, appear to be talking to men and about men. The signature verse of the lesson states (2 Nephi 2:27), “Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men…” Of course Lehi means women too, right? And surely Christ is the Mediator of everyone, regardless of gender. So if Lehi really does mean me too, does it matter that his language doesn’t include me? Does it matter that there are 52 pages of council from fathers to sons but only “precious morsels” about women? Taking it further, does it matter that nearly all the “heroes” in the scriptures are male (only three Book of Mormon women are even named individually: Sariah, Abish and Isabel—who happens to be a harlot)? Actually, studies have shown it matters immensely. Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender, and Culture by Julia Wood explains, “Research demonstrates conclusively that male generics are perceived as pertaining predominantly or exclusively to men.” The book describes a study in which subjects in grade one through college were asked to make up a story about the “average student”. When the researchers referred to the subject with the generic “he”, only 12% of the stories were about women. However, when they used “he or she,” 42% of the stories were about females. Similarly, The Social Psychology of Gender by Shawn Meghan Born describes studies in which job ads written in the generic male led people to assume that a woman was not wanted in that position or could not do it. Fewer women applied and fewer women were chosen than when gender neutral terms were used. Research also demonstrates that women take longer to process information presented in the generic male. When we tell faith promoting stories exclusively about men or in generic male language, can we afford to have only 12% of listeners visualize a woman having faith? If the “job” we are applying to is to be a disciple of Christ, can we afford to have fewer women feel they can do it? When the instructions we are giving are about how to be obedient, compassionate, or generally Christ-like, can we afford to have our women and girls experience these processing blocks? If it does matter—a great deal, in fact—that the characters and language of the scriptures largely exclude women, what should we do? We can’t change the language in the Book of Mormon or the gendered world in which these ancient writers lived. But we don’t have to accept that as our world either. We can change the world in which we live. We can change the way we talk about and share information from the scriptures. And we should. In this lesson, we can talk about qualities of righteous people instead of just righteous men, about young women and men choosing righteousness—and take gender out of righteousness all together. We can pull in examples of modern women or women from early church history who illustrate the characteristic we want to highlight when there are no women examples in the scriptures. We can broaden our own language to talk about “he or she” and “women and men.”And we can refer to Christ as the great Mediator—not of “men,” but of us all—because after all, that’s what He is. Related Mormon Women Project Interviews Celebrating the Unseen Woman , Heather Farrell Issues around women and their roles can hurt. I have quite a few college friends who could never reconcile their feelings and experience and have drifted from the Church, and I have friends who are still faithful but shaken. That’s hard. I know what it feels like to be shaken. But I’ve always had that rock, which the Lord gave me really young, and which I’ve never lost. So while I have questions and times when my rock is shaken, I know that even if I don’t understand it now, there is an answer. I understand that God is no respecter of persons. He doesn’t love men more than He loves women. Patience and Joy , Patience Omorodion I want to encourage every woman, as a Latter-day Saint, we should never be afraid of any group of people, no matter how many they may be. Whether they are outside or inside the Church. As long as we are holding on the tree, we are going on the right way. We should continue and never give up. Other Related Women’s Voices Are You the Woman I Think You Are? , Sheri Dew Am I the woman I think I am, the woman I want to be? More importantly, am I the woman the Savior needs me to be? Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society , Julie B. Beck We study our history to learn who we are. There is a worldwide hunger among good women to know their identity, value, and importance. Studying and applying the history of Relief Society gives definition and expression to who we are as disciples and followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Looking for additional perspectives on this lesson? We recommend Mormon Sunday School , Meridian Magazine  and LDSLiving .

The Gospel Doctrine lesson #7 manual objective is “To help class members strengthen their testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and to encourage them to find happiness through trusting in the Lord and keeping His commandments.” Our Objective To reflect on what your legacy will be for your posterity. Commentary During the Age of Enlightenment (1650-1780), it wasn’t uncommon for women to die in childbirth. With the increase in literacy, amongst nobles and common folk, some women were able to give instruction and share their hopes with their unborn children in the form of letters in case they perished in childbirth. These letters are known as mothers’ legacies. Unfortunately, mothers’ legacies weren’t usually preserved – the writing of women, particularly about domestic things, was considered unimportant and not worthy of archival. One legacy that has survived is The Mothers Legacy to Her Unborn Child by Elizabeth Brooke Jocelin . It was published in 1624, two years after her death in childbirth. It is unclear as to why Jocelin’s legacy was published. Perhaps because of her nobility. In her legacy, Jocelin gives instruction to her husband and advice to her unborn child. As is common in legacies, Jocelin focuses primarily on religious instruction and having moral character. She writes to her husband:    “I desire her bringing up may bee learning the Bible, as my sisters doe, good housewifery, writing, and good works: other learning a woman needs not; though I admire it in those whom God hath blest with descretion…Yet I leave it to thy will…If thou desirest a learned daughter, I pray God give her a wise and religious heart, that she may use it to his glory, thy comfort, and her own salvation.” In 1797, Mary Wollstonecraft , considered by many to be the mother of the feminist movement with her seminal book, A Vindication of Women’s Rights , was pregnant with her second child and writing a novel. On August 30, 1797, she gave birth to Mary Godwin (who would grow up to marry Percy Shelley and pen Frankenstein ). Wollstonecraft died ten days later from an infection caused by the placenta not being fully birthed. In her unfinished novel, Maria or the Wrongs of Woman , the title character is expecting and spends a significant portion of the novel writing a mother’s legacy,    “Addressing these memoirs to you, my child, uncertain whether I shall ever have an opportunity of instructing you, many observations will probably flow from my heart…From my narrative, my dear girl, you may gather the instruction, the counsel, which is meant rather to exercise than influence your mind.—Death may snatch me from you, before you can weigh my advice, or enter into my reasoning…For my sake, warned by my example, always appear what you are, and you will not pass through existence without enjoying its genuine blessings, love and respect.” I kept thinking about mother’s legacies as I was studying this lesson wherein Lehi finishes his father’s blessing. In 2 Nephi 3 , he speaks to his youngest son Joseph of two other Josephs:  Joseph of Egypt and Joseph Smith. Lehi directs his son to be righteous like these men and to follow the council of Nephi that Joseph’s posterity may be blessed:   “And there shall rise up one mighty among them, who shall do much good, both in word and in deed, being an instrument in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing which is great in the sight of God, unto the bringing to pass much restoration unto the house of Israel, and unto the seed of thy brethren.” (v. 24) In 2 Nephi 4 , Lehi ends his blessing speaking to his children and their posterity: “I should leave a blessing upon you; for behold, I know that if ye are brought up in the way ye should go ye will not depart from it. Wherefore, if ye are cursed, behold, I leave my blessing upon you, that the cursing may be taken from you and be answered upon the heads of your parents. Wherefore, because of my blessing the Lord God will not suffer that ye shall perish; wherefore, he will be merciful unto you and unto your seed forever” (v. 5-7). I’m struck how these parents from different times, races, genders and cultures want the same things for their children – to be blessed, to be happy and doing good works. Even as a single, childless woman, I cannot help to think but that I would want the same for my hoped-for posterity. Have you give much thought to what you want your legacy to be? Would you testify of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ? That Jesus is the Christ? That the Book of Mormon is scripture? Some other truth your life has taught you?   I do not know what my future holds. So, I will leave you with this woman’s legacy: The sole purpose of this Earth school is to develop godly attributes and to make and keep covenants. It was divinely designed to be messy. So, boldly engage with life that you may be transformed. When you fall, because you will, know that the Father’s love is a given, that the repentance process is a gift, and that the healing power of Christ’s atonement is real. Be kind and loving to yourself and to others. It is through the difficult process of learning to get along with ourselves and each other that we develop our godly attributes. There are many roads to happiness. However, living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way I have found sustainable peace and joy. Related Mormon Women Project Interviews Stewards of Our Children , Sydney Young We are all stewards of our children. We don’t own them. They are all Heavenly Father’s children. Raising Children in Paradise , Rebecca Hendrickson Another scripture which has proved helpful many times is Abraham 4:18. I found this scripture while wondering how I could give instructions to my children and have them obey me. Just asking my 5-year-old and 3-year-old to go tidy up their room wasn’t working. “And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed.” I realized that for children that young, I actually had to watch them obey, and encourage them along the way. That was a very helpful insight which led to one of my parenting hints (I keep a list for myself inside the cupboard): “Never make a request unless you are willing to help them follow through.” Sometimes children just cannot obey without a little help from a parent. Happily, this gets better as time goes on. I don’t need to watch my older girls clean up their room, but I do follow up with them, always. Other Related Women’s Voices Defenders of the Family Proclamation , Bonnie L. Oscarson We eagerly teach our children to aim high in this life. We want to make sure that our daughters know that they have the potential to achieve and be whatever they can imagine. We hope they will love learning, be educated, talented, and maybe even become the next Marie Curie or Eliza R. Snow. Protection from Pornography – A Christ Focused Home , Linda S. Reeves How do we lead our children to deep conversion and to access our Savior’s Atonement? I love the prophet Nephi’s declaration of what his people did to fortify the youth of his day: “We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, [and] we prophesy of Christ…that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” The Finished Story , Gayle M. Clegg My husband’s great-grandfather Henry Clegg Jr. was a finisher. He joined the Church with his family when the first LDS missionaries went to Preston, England. Henry had a view of his destination in his mind as he and his wife, Hannah, and their two young boys immigrated to Utah. Henry left his older parents, who were too feeble to make such a long and arduous journey, knowing he would never see them again.While crossing the plains, Hannah contracted cholera and died. She was laid to rest in an unmarked grave. The company then moved on, and at six in the evening, Henry’s youngest son also died. Henry retraced his steps to Hannah’s grave, placed his young son in his wife’s arms, and reburied the two of them together. Henry then had to return to the wagon train, now five miles away. Suffering from cholera himself, Henry described his condition as being at death’s door while realizing he still had a thousand miles to walk. Amazingly he continued forward, putting one foot in front of the other. He stopped writing in his journal for several weeks after losing his dear Hannah and little son. I was struck with the words he used when he did start writing again: “Still moving.”When he finally reached the gathering place of the Saints, he began a new family. He kept the faith. He continued his story. Most remarkably, his heartache over the burial of his sweetheart and son gave birth to our family’s legacy of moving forward, of finishing.” Looking for additional perspectives on this lesson? We recommend Mormon Sunday School , Meridian Magazine  and LDSLiving .

The Gospel Doctrine lesson #8 manual objective is “To help class members understand their need for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and to teach them how to receive all the blessings of the Atonement.” Our Objective To recognize and then follow the example of Jacob as we apply our own learning to speak out and testify of the power of the Redeemer. Commentary Chapter 6 of Second Nephi is our first introduction to the witness of Jacob, Lehi’s first-born in the wilderness. Lehi’s final words ( 2 Nephi 2 ) taught us that Jacob was a good kid. Despite the affliction of his older brothers, he was faithful and in his youth beheld the Savior’s glory. Lehi taught his son that he was redeemed, not because he was a good kid, nor because he had earned it through his faithfulness. Lehi taught that he knew Jacob was redeemed “because of the righteousness of [his] Redeemer.” Jacob was redeemed because of Christ’s righteousness offered through a covenant relationship with him. Clearly, Jacob has been thinking about this legacy and his own relationship with his Redeemer. Although we don’t have direct references to the teachings of the women in his life, certainly his father is not the only one to leave a legacy. Jacob consistently considers the words of others. We see Jacob thoughtfully pondering Isaiah’s words and incorporating Nephi’s advice to “liken” the scriptures unto himself and his people. Jacob shows concern and anxiety for the welfare of his people ( 2 Nephi 6:3 ), he teaches them that Isaiah’s words to the children of Israel (who have lost the knowledge of God) are also applicable to them—they are also the children of Israel though in a different time and situation. However, he doesn’t just repeat Isaiah’s words exactly, he reworks them to fit their current context. As he does this, he outlines and reiterates promises of a new world where the worldly structures of power are broken down, Jacob adds his witness that those who are faithful and wait on the Lord will not have any reason to be ashamed or to regret that they chose the Lord. The God of Israel follows through. As Jacob works through Isaiah’s words, applying them to his people specifically, he testifies of the Savior and Redeemer and personalizes the message. Isaiah 50:4 calls the personal gift of learning, communication, and consolation imparted to “the weary” a gift of God. Jacob sees his skill of applying scripture to his own people’s situation a gift—God gave him “the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season unto thee, O House of Israel” ( 2 Nephi 7:4 ). Likewise, we all might have this same gift to use our own learning to love and teach those who are “weary” around us—our sisters and brothers. Learning is a gift to be shared. As Relief Society General President Elaine Jack taught , “We are women with spiritual strength! We have within us the Spirit of the Lord to guide us on the path of righteousness. [As Jacob taught,] “To be spiritually-minded is life eternal” ( 2 Nephi 9:3 9). Our spirituality is also recharged by each other. Show charity for each other. Show understanding, not judgment; kindness, not blame; joy, not envy. Love as the Lord loves.” Combine that spiritual strength and love with our own learning and the courage to speak out, and we have a power and a voice to teach, testify, and heal. As President Russell M. Nelson has most recently pled with us , “My dear sisters, whatever your calling, whatever your circumstances, we need your impressions, your insights, and your inspiration. We need you to speak up and speak out.” As Jacob tailors his message to his own people, he particularly focuses on the title Redeemer. Often we use the titles, Savior and Redeemer, interchangeably. However, like his family examples, Jacob uses the term Redeemer more than Savior. They both include elements of saving and delivering. Yet, as Jennifer Lane of BYU-Hawaii eloquently teaches , the title Redeemer is more specific and more instructive title of Christ to those enslaved. In the ancient world slavery was not dependent on race, but at certain times as much as half of the population was enslaved. Lose a war and suddenly you’ve lost any autonomy you thought you had. For an ancient people who intimately knew slavery, the concept of a Redeemer as one who buys them back is particularly poignant. Spiritually, we are all enslaved and worn down by sin. Jacob encourages us all to see that not only is the Savior powerful and willing to save us, but he has promised that he bought us back from sin and we can be his. We likewise have the opportunity and responsibility, as did Jacob, to testify of the “goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape” to she that is weary ( 2 Ne 9:10 ). Related Mormon Women Project Interviews Knowing Her Worth , Elizabeth Smart I always knew that my Heavenly Father was with me and that he loved me. That really made a big difference to me, just knowing that he was there. And also knowing that Jesus knew exactly what I was going through, that he wouldn’t abandon me. I know that everything I have lost he will make up to me. I’m not left alone. Women and the Priesthood , Sheri Dew If I had not come to understand a little more about the Atonement and the healing power of the Atonement, I don’t know what would have happened. Those disappointments have led me to struggle for my own personal understanding of the Atonement. But they’re hard. There’s nothing easy about it. Other Related Women’s Voices Our Only Chance , Sheri Dew Now, each one of us is on the path towards our eternal home. And for various reasons we all need rescue—rescue from loneliness and heartache, from despair and disillusionment, from the consequences of innocent mistakes and blatant sin. Where do we turn for help? ‘In the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way’ (Ether 12:11). Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written on Our Hearts? , Linda Burton How does knowing our worth to [The Lord] increase our desire to help those who need to understand the Atonement as we do—way down deep? When each of us has the doctrine of the Atonement written deep in our hearts, then we will begin to become the kind of people the Lord wants us to be when He comes again. He will recognize us as His true disciples. Looking for additional perspectives on this lesson? We recommend Mormon Sunday School , Meridian Magazine  and LDSLiving .