Monday, February 2, 2009

An Elect Lady

A sister in my ward that I visit teach was telling me about the movie, Emma Smith: My Story, and offered to let me borrow it so I took her up on her offer.  I'm so glad I did. It is a wonderfully inspiring docudrama about the life of Emma Hale Smith starting in her childhood and progressing through the martyrdom of her husband, the prophet, Joseph Smith Jr. After watching the film--and crying through two-thirds of it--I have a newfound love and respect for this remarkable woman whom the prophet loved so dearly. She went through so much during her life. I do not think we can truly comprehend the depth of her trials and the strength of her faith. I remember as a freshman at BYU, going to a Relief Society Homemaking meeting (now called Home Family and Personal Enrichment) that was a one woman dramatic performance about the life of Emma Smith. An older lady--I don't recall her name--came in costume and then portraying the character of Emma, talked to us about her life. That was probably my first experience with really learning about her. It was a nice performance and the woman did a great job but somehow now that I am a wife and mother, I can relate so much better to this "elect lady." I have long loved and admired the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. but now I feel that I know Emma a little better and I can honestly say that I love and admire her as well.   I would highly recommend this film if you are fortunate enough to be able to get your hands on it.