Remember Thy Faith

Father, I'm empty;
Father, I'm lost.
I've done as thou asked,
But I've not paid the cost.

Someone has suffered;
Someone has cried.
But who was that man
That for me hath died?

I know all the stories;
I know what to say,
But do I reflect
Outside of Sunday?

Am I seeking for glory?
Am I seeking for fame?
Or am I just trying
To help Him reclaim?

Others are lost;
Others don't see
The blessings that come
Because of belief.

Father, I love them;
Father, I'm here.
Send me thy children
That need rest from fear.

I'll trust in my Savior;
I'll trust in my faith.
I know who it is
That saved me by grace.

 See Ether 12:6 and 1 John 4:18

An Elect Lady

Last month, we had a special sisters meeting for all of the sister missionaries in my area. We were put into groups of four, given a woman from the scriptures along with a Christ-like attribute, and asked to give a discussion on how that woman showed that attribute.

My group was assigned Emma Smith and charity.

Emma Hale Smith: The first president of the oldest women's organization in the United States. The faithful, loving wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith. 

Charity: n. the pure love of Christ. It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul.

Getting to study her life more in depth was such an amazing experience. She has been an amazing example to me in my life. I have always felt a curious attachment to her, so I was ecstatic to hear the assignment.

Just before her husband, Joseph Smith, was martyred at Carthage Jail, he responded to her request for a blessing. He told her if she wrote one, he would sign it when he returned home. This is some of what she wrote:

"I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I might be able to overcome whatever of tradition or nature that would not tend to my exaltation in the eternal worlds. I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through His servants without doubting. ...I desire... that I may wear a cheerful countenance... and be a blessing to all..."

Her words show such love and devotion to her Heavenly Father. In all she did, she showed charity for others, often caring for their welfare above her own. I believe that the words she wrote in that blessing from the Lord expresses the desires of my heart as well. I believe that is why I love Emma.

May we all love a little deeper, act a little kinder, and serve a little more.