I was privileged to teach today about Joseph Smith. I bore witness that this summer Bonnie and I were going to leave and go somewhere to help in the preaching to the world about Joseph Smith. His name is recognized far and wide, and we get to help spread it more.
We discussed Emma and all the things she went through. I have ten High Priests who love to share and it is so easy to be the discussion leader in HP as they all help share their thoughts. I have had, and do have now a larger appreciation of Emma. Trying to support her husband as a father to her children, a spouse, and then a leader of a new church, a prophet, etc, would have been a very challenging duty. I pay honor and respect to her today.
Joseph's descendants suffered from the challenges he had. Many are not members of the church and struggle with the teaching of the church. Many are agnostic. I am sure this hurts Brother Joseph as he sees clearly the importance of accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He was truly a very great man. As I read the scripture in D and C about what he has done for mankind, I was again amazed at the list of things he did for me, for us, and for the world. As we discussed him, I am also amazed at the trials, the challenges, and the afflictions he suffered through, being a prophet as well as the days before he went to the grove to see the Father and Son. We paused in High Priests and sang, "Praise to the man..." and thoroughly enjoyed being reminded about him and his life.
He sealed his testimony leaving his wife, his family, his friends, his counselors, and his beloved church. I am sure as the final minutes of his life passed before him, knowing that he was going to die, he worried about all of those groups. But I am also sure that he commended his life into the hands of Father.
I know one day I shall see and talk with him, for I have questions I would like to ask of him. I pay my heart felt respect to Brother Joseph today. He was truly chosen for such a challenging responsibility to usher in this last dispensation.
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