Laura Nielsen taught lesson #45, “Joseph Smith’s feelings about His Prophetic Mission,” on November 15, 2009. Laura began her lesson explaining that Joseph Smith “knew that once he had completed his earthly mission, he could die”(Teachings of Presidents of the Church, 517). He knew that the situation surrounding the Saints was becoming increasingly dangerous, but Joseph had a desire for them to continue to prepare to receive the truth of the gospel and to build up the kingdom of God.
Laura brought up the point that despite the perilous danger and trials the Prophet suffered he was able to be kind and loving to those around him. Kay Esplin shared the story of Margarette McIntire Burgess and her brother Wallace. These children got stuck in mud along a street in Nauvoo and were crying because they couldn’t get out. The Prophet saw them, helped them out of the mud, cleaned the mud from their shoes and dried their tears. Kay can picture the Prophet comforting them. She shared the connection she feels toward Joseph Smith. Kay’s grandfather, Raymond Poulter, was baptized by Charles Middleton. Charles was baptized by Joseph Smith and was with him in Nauvoo. Kay’s grandfather told Kay he felt a closeness to the Prophet because of this special tie he had to him. It has been a treasure for Kay to know someone who knew someone who knew the Prophet. She knows Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.
Laura asked how Joseph Smith was able to remain so cheerful and caring in the face of so much adversity. Marilyn Olsen remarked that she once saw our bishop changing someone’s tire in a blizzard. It is important to reach out to and love those we serve. Nicole Berry said that when we know who were are and have a sure knowledge of our faith it is sometimes easier to keep centered. Joseph had such deep faith that he could keep his perspective on eternal things.
So how can we stay happy and loving during our own trials? Susan Smaellie said that if we look for a purpose outside of ourselves we could remain happier and loving in trials. She said that we must have faith that the Lord is aware of us and that we are responsible and accountable for ourselves. Kathy Jones says that when she has the Spirit with her she is happier. She also knows that being able to go to bed and sleep is a true gift from God. This gives her renewed hope. Kathe Maxfield counts her blessings. Randi Escobar looks beyond herself for perspective. Margaret Strong recently attended a concert where Elder Bednar had written some words to music. His words testified of the atonement and Margaret wept because she knew that “because of [the Savior’s] loving kindness for us, despite His pain, He still reaches out to us.” Jesus wasn’t distracted by the pain He suffered. It is important for us to not be distracted.
Laura talked about how the Prophet Joseph was frustrated by the Saints lack of eternal perspective. He wanted them to know what he knew. She gave several quotes from Joseph Smith that voiced his frustrations and also his love for the early church members. They are also very applicable to us. Laura asked, “What can interfere with our ability to receive more truth? What can we do to be “better prepared to receive the things of God?” Laura gave the example of a woman she knew in Texas with a terminal disease. She had joined the church and wanted her funeral to be in line with gospel teachings. She came from a very strong culture, but her willingness to not cling to her past traditions showed that she followed the truth that she had accepted. Courtney Crofts talked about how Wasatch Front culture sometimes inhibits us. She says that we get comfortable and then we are sometimes afraid of the truth.
Laura talked about how prophets, though men with human frailties, are called of God to teach and lead us. She asked what kind of counsel would you give someone who refuses to follow a church leader because they have a character flaw? Jenni Mumford said that usually the things that annoy us about other people are usually the same things we do ourselves. Susan Smaelie said that it is important to remember that criticizing church leaders is often the first step toward apostasy. Lisa Groneman says that it is important to separate human mistakes from the perfection of the gospel. Nicole Berry knew President Hinckley’s grandson and said that it was refreshing to hear that President Hinckley was a man who sometimes made mistakes. Forgiving our leaders for being human helps us relate to them.
Laura said that Joseph felt that it was his responsibility to know that he had fulfilled his duty. He loved the Saints he served even though it was sometimes his responsibility to reprove them. She asked when have you tasted the sweetness of the truth and how can rejoice in the words of our prophet or other church leader even when they reprove us for our misdeeds? Kathy Jones and Kay Esplin both shared stories about how they had been corrected for different things. Kathy said it was hard to take those words, but they have blessed her and made her a better person. Kay said that instead of being mad or insulted by the experience she learned from it and that counsel has truly blessed her life. Susan Smaelie loves the quote from Joseph Smith that says “there is always a sliver of truth in your enemy’s words.” She is awed that he thought that way and would make himself better in response to what his enemies said about him. She thinks that is a profound way to view counsel that comes to us.
Laura closed her beautiful lesson with her testimony that she knows that even though Joseph Smith wasn’t perfect, he was a prophet called of God and she is grateful for that knowledge every
