Emma Hale Smith, An Elect Lady - First President of The LDS Womens Relief Society.

I spent some time during this last year, studying the life of Emma Smith; as well as the circumstances surrounding the organization of the Female Relief Society, in Nauvoo. I have been profoundly moved, as I have gained a deeper understanding, and testimony of the mission of the Relief Society.

Emma Smith, has been referred to as an "enigma", by those who never understood her actions, following the death of her Prophet-husband, Joseph Smith Jr. How could she have walked away from the Church, the wife of a Prophet of God? Surely she knew, as much as anyone could have known, the truthfulness of the Gospel. She was with Joseph when he acquired the plates, she was actively involved along side of him, throughout the entire translation of the Book of Mormon. She briefly transcribed, as Joseph dictated the words to her, directly from the plates. Today, we have Emma Smith's testimony and witness that her husband did indeed translate the Book of Mormon, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

It is my opinion, that we learn a lot about Emma Smith, the woman, by the fact that she never wavered in her testimony of her husband's call as the prophet of God. Nor did she ever deny the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

I have always been touched by her commitment to her mother-in-law, Lucy Mack Smith. Emma cared deeply for Joseph's mother. I believe that there had to have been a great sisterhood that was shared between these two grieving women, following the death of Joseph. Who could possibly have understood how these women felt, nor what they had endured, leading up to the death of the prophet?

It is my understanding, that both Lucy and Emma, were tired... We know that Lucy Mack's health, was what prevented her from going with the Saints, to the Salt Lake Valley. I think that we can safely assume, that Emma, too, was struggling with her own health... her emotional health.

I am sure that many of you, have heard about the difficulties that Emma and Brigham Young, had between them. They did not agree on many things. Above them all, was the issue of polygamy. It is no secret, that Emma Smith was not a fan of this practice, that her husband is known to have participated in. I have often felt, that Emma's unwillingness to admit that her husband practiced polygamy, had something to do with a kind of loyalty to Joseph himself. Joseph, never admitted during his lifetime, to his practice of polygamy - ever! So, why should Emma?

Emma Smith, for some - is a target for questions directed toward her faithfulness. I have decided not to judge Emma Smith, on her questionable actions, of which I simply could never understand. What I have decide to focus on, about Emma, is her calling, vision and testimony. These three things, are the mark - of women of covenant.

At the onset of the organization of the Female Relief Society in Nauvoo, Emma proclaimed to the sisters of the Church, that they as a body, "were going to do something extraordinary". During the term of Emma's service, as the inaugural President of the Relief Society - which was in fulfillment of her elect status among women, she was exemplary in her Christlike service. Emma Smith created a legacy of service, that has continued to this very day. Now that, was truly visionary!

What Emma Smith understood, was that the organization of the Relief Society in her day, was part of the great restoration work of her Prophet-husband, Joseph Smith. Emma knew that the divinely commissioned work of the Relief Society - would help usher in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Emma saw this as extraordinary!

Today, the women of Relief Society, have the very same vision that Emma Smith prophesied of, in her day. In fact, the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints today, is a fulfillment of Emma's vision. The Relief Society is the largest organization in the world, for women.

During Emma's lifetime, she endured more than most women in the Church today, could possibly imagine. Surely, Emma learned to rely on the Lord, and leaned not unto her own understanding. How could she? Emma learned how to endure, and she did.

Today, we as women can relate to feeling tired, beat up, and needing to rest along the way. I know that personally, I would never want anyone to think less of me, because I was not "doing" what other women in the Church felt that I should be. I believe that the women of the Church today, can learn a great deal about compassion, from the life of Emma Smith.

Julie Beck, who serves as the General Relief Society President today, recently reminded the women of the Church, about our great mission as women in the Church. It has not changed, since Emma served as President. In fact, Sister Beck encouraged the sisters in the Church today, to do more and to be better. She instructed the sisters today, in the same way that Emma Smith inspired the women of the Church in her day.

Julie Beck summarized the mission of the Relief Society, "...the purpose of Relief Society, as established by the Lord, is to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life. I would like to say that again. The purpose of Relief Society, as established by the Lord, is to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life."

Today, as in the days of Nauvoo, when the Saints were building their temple unto God, and the endowment was being revealed to Joseph, the Relief Society organization was meant to prepare the women of the Church - to make and keep sacred covenants. We, as covenant women of Christ, continue this legacy as we build the Kingdom of God, and gather in His daughters, unto His Holy House.

tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs

Reprinted only with permission