Sabbath Devotional :: All are Needed

I have recently been studying the lives of significant women in the history of both the early Church and the restored Church. Regardless of the century in which they were born, these women tend to embody firm resolve, loyalty to truth, civic-mindedness, self-reliance, a hunger for knowledge, and an inborn sense of justice — the same qualities that drive us forward at MWEG.

One favorite story:

“When a teamster tried to steal Lucy Mack Smith’s horses as they were moving to Palmyra, she [confronted] him in front of all of the travelers present: ‘Gentlemen and ladies, please give your attention. As sure as there is a God in heaven, that team, as well as the goods, belong to my husband, and this man intends to take them from me. Sir, I now forbid you touching the team, or driving it one step further. You can go about your business; I have no use for you.’ Her devotion to the cause of the Lord and her fine sense of justice made her an authoritative figure.” (Jaynann Payne, “Lucy Mack Smith: Woman of Great Faith,” Nov 1972)

Lucy Mack Smith was a warrior for justice. Some women of the Church display the extroverted, fiery spunk of early pioneers like her. Others display the introverted, unshakable certainty of Mary, the mother of our Savior. I love this tribute that President Hinckley addressed to his wife, Marjorie:

“Your down-to-earth good sense, your sparkling and refreshing wit . . . and your tremendous and ever constant faith have won the hearts of all who have listened to you. Your voracious appetite for reading and your relentless pursuit of knowledge have kept you alert and refreshing throughout a long and fruitful life.” (“Teachings of the Presidents of the Church”: Gordon B. Hinckley, Chapter 5)

Sisters, the Lord needs ALL of us with our diverse skills and traits and our unified purpose and faith. Like Esther, “Who knoweth whether THOU art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”