Many thanks to Pauline Colton for sharing this beautiful watercolor painting with us. Below, she shares some of her thoughts about the painting, and a few of the many scriptures that came to mind as she was working on this piece. We first shared this in 2009 but the image was not accessible. We figured it was a great opportunity to re-share. Please note the image is copyrighted, and shared with permission. More information below.

Alma 37:6 “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.”

The greatest of all the gifts of God is His Son. Christ willingly and lovingly makes the blessings, the healing and the power of the atonement available to each of us. Only by small and simple means can I be in a position to partake of the atonement.

As I worked on the drawing and design of this piece, I had many scriptures come to mind. By taking note of each scripture as I recalled it, I ended up with six pages of scriptures. I categorized the scriptures by elements in the painting. Here, I include only one reference for each category:

1. Being partakers – Alma 5:62

2. Fruit – 1 Nephi 8:10-12

3. Tree – Revelation 2:7

4. Oil – D&C 33:16-17

5. Support for the lamp – Isaiah 41:10

6. Drop by drop – Deut 32:2

7. Light of the World – John 8:12

8. Light of Christ given to man – D&C 84:45-46

9. Clay lamp – Isaiah 64:8

10. Being invited – Revelation 3:20

<font=size=”1″>Copyright Pauline Colton. Picture may be reproduced and used for for personal, non-profit use.</font=size=”1″>

The post “Be Partakers” – a watercolor painting about oil in our lamps, the light of Christ, the tree of life, and more appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

This week we will celebrate the 170th anniversary of the Relief Society, the organization for women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We’ll be posting (and re-posting) some posts on the topic of Relief Society. This post was originally published in 2008.

-by Michelle

I recall one of those days several years ago when I went visiting teaching. I must confess that I was not excited to go. I was tired. I didn’t feel good. I hadn’t had much downtime with my children because we have had lots of craziness (errands, doctor’s appointments, car troubles, dad out of town). More than anything, I just wanted to be cozy and comfortable at home. “Visiting teaching is never convenient,” I found myself thinking. (Truth be told, service is often not convenient.)

I printed out the lesson and mused over the title: “Blessings of Belonging to Relief Society.” I found myself wondering about why the lessons in this particular year (2006) had focused on Relief Society.

I felt the Spirit teaching and touching me during the next hour and a half, in spite of the bad start to my service. I was able to repent of my attitude and receive a clear answer to my question.

Both of our sisters had forgotten we were coming. (That happens to me almost every time my visiting teachers come!) One sister was up to her eyeballs in a big project. Even still, both sisters graciously invited us in. (Note to self: Opening my heart and my home to my visiting teachers makes it possible for the Spirit to visit, too!)

We did the usual chatting–about life, about our holiday plans (this was at Christmastime), about recent travels, about family. The conversation quickly turned to gospel discussion, and the Spirit filled our hearts with that peace that “passeth all understanding.”

The Spirit also granted understanding. It became so clear, especially during our second visit, why the lessons focused on Relief Society: to help us understand the vision and purpose of Relief Society. Since there might be some people out there wondering about what Relief Society is all about, I wanted to include some highlights of the visiting teaching messages from this particular year (usually there is a focus or theme that is woven throughout the monthly messages in a given year). 

President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918): “This organization is divinely made, divinely authorized, divinely instituted, divinely ordained of God to minister for the salvation of the souls of women and of men. … Make [Relief Society] first, make it foremost, make it the highest, the best and the deepest of any organization in existence in the world. You are called by the voice of the Prophet of God to do it, to be uppermost, to be the greatest and the best, the purest and the most devoted to the right” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 184).

Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society general president: “We have been given an organization to build our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to feel his love, and to extend that love to all. The Relief Society is that organization” (“Transforming Transitions,” in The Rock of Our Redeemer: Talks from the 2002 BYU Women’s Conference [2003], 45).

Eliza R. Snow (1804–87), former Relief Society general president: “What is the object of the Female Relief Society? I would reply—to do good—to bring into requisition every capacity we possess for doing good, not only in relieving the poor but in saving souls. United effort will accomplish incalculably more than can be accomplished by the most effective individual energies” (“Female Relief Society,” Deseret Evening News, Apr. 18, 1868, 2).

Reading these quotes helped me feel more deeply why Relief Society exists. We care about service, we care about lifting the downtrodden — and we care about faith, spiritual growth, and helping others work toward salvation.

How Can You Enjoy the Blessings of Belonging to Relief Society?
Anne C. Pingree, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “When the sisters of Relief Society look ‘with an eye single to the glory of God’ (D&C 4:5), they can experience rich spiritual insights and share deep spiritual strength together. … Connections forged among covenant women in Relief Society can indeed enlighten, enliven, and enrich the journey of life because we can help each other learn how to put the Lord first in our hearts and in our lives” (“Walking towards the Light of His Love,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 112–13).

2 Nephi 25:26: “We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, … that [we and] our children may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Who can gauge the miraculous effects upon the lives of millions of women whose knowledge has been increased, whose vision has been extended, whose lives have been broadened, and whose understanding of the things of God has been enriched by reason of countless lessons effectively taught and learned in meetings of the Relief Society?” (“Ambitious to Do Good,” Ensign, Mar. 1992, 4).

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: “The Relief Society curriculum is focused on basic doctrine and will give you the opportunity to study the gospel and increase your spirituality. … All sisters … need to be ‘remembered and nourished by the good word of God’ [Moro. 6:4]. Doctrine will strengthen you and help you to develop the spirituality necessary to overcome the challenges of life” (“You Are All Heaven Sent,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 111).

Anne C. Pingree, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “Each of us … can move forward without fear, finding our way to Him as we personally feel the blessings of His infinite Atonement. I know that one of the supernal blessings of Relief Society is our connection to women who also bear testimony of our Lord. My prayer is that we will ever walk side by side towards the light of His redeeming love” (“Walking towards the Light of His Love,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 113).

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): “Intelligence, light and knowledge … are part of the promise given to the sisters by the Prophet Joseph Smith. … Relief Society sisters see the fulfillment of that promise daily as they teach children at home, in Sunday School, and in Primary, in Relief Societies, in sacrament meetings, and in daily conversation. … We encourage all our sisters to take advantage of their opportunities to receive light and knowledge in school, in personal study, and in Relief Society” (“Relief Society—Its Promise and Potential,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, 4).

I really liked what Sister Pingree said about having our eye single to God. Relief Society is more than casseroles and crafts; it is an organization designed to help us gain “rich spiritual insights and share deep spiritual strength together.” The purpose of activities and service opportunities are opportunities to bring us together as sisters, to increase love and faith.

I am grateful that the Spirit helped me catch that vision yesterday as I was visiting teaching. I felt spiritually nourished and strengthened. In the end, these are the potential fruits of visiting teaching…but how easily I forget! I’m grateful that we have this opportunity to visit sisters every month, and I find that my life is blessed when I do my visiting teaching. It’s a simple program with wonderful purpose and potential. And there are countless ways that Relief Society has blessed my life.

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Last year, we asked how Mormon women celebrate Pioneer Day. We compiled answers from several women, which can be found below. We invite other Mormon women (and men!) to share how they celebrate the holiday in the comments section.

Brenda:

We sometimes will have a Family Home Evening lesson about the Pioneers and how their sacrifices have blessed our family.

Last year, I had two Sister Missionaries over for dinner who were both from Tonga. I was interested in how or if they celebrated Pioneer day in their wards and stakes in Tonga. I was very surprised when they said, “Oh yes! We dress up in pioneer clothing, clog and dance, play music and remind ourselves what a blessing it was that the missionaries were sent to Tonga.”

I’d like to see pictures of those ward and stake parties!

Michelle:

We don’t have any particular traditions, except we usually celebrate with some simple fireworks, often with neighbors. We also try to have a lesson about the pioneers, and/or our own ancestors (every family has stories to tell!).

My most memorable Pioneer Day was after doing a 2-day, 25-mile trek when I lived on the East coast. It was so hard, but so rewarding, and helped me ponder more about how hard it must have been to trek across the barren West, often with little more than the faith that burned in their hearts.

There were some beautiful pieces of art in the international art competition display last year that touched me…that expressed how the celebration of the pioneers really isn’t just for those who live in Utah, or for those who have ancestors who were early members of the Mormon Church. The pioneers really can be an inspiration to anyone who is facing their own wildernesses in their lives. I love studying their stories and learning from their examples.

Makakona:

My husband is of good ol’ pioneer stock [his ancestors were Mormons, too, for generations back] and i am a convert. We discuss both types of pioneers with our kids.

We’re not great about any traditions, though. We just attend whatever the stake [a group of local ward congregations] puts on for us and we dress up. I’ve been piecing pioneer dress-up costumes together for my girls bit by bit each year. They’re excited to now have skirts to go with their bonnets and aprons!

Tiffany:

At my house, we only eat homemade food that day and go the whole day without using electricity (except the air conditioner which my DH won’t allow to be turned off). It can be a challenge but it’s fun.

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I know this is the true Church of our Savior Jesus Christ and that we are led by a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

My story:

My life challenges started at a very early age. I was eight years old when I was first molested. He was a friend of the family and I had a child’s love for him. He broke my heart and severely injured my spirit. Unable to tell my parents, my trust of people around me was shaken. I became very insecure and frightened of life. When I reached my teens, my insecurities and lack of participation in school activities became evident and a concerned counselor started drawing me out and I felt comforted by his concern. But, once again my life was jolted when he betrayed my trust. One day he offered me a ride home. I accepted his kind gesture. I soon realized he had other intentions. We took a ride into the hills near our town and the unspeakable happened. Once again I was shaken to the core and afraid to go to my parents. I had no idea how to deal with any of this and so I pushed the thoughts and feelings deep inside. I didn’t have any close friends at school and my insecurities became overwhelming.

I started going to a neighborhood church and felt some comfort but still I had no answers to why bad things were always happening to me. I was convinced that bad things only happened to bad people ant that I was being punished. I met a boy who belonged to another church and we started dating. School became increasingly harder for me to deal with. When I was sixteen and my boyfriend nineteen I convinced my parents to allow me to get married. I was then dropped out of school.

A couple of years into my marriage my husband and I started having very heated arguments. We were both so young and immature. It became an abusive relationship with my husband using physical force. After our son was born, I decided that the best thing for both me and my son was to leave this marriage. I was more fearful for my son than for myself. Once again I was left with the thought and feeling that I was a bad person.

It was very hard being a single mom at the young age of nineteen. I started having severe migraine headaches that often made it hard for me to go to work, or be a mother. I started suffering with depression as well. I had long since stopped going to church, I couldn’t see the point. My friends changed and my lifestyle became one that I am now ashamed of. And soon drugs became an escape from all my worries. At least I thought so at the time.

Even though this was a time of spiraling out of control, I did meet a man who was stable and who had healthy life goals and was willing to be a father to my son, and so, we were married and a year later we had a daughter. I still suffered with migraines and depression. I was also still painfully insecure and that was a problem for my very outgoing, enthusiastic husband.

At some point all of these physical, mental and social challenges became too overwhelming. Prescription drugs and illegal drugs became a part of my life again. I was what you would call a “functioning addict.” My marriage of seventeen years ended and I really went into a tailspin. I became so frightened of life. I was completely convinced that my life had no worth.

Mid-October 2004 I tried to end my life. I was found unconscious, barely breathing and rushed to the hospital. I was put on a respirator. My two sisters, one in California, and the other in Utah, were contacted by my former husband who is a doctor. They have since told me they thought they were coming to bury me.

After five days I regained consciousness and was taken off the respirator. My two sisters were standing by my bedside. Both my sisters have been members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since they were in their teens. One of my sisters reached over the safety bar on the bed and laid her hand on my arm and asked me if I would like a priesthood blessing. At the same time that she asked that question there was a whisper in my other ear. Jesus whispered, “Are you ready to do it my way?” I knew it was Him because of how specific those words were to me. I also knew it was Jesus because of the love, warmth and comfort that fell on me. I have never felt such love in all my life! Such pure love! I said yes to both questions. Any questions I had about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were answered in that moment.

It’s my testimony that Jesus lives and his Atonement will make everything right. Heavenly Father’s love has healed me. I do not suffer from depression, overwhelming insecurities, nor do I feel like I’m a bad person. As my faith grows and my knowledge of the gospel grows I realize that bad things happen to good people. We are here to be tested. Our lives are subjected sometimes to those who choose to use their agency in a negative manner. When those times befall us, He will comfort us.

Before I was baptized, I worried about forgiveness. I worried about whether Heavenly Father would forgive me if I couldn’t forgive those who had trespassed against me. Matthew 6:14-15, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” I talked to Elder Hansen (who was the missionary teaching me and who would be baptizing me) about my concerns and he suggested that I fast and pray. I also talked to the local Relief Society President. Sister Hunt loaned me her scriptures and showed me how to use the Topical Guide and the Bible Dictionary. I took her scriptures home, fasted, prayed and read scriptures that night and the next day. I can’t really say that I had any earth shaking revelations, but at some point, an indescribable peaceful feeling came upon me. I no longer had any ill feelings left and I was able to pray sincerely for those who had hurt me. I then felt like I could enter the baptismal waters and enter into those sacred covenants and start my journey of enduring to the end.

I know I’m not alone on this journey. I know that I can call on Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, to help me through any challenge and he will give me the strength to endure.

—

Editor’s note: This post originally appeared on this site on June 12, 2008.

The post When Bad Things Happen to Good People: One woman’s journey to overcome the effects of abuse and addiction appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

By: Heather L.

This past weekend I have learned a lot about obedience and trusting the Lord… and miracles!

I got up and dressed casually for my day, but then realized that I really needed the blessings of going to the temple to be able to deal with the worries that weighed upon me.

My list of to-dos came flooding to mind: I had to get kids to school, I had to hurry and change, I had chores to do, and I had an appointment at 11am. The last time I had gone to the temple, I hadn’t gotten home until 10:30am, and that just wouldn’t work with my schedule this particular day.

I had almost talked myself out of going when I found this quote by Elder Boyd K. Packer:

“When you say, ‘I can’t! I can’t solve my problems!’ I want to thunder out, ‘Don’t you realize who you are? Haven’t you learned yet that you are a son or a daughter of Almighty God? Do you not know that there are powerful resources inherited from Him that you can call upon to give you steadiness and courage and great power?’”

I knew that I needed to put my trust in Heavenly Father’s promise that if I would “go and do,” He would “prepare a way” for me to accomplish it (1 Nephi 3:7).

And He did. I was able to get to the temple and back by 9:40 instead of 10:30am, and I had a wonderful, peaceful time there. My burdens were lightened, my responsibilities and appointment fulfilled, and I knew that God had provided the way!

That day I learned again that when we act in faith by doing what the Lord asks, we then allow Him to perform miracles and send blessings on our behalf.

I know He can!

The post I Think I Can, I Think I Can appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

I was recently making a loaf of simple sandwich bread for our lunches. Often, I mix the bread in a bread maker, and then shape and bake the loaf in the oven. I just like it better that way.  As I put the pan into the bread maker, I went over all the ingredients in my head to make sure I had everything: water, honey, brown sugar, salt, flour, and…yeast! I had forgotten the yeast!

Without yeast, a loaf of bread bakes up into a hard brick and is unedible.  It never rises, it doesn’t get soft and tender, and it belongs nowhere but the trash. I’ve forgotten to add yeast a few times to my bread, and was always frustrated and disappointed that I wasted my time and the good ingredients on something that no one would enjoy.

As I rushed to the fridge to pull out and measure the yeast, I realized a parallel. It’s the same with prayer.  Prayer is the yeast of my day.  It is good to pray over meals, it is wonderful to pray in the evening to take time and express thanks to God for the blessings of that day.  But it is essential to start my day with prayer.  Without it, I feel off.  I wonder how many opportunities I might be missing because I didn’t take a few minutes to ask for guidance through prayer in the morning.  I wonder how many of my good ingredients — my willingness to serve, my talents, my hope to be better — might go unused or less used because I didn’t tell the Lord in the morning how willing I was to help Him that specific day.  I know that when I begin my day taking some time to have a good conversation with my Heavenly Father, my day has the ability to rise in a way it doesn’t when I don’t pray.

The post First Person: Leaven from Heaven appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

I’m Julie.  I’m a Mormon Woman, and I’m hopeful.

I’m hopeful that one day I’ll have a picture of our family where everyone is looking the same general direction.  I think it is too hopeful to wish that half the people might smile at the same time.

I’m hopeful that after I wash and dry two loads of laundry today, I will find the energy and desire to put those clothes away, instead of leaving them in laundry baskets until the day comes when we need to use those laundry baskets for something else — like pretend boats, or cars, or hiding piles of paper in the closet when someone knocks on the door.

I am always hoping to get my oldest to school on time, my middle child to swimming lessons before they’re half over, and that my youngest takes a decent nap just once a day.

I’m hopeful that I can accomplish three-quarters of the items on my to-do list today, hopeful that I’ll connect with my mother on the phone, and hopeful that when my husband and I collapse on the couch after putting the children to bed, we’ll be able to look into each others eyes and see a spark that invites kisses and conversation, instead of wanting to race to bed to see who can fall asleep first.

Most of all, I’m hopeful that I will be able to one day down the road have my children look at me and say, “My mom is a woman who knows – she knows Jesus , she loves Him, and she taught us to love and serve Him, too.”

I’m hopeful that my children will grow up and remember principles their dad and I teach them as we sit together each night reading from the scriptures, the LDS Church magazine for children, and sharing what we know about the gospel.

I hope, every morning, that I prioritize my day in a way that puts my family and the Savior first.  I hope we always have this much love and laughter, hugging and fun in our home.  I hope I can remember more frequently that the best place to be is on the floor cuddling my little children, and telling them how much I love them.

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

For more Portraits of Mormon Women, please click here.

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I recently found a picture that shows Jesus holding a little boy that looks just like my sweet three year old son.  I bought it and showed it to him as soon as I got home.

“’Oh! It’s Jesus holding Joshua! And Jesus said ‘I love you, Josh!'”

He decided he’d like the picture right next to his bed, so we went upstairs, got on pj’s, brushed teeth, and taped this picture to the wall right near his pillow.

He climbed in bed, turned at looked at the picture, and asked me “Do you remember that day, mom?”

Josh is my kid who loves our family photo albums most of all. He’ll flip pages very slowly, and tell you the story behind every single picture.

I asked him what day he wanted me to remember.

“Right there.  That day in the picture.  Remember when we went there?  Jesus gave me a hug and he whispered in my ear “I love you Joshua”.  Do you remember that day? I don’t really remember that day, mom.”

I could not convince Joshua that the picture next to his bed was a painting of a man that looked like Jesus holding a boy that looked like Joshua.  No – this was Jesus, and this was Josh.  Oh, his sweet innocence, my little lovely boy.

I leaned down and talked to him, looking in his gorgeous chocolate eyes.

Remember, Joshua, we haven’t gotten to hug Jesus since we were born.  I bet there was a time He did hug you and tell you He loved you.  You are right – Jesus loves you – and every one of us. And if He were here, I’m sure He’d pick you up, give you a big hug, and whisper “I love you Joshua” right in your ear.  Jesus loves you.  But since Jesus isn’t here, He gave us families to teach us and love us and protect us.  I am so happy Jesus let me be your mom.  I get to hug you. I get to love you, and I get to whisper in your ear “I love you Joshua”.

After I was done whispering in his ear, he shut his eyes, and I left the room, thinking that about this one thing I really want Joshua to know and carry with him in his heart forever:  Jesus knows him.  Jesus died for him, Joshua.  Jesus loves him.

For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you.  John 15:9

—

For more We Believe posts, click here.

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Some of my friends have thoughtfully picked out words or quotes to inspire them for the New Year. I think this is a fun idea, though I hesitate to pick one for myself. I don’t know why. Maybe I’m just not that organized. Maybe things have just been so crazy for us the last few years that each year feels kind of like ten. Maybe I just don’t ever know what’s going to happen next.

My friend, Megan finally pushed me over the edge and made me really think about it. She picked the word RELAX. I really like that. In fact, I was just going to go ahead and steal it from her and make it my word, but something else kept popping into my head.

It’s that scripture–you know, the one in Psalms 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”

It also shows up in Doctrine and Covenants 101:16: “Let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.”

Of course what kept coming to mind was “relax and know that I am God.” Not exactly accurate, but I think that’s one way of interpreting those verses. The more I thought about it the more I realized that this scripture is really what I need to think about and remember for the next year. We’re going to be moving across the country (again). We’ll be buying a business and taking it over (if all goes well). We’ll have to find a new house in a new place. We’ll have to find a new school for our son, Max and go to a new ward (again).

It’s all really scary. And intimidating. It makes me feel tired and frightened.

BUT. If I can think about it all in regards to these scriptures then I can think about it in a different way. If I can be still and know that Heavenly Father is God and that He is watching out for me then I don’t have to be so scared, or maybe scared at all. I’m not the only one watching out for me and my little family.

So maybe these big things we have to do can start to look exciting and adventurous instead of so scary.

The fact that I can’t ultimately control what happens in my life can be okay. There are divine beings watching out for us. Ultimately even if bad things happen we have hope that all will be ok and that we will be able to be together in the end.

I’ve just got to have faith. Relax, have faith and do the work.

One of my favorite men in the world, Jeffery R. Holland wrote the following in a wonderful article in the Ensign this month:

“Some of you may wonder: Is there any future for me? What does a new year or a new semester, a new major or a new romance, a new job or a new home hold for me? Will I be safe? Will life be sound? Can I trust in the Lord and in the future? Or would it be better to look back, to go back, to stay in the past?
“To all such of every generation, I call out, “Remember Lot’s wife.” Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the “high priest of good things to come” (Hebrews 9:11).”

Could that be more perfect and appropriate?

He writes and speaks so well. Just listening to his words brings me comfort.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

OK, I’ll try. I’ll try my best.

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Hi, I’m currently doing an essay for school on religion. The Church of the Latter Day Saints is one that grabbed my attention. I was wondering what a typical Mormon woman thought of the aspect of polygamy, as it is incredibly difficult to find a comment on the internet which is reliable. There’s been a lot of speculation in the news about the subject and I feel as though it would be a great insight to ask someone who is actually affected by those comments. Thank you for taking the time to read this question.

~Response by Kathryn**

“Does your husband have several wives?”  The guide’s question didn’t surprise me;  I’d been asked it already that summer.

“No,  Mormon polygamy hasn’t been practiced for over one hundred years.”

He rolled his eyes as the eery glow of the bonfire captured the dubious look on his face. “That’s not true.  I KNOW some of your men have several wives.”

“No really–we don’t….”

He spoke perfect English;  I knew there wasn’t a language barrier.  He had been our guide as we wandered through the 100-year-old forest which saddles the Polish/Belorussian border. Our guide was charming and knowledgeable about royalty, trees, mushrooms, and birds; however, he had been misguided by the international media when it came to Mormons.

I was asked other questions about Mormon polygamy that summer; fortunately they were not quite as awkward. I studied at a Polish university and most of my friends were graduate students preparing to do research in the Polish archives. We had long conversations about the Mormon church.  They understood that groups who currently practice polygamy who may call themselves Mormons are not part of the thirteen million member Church headquartered in Salt Lake City.

In April of 2008, Elder Quentin L. Cook, an apostle for the Church, asked the news media to make a clear distinction in their reports between the Church and the polygamist FLDS sect in Texas that had made headlines throughout the world. But there is still much confusion. Perhaps it bears repeating here that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discontinued polygamy officially in 1890. Stories in the media about the FLDS polygamous lifestyle do not represent Mormon life. Photos of FLDS women are incorrectly labeled on the internet as Mormon women; they don’t look like me or any of my Mormon neighbors and friends. [Editor’s note: To see what Mormon women do look like, feel free to browse our Portraits of Mormon Women series. Each post in that series include a photo. Other content on our site contains images of Mormon women as well.]

While polygamy has not been part of Mormon life for a long time, some of us are descendants of men who did have several wives. In my family tree, I have several great-great-great-grandfathers who had three or four wives.

For several years I have been researching the lives of all my ancestors, because I’m compiling a book of family stories. Polygamy is part of some of those stories, but it is not what defines who these people are to me. What has impressed me is the courage and faith of my forebears in the challenging times in which they lived. I hope to continue their legacy of love for the Savior and a desire to follow Him and live the gospel through faith, diligence, humility, and service to others.

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

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