ELECT LADY

In Doctrine and Covenants section 25 there is a revelation given to Emma Smith, the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  It was in direct response to questions she had about her role in the events of the Restoration and became a hallmark for who she would become in her life as the companion of a prophet.

Emma crossing the river with children

One of the statements made by the Lord to Emma was as follows:

“…thou art an elect lady, whom I have called.” (D&C 25:3)

With all the drudgery and challenges she had to endure during her time with Joseph, I wonder if she didn't hearken back to these words of comfort from time to time. 

This was a woman who never really had her own home until just before she lost her beloved spouse.  She was a mother, but many of her children passed away early from persecution and common ills of the day.  There was sorrow in her relationships with her parents who abandoned her when she married Joseph.  And the trials she endured seem almost unbearable to a mortal like me.  Life was hard and her rewards, to many of us, appear to be paltry compared to the challenges.

She's funny

And then I consider my own sweetheart and the difficulties she has endured in our many years together. 

She's beautiful

We have not moved excessively and we have all our children with us but she has had me as a husband and that has to be difficult.  Yet, she is faithful, true and kind in everything she does. Our home is a refuge from the world and her constant care is the hallmark of her own character. 

She's just plain wonderful

My children and I are blessed for having this sweet sister as our Mother and Wife.

I suspect that if Heavenly Father was to offer her a revelation He might include words similar to what He offered to Emma –

“…thou art an elect lady, whom I have called.”

Happy Birthday (late though it may be) from the one mortal who loves you most.