As I have learned about the original RS sisters, and their spirits, I have pondered what we, as 21st century sisters, could do better. This is what I came up with:
• Be a powerful example for good
• Know the gospel better; understand and work with the Priesthood more
• Stand as a witness; speak out when appropriate
• Challenge ourselves and our families to overcome weaknesses, and follow through
• Do all these things without looking self righteous
• Do not judge, but motivate for good
Do you remember Miss Utah 2007? Jill Stevens. She is a beautiful young LDS woman who is a Sergeant in Utah’s Army National Guard, and served as a medic in Afghanistan. When she competed in the Miss Utah and Miss America pageants, she made a point to be modest. She was the only one in a one-piece swimming suit. Her evening gowns had sleeves and were modest. My favorite moment was when she “dropped and did 20” in her evening gown. Pure AND class, Pure Class. What an example of greatness! Thank you, Jill, for standing for something.
Unfortunately, she didn’t win the Miss America pageant, but she accomplished her goal of being delightful, and worth noticing, when she was named “America’s Choice” on that program.
We can all be examples of greatness wherever we are and whatever we are doing. I challenge each of you to look around and find where you can stand strong and immovable.
I just wanted to share this story that I found:
The Lord spoke to the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning one such exemplary daughter and sister, Vienna Jacques. 1 In many ways Vienna is a representative model of the many women who, by their words and actions, respect their sacred responsibilities. Vienna was a single woman in her early 40s when she first became acquainted with the Church. She was a devout Christian in Boston, Massachusetts, but she became dissatisfied with her religion and began seeking a church that evidenced the spiritual gifts described in the New Testament. Hearing of Joseph Smith and his newly published Book of Mormon, she requested a copy. At first reading she was not particularly inspired. One night, however, while she was praying, she saw a vision of the Book of Mormon and resolved to know of its truthfulness.
Her conversion was not instantaneous, but it came gradually through continual prayer and study of the scriptures. She read the Book of Mormon until she was convinced of its divinity. In 1831, 43-year-old Vienna traveled alone by canal boat and then by stagecoach to Kirtland, Ohio, to meet the Prophet. After being instructed by him, she accepted baptism. Upon returning to Boston, she was instrumental in the conversion of several family members. On 8 March 1833, after returning to Kirtland, she was instructed by revelation through the Prophet to give $1,400 and other valuables she had brought from the East to the Church and to settle in Jackson County, Missouri (see D&C 90:28–31).
Vienna Jacques donated all she had to the Lord’s Church. In return, she received funds from the bishop to maintain herself. This contribution from a single daughter and sister stands as a memorial to her faith, willingness to sacrifice, and love of God.
Concerning her generous offering, the Prophet Joseph Smith sent a letter to Vienna on 4 September 1833, in which he wrote: “I have often felt a whispering since I received your letter, like this: ‘Joseph, thou art indebted to thy God for the offering of thy Sister Vienna, which proved a savior of life as pertaining to thy pecuniary concerns. Therefore she should not be forgotten of thee, for the Lord hath done this, and thou shouldst remember her in all thy prayers and also by letter for she oftentimes calleth on the Lord.’ ” 2
In Missouri, Vienna was forced to abandon her deeded portion of land because of mob violence against the Saints in that region. Concerning her situation there, the Prophet penned these words of counsel: “I was aware when you left Kirtland that the Lord would chasten you, but I prayed fervently in the name of Jesus that you might live to receive your inheritance. … Therefore let your heart be comforted; live in strict obedience to the commandments of God, and walk humbly before Him, and He will exalt thee in His own due time. I will assure you that the Lord has respect unto the offering you made.” 3
Sister Jacques’s generous nature blessed the lives of many people. Elder Heber C. Kimball (1801–68) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles noted her service in his journal entry concerning illness in Zion’s Camp: “We had to exert ourselves considerable to attend to the sick, for they fell on every hand.” Then he added, “I received great kindness from … sister Vienna Jacques, who administered to my wants and also to my brethren—may the Lord reward … [her] kindness.” 4
Before being driven from Missouri, Vienna married Daniel Shearer, a widower. Together they fled to Nauvoo, Illinois. During the westward exodus to the Rockies, more hardship was added to her life when, for unknown reasons, her husband died. At age 60 she drove her own wagon across the plains and into the Salt Lake Valley on 2 October 1847. She was given a lot in the Salt Lake 12th Ward. She died at age 96, and her obituary read, “She was true to her covenants and esteemed the Gospel as a priceless treasure.” 5
Vienna Jacques was an exemplar of a righteous daughter and sister in her readiness to accept the laws of God, her devotion to the Lord, and her service to others.
I especially love the phrase, “live in strict obedience to the commandments of God, and walk humbly before Him, and He will exalt thee in His due time.” Isn’t that so beautiful. If we live in obedience to His commandments and live obey without complaint, He will bless us. He wants to bless us, let’s give an opportunity to do so with our obedience.
That is a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing. I know there are sisters out in the world today showing that much obedience and sacrifice. What would this world be like if more of us strived for that level of discipleship? We have a message to share with the world. May our faith replace our fear.
I really enjoyed reading this story, thank you for sharing it. The thing that strikes me about such stories is the amount of trial and heartache these women had to endure, despite their great faith and righteousness. I look at my life being relatively blessed and without great hardship, and yet wonder at the strength of my faith. I am grateful and impressed by the legacy of faith that the women before me have left behind. Reading their stories makes me desire to follow in their footsteps: “Live in strict obedience, and humbly walk before Him” I can do that, I can do that better.