D&C Student Choice Assignment #3: “An Elect Lady”
What are ten attributes of “an elect lady” that you observe in your reading of section 25? Reference and explain them in your own words.
1) Abandon worldly things (vs. 10)
Rise above the carnal wants and desires of the natural man
2) Be a comfort to her husband (vs. 5)
Offer consolation and share one another’s burdens
3) Seek for things that are better (vs. 10)
“If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” – Article of Faith 13
4) Receives callings from the Lord to serve in His kingdom (vs. 11)
Implies worthiness to be trusted with the work of the Lord
5) Has a rejoicing heart (vs. 13)
Views all things with an eternal perspective that bring her peace and lasting happiness
6) Possesses a spirit of meekness (vs. 14)
Is humble and teachable
7) Delights in her husband (vs. 14)
Finds joy in her spouse and her marriage
8) Keeps the commandments (vs. 15)
Is obedient to God’s laws
9) Cleaves unto her covenants (vs. 13)
Has an ever-present awareness of her promises with God and holds them close to her heart
10) No place for pride in her (vs. 14)
So full of righteous living that there is not any room for pride to enter her life
What do you know about Emma’s life that matches well with the admonitions given to her in this revelation?
Emma was chosen, or “called”, (vs. 3). In order for her to fill the role as companion to the prophet, Joseph, she would have to be faithful, strong, supportive, encouraging, and determined because of all of the adversity that she and her family would have to go through. Her mother-in-law said of her, “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure . . . she has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman.” (Lucy Mack Smith)
What in this list would be difficult for women of the world to understand, accept, or even appreciate?
I think everything on my list would be difficult for a woman of the world to accept because she does not live with an eternal perspective, thus, marriage is disposable, the most important person in her life is herself, (pride and selfishness), and the accumulation of riches and the recognition of mankind are the things that matter most to her.
In what ways are women of the church different from women of the world?
I’ve touched on the answer to this question in the previous questions, but women of the church value things that are eternal in nature; Christ, salvation, and her family. They pray, study God’s word and serve those in need.
Read Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Sister Julie Beck’s message on the women of God and share your impressions and a meaningful quote from each talk
Julie B. Beck: Meaningful quote- “When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.”
Sis. Beck shares that being a mother who knows means doing 7 particular things. Those things include, having a desire to bear children, honoring sacred ordinances and covenants, are nurturers, leaders, teachers, permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally, and stand strong and immovable. I really appreciated the quote she shares from President Ezra Taft Benson when he taught “in the eternal perspective, children—not possessions, not position, not prestige—are our greatest jewels.” This was an awesome talk that confirmed many of my personal choices and actions and called me to be better and do better in others. I’m printing off a copy of it to carry with me in my scripture case, so that I can refer to it more.
Neal A. Maxwell: Meaningful quote- “God trusts women so much that He lets them bear and care for His spirit children.” Ah! There were so many fantastic quotes in this talk that to just pick one is not an easy task. I include two, but know that the entire talk was inspiring! “You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms.” After reading this talk, I feel that it too, needs to be made tangible and accessible in my church bag that I may refer to it often and share it with others. Another thought Elder Maxwell shared that touched my heart was the scene that will meet us when we are received into heaven and how it will be beautiful beyond what we have ever seen and filled with glorious music, the likes of which we have never before heard and then he goes on to ask how these conditions would be met if not for the careful preparations of a dear Heavenly Mother.
These two talks have lifted and encouraged me. They have reminded me of the truly sacred and important calling it is to be a righteous woman and mother. It is a large and heavy task, but I have been given all of the necessary skills and tools to meet the challenge and be victorious. I’m thankful for that knowledge and for the constant and eternal support I receive from Heavenly Father to be and do all that He would have me be.
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