Mothers Who Persevere
Emma’s Hymns, © Liz Lemon Swindle
Emma Smith, Wife of Persecuted Prophet, Joseph Smith
When we think we have real problems, can we imagine for one minute picking out the residue from our husband’s badly burned body after being tarred and feathered—time and again?
Who was Emma Smith? Perhaps the term “patience of a Saint” was coined for her. A central figure in early Latter-day Saint history, she is best known as the wife of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She played a foundational role in the movement's restoration, serving as its first Relief Society president and a primary scribe during the translation of the Book of Mormon. As directed by revelation, she compiled the church’s first book of hymns, published in 1835.
Modern women can learn fortitude, leadership, and spiritual resilience from Emma Smith, who navigated profound personal loss, persecution, and financial hardship while serving as a pioneering leader and foundational figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She exemplifies balancing motherhood with public service, using her voice to lead, and staying true to personal testimony amid storms of persecution. Her legacy is one of choosing to live with quiet self-possession rather than seeking accolades or recognition.
1. Unflinching Resilience
Emma demonstrated how to move forward when plans are disrupted, consistently picking herself up, "breast[ing] the storms," and acting with patience and zeal despite enduring immense fatigue and hardship. (“Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.” - D&C 25:13)
2. The Power of "Meekness"
Her meekness was not weakness but a focused, purposeful dedication of her assertiveness, passion, and energy to her calling as a scribe, leader, and guide. “…Emma Smith, my daughter…if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life…murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen…and be unto him for a scribe…” - D&C 25:1-6)
3. Finding Purpose in Pain
Rather than being defined by her afflictions, she remained anchored by her spiritual covenants.
4. Leadership and Service
As the first President of the Relief Society, she taught that women should do something extraordinary by relieving the distressed, fostering unity, and dealing frankly with one another.
5. Individual Testimony
She stayed faithful to her personal witness of the Book of Mormon's divine authenticity throughout her life.
6. Service Through Art and Music
She gathered the first hymnbook, demonstrating how art can strengthen faith and unify a community. (“…make a selection of sacred hymns…which is pleasing unto me…to be had in my church…” - D&C 25:11-12)