I look back at my progression through childhood and adolescence and remember my favorite topic I was taught throughout those years in school. I became very attached to the concept of equality. It was a pivotal time in my life when I first learned about Civil Rights. I was six. I remember the weeks my first grade teacher taught us about Martin Luther King Jr. I remember vividly first hearing the atrocities in which white men had performed against their brothers. I had only lived six innocent years. It was such a difficult concept for me to grasp. I couldn’t fathom how there wasn’t love between all mankind.  Love was all I knew. I loved all those I knew; all those I came across, all those I knew were out there but would never meet. This was the first I ever heard or knew of hurtful things man had done to others. It didn’t make sense why someone would ever want to hurt family.

My mom has told me a story of the day I first learned of the Civil Rights period. My teacher had called to tell my mom that as she explained some of the appalling behavior to our class she saw my face progress from shock to horror to anguish until I burst out of my seat, ran and wrapped my arms around one of my friends who was African American and yelled that I would never let anyone hurt her. Ever since then equality had left a deep imprint in my soul.

As years passed and whenever the subject was taught I would feel passion within myself stir. Learning of discrimination throughout different ages was always my favorite subject. I felt that if I learned more I could better understand it and somehow fight it. When I was still very young I had once believed I would become a feminist.  I didn’t fully understand all that it entails. I just knew that I was extremely proud to be a woman and I thought the whole concept of woman was great and marvelous.

Section 25 in the Doctrine and Covenants gives me that same stirring passion within my soul. The section is the first and only revelation in the book addressed to a woman, Emma Smith – the wife of Joseph Smith Jr. The whole revelation addresses the Lord’s view on the equal importance of women in the church. When the Lord first addresses Emma he states that any (either man or woman) who hearken to his voice will become his son or daughter. Later, in verse two the lord explains to her that “if” she is faithful then she will be rewarded in heaven. It was a first for this time where Emma, as a woman, has a significant role to play. She is not being acted upon. She herself must take an active role in her life and in history.

The Lord then commands Emma to exhort the church by expounding scripture. He is giving her a call to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost just like the men and using the spirit to direct her writings and teachings to all within the church, not just to woman and children.  Emma is also commanded to develop her learning through much reading and writing. She is not expected to just be a mother. She is expected to grow intellectually and Joseph is to help out and provide time for her learning. It is essential for her to lay aside the things of her “customary world” and seek for the better, such as the learning secularly and spiritually. The Lord exclaims to Emma “lift up your head and rejoice” the day of equality for woman is at hand. The sacred and significant role of woman in his kingdom is being revealed.  This revelation from the Lord declaring the importance and the equality of woman is moving.  It shows complete evidence in the essential role woman play in his eternal plan.

Tags: Women Lord Emma Smith Doctrine Covenants Equality Civil Rights Love Mother

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