Praise to the Man...Joseph Smith - Page 2

PapilioMemnon · #11 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 08:02 PM

One story that comes to mind is the way he handled when people, mob, took him to the street, and put tar and feathers on him.... .... .... and how the next day, this man went to church, didn't address it, and just went on about Heavenly Father's business.
What he didn't say speaks volumes though...
(And I sometimes miss Church because of a bad night of sleep or headache... I have yet to grow so much.... )

While suffering in jail with others, his thoughts were turned to the suffering of the saints that were being persecuted...

I absolutely find it fascinating, touching, beyond words... the revelation he received while in Liberty jail, when He was reflecting upon the harships & sorrows he and all others were going through, and the Lord gave him section 122... (This section helps me so much...)

Another is regarding his endurance, faith, and long-suffering each time his children died... and Emma's attitude as well... They were both so great! The faith to endure these things... ... and go on...

Yes Misshalfway... I too feel the same way about the part when he's going there, and he tells her he's not coming back this time...

The silent speech is much louder

Candyprpl... I too, at one point, didn't have the strong testimony and knowledge I have now of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I sincerely know I didn't gain it sooner because I really didn't try and work on it; I KNEW the Church was true, and that the BOM also was, so I just really didn't seek a testimony of the prophet. I realized somethign was amiss when I couldn't say that I KNEW he was a prophet and had been called to restore the Church and would never testify of him particularly, I just accepted him because of the testimony of the other things.
When I decided to actually ask Heavenly Father about Him particurlarly, and began to study and ponder his life... some weeks later.... WOW... I received much more that I had expected and/or anticipated.... Heavenly Father does answer... and the Holy Ghost does testifies... and the testimony of the Holy Ghost is extremely powerful and unforgettable!!!
Now, there's nothing or no one that can take from me this knowledge... because it didn't come from men, but from On High....
I suggest you seek one, that you call upon Heavenly Father and ask Him to reveal it to you, and go do your part, study and ponder his life... watch movies about His life, ponder what he did in the grove, his prayer, his words, etc... I am sure you will get one according to your faith and Heavenly Father's will and timing. Just keep the faith, be "firm and undaunted."

Deborah · #12 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misshalfway

I love the Truman G Madsen cd's about the life of the prophet from his 8 different perspectives.

Anyone who wants to gain a testimony of the Prophet should listen to these. Truman Madsen is a brilliant scholar and you can see his passion and his love for the prophet as he recites these stories. When asked once why he studies the life of Joseph so much he said it's because it draws him closer to the Savior because Joseph seemed to know him so well.

PapilioMemnon · #13 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goofball

I add my two cents to this even though it is not worth two cents to anyone but me and my family. Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God! I find it cool that W.W. Phelps wrote in his Praise to the Man, "millions shall know Brother Joseph again" Can you imagine what a bold statement this about someone who restored a church starting with six members. Bold yet very true.

I don't let what people say about Joseph Smith bother me. He is in a long line of men of God who have been persecuted and continue to be persecuted. I know what I know and although I work hard to continue to expand my knowledge I don't let what anyone say affect my testimony of this work
....

Yes... you reminded me of Phelps, and yes, what his actions caused... but what I love to see all the time is when he repents and gathers the courage to ask for forgiveness... It's profound...
and... when the Joseph Smith replies... and reaches out for him... and how he receives him back... It's one of the most amazing moments I had while pondering this experience he had.

Now... my heart is full.... Amazing...

bytor2112 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 10:30 PM

Sometimes I read all of the Anti theories about Joseph and I always think,.... what was his motivation? He never had any type of temporal security for himself or his family, he was visciously assualted repeatedly, his name was always being dragged through the mud and periodically even members were not always welcoming of him.

At some point I think even the most narcissistic person would pack it in and move on to safer and more profitable and hospitable surroundings. The reason should be obvious to any one... he endured all that he did, because all that he claimed is true. The church is such a force for good and a beacon of truth and light. No way it would have flourished and grown the way it has if Joseph was a fraud.

Off subject......have you seen the Growth of Stakes video? I posted it with the other videos...really awesome.

goofball · #15 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 11:00 PM

[quote=bytor2112;245887]Sometimes I read all of the Anti theories about Joseph and I always think,.... what was his motivation? He never had any type of temporal security for himself or his family, he was visciously assualted repeatedly, his name was always being dragged through the mud and periodically even members were not always welcoming of him.

At some point I think even the most narcissistic person would pack it in and move on to safer and more profitable and hospitable surroundings. The reason should be obvious to any one... he endured all that he did, because all that he claimed is true. The church is such a force for good and a beacon of truth and light. No way it would have flourished and grown the way it has if Joseph was a fraud.

I agree with you on the above statement. I would have fought back, gone ballistic or given up if I had to endure what the Prophet did. Which is why I am so grateful he held strong.

candyprpl · #16 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bytor2112

Sometimes I read all of the Anti theories about Joseph and I always think,.... what was his motivation? He never had any type of temporal security for himself or his family, he was visciously assualted repeatedly, his name was always being dragged through the mud and periodically even members were not always welcoming of him.

At some point I think even the most narcissistic person would pack it in and move on to safer and more profitable and hospitable surroundings. The reason should be obvious to any one... he endured all that he did, because all that he claimed is true. The church is such a force for good and a beacon of truth and light. No way it would have flourished and grown the way it has if Joseph was a fraud.

Off subject......have you seen the Growth of Stakes video? I posted it with the other videos...really awesome.

I KNOW!!!! My feelings exactly. Some of the threads discussing these things got me so upset! I took a break from reading them. I've read enough about JS to know that he was just a 'normal' person. I don't expect that he was perfect. Some seem to think that because he wasn't perfect, therefore, he couldn't have been a Prophet. Absurb!! Some of his life is kind of disturbing. But it's disturbing because of my feelings about things, not because he was a bad person, or immoral, or whatever. I don't understand why people can't understand -- 'until you've walked in their shoes,' judge not. My parents taught me that very early on in life.

Thanks PapilioMemnon -- I'm in the process of learning more. I really have no doubt in my heart about JS -- just need to get my mind and heart on the same page. And I have no doubt that Heavenly Father will give me answers!