Karl G. Maeser (founder of Brigham Young University) said, "I have been asked what I mean by 'word of honor.' I will tell you. Place me behind prison walls--walls of stone ever so high, ever so thick, reaching ever so far into the ground--there is a possibility that in some way or another I may escape; but stand me on the floor and draw a chalk line around me and have me give my word of honor never to cross it. Can I get out of the circle? No. Never! I'd die first!"
Serious stuff, eh? I cannot lie.
I have struggled & fought as I have strived to complete my current class - the Doctrine & Covenants & Church History. Lessons have included lots of readings on the Missouri persecutions. I have been horrified beyond expression at the abuses that the people suffered beginning in July 1833 (test question) and continuing until the extermination order by Governor Boggs. Members of both of our families suffered greatly at the hands of the mobs in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Others left comfortable lives in England, Wales, and Switzerland to gather together with the Saints in Zion. I am going to share four short stories and then explain what happened to me today.
In Adams County, Missouri, Peter Wimmer's son-in-law James Powell was hit in the back with a large rock & then shot at. He said, "Did not hit me one of them then Struck me with his gun and Broke my Skull a bout Six inches a part of my Brain Run out I have had fourteen pieces of Bone taken out of my Skull". James Powell was not a member of the Mormon church but his father-in-law was. He was injured as he went to his father's home to check on his child after the mobs had already visited his home.
In Nauvoo, Illinois the Church again established a home, built a temple, and were driven out by February 1846. John Pulsipher said, "Our enemies were not satisfied with what they had done [in killing the Prophet Joseph Smith & his brother Hyrum], so they continued their depredations. In the small settlements in the country the mobs collected, drove our brethren from their homes, burned their houses and grain and killed some who could not get out of the way. In the fall, the mob collected in the south part of the county and in about two weeks they burned 200 houses to ashes. The inhabitants had to flee to Nauvoo to save their lives. A great amount of grain and property was destroyed, cattle and hogs were stolen and killed almost without number. Old father Durfee was shot and killed by the mob while he was trying to save his property from the flames. Many others died from exposure after being robbed and driven into the wood. Their sufferings were so great that they could not endure it."
After leaving Nauvoo and the United States, the pioneers crossed the plains towards the Great Basin in wagons, pulling handcarts, and on foot. My 3rd great grandmother Sarah Jarrold Hyder had to walk beside the wagon for the journey from Nebraska to Utah because her mother and her sister were both ill. Once they reached the Salt Lake Valley, life was not guaranteed to be easy. Many arrived to late in the season to plant crops & had to rely on the food that they had carried with them. I admire the courage it took to go forward with faith and to not give up.
Okay, back to today. I went to the local community college to take my midterm exam. The class expires next week & they (IS) needs to have the midterm in their office before they will let me order the final. I had to hurry & take the exam today because I'm going to be out of town for the St. George Marathon with Scott.
When I arrived at the testing center, the woman behind the plexiglass wall said, "You're here for Brigham Young University? You don't have an appointment!!"
I explained that I had never made an appointment before when I had taken an exam. (I have taken at least 3-4 exams here in the last 2-3 years.)
She then accused me of lying - on & on in several different variations & accusations. "I've been here for five years & you've never taken an exam with me."
I explained that I was an honest person & if I would have ever made an appointment, I would be willing to admit my mistake.
She then started going off on me & explained that the Bible says that we aren't supposed to be perfect & that there's no one who hasn't told lies. Really? I believe in the Bible as well.
I begged & pleaded for mercy & the opportunity to take the exam. Policies have changed & I have to have an appointment 24-hours in advance. I also have to go to a building off campus to pay $10.00 in advance for the privilege of taking an exam in a room very similar to the BYU testing center (but this center lacks backpacks, phones, or modest clothing). In the end, she allowed me to take the exam, but I was so shaken by the way that I had been accused & treated that I had a difficult time answering the questions.
I do not believe that my forefathers suffered the way they did for me to be dishonest. I strive to be honest in all of my dealings with others. Why would I betray the legacy that has been given to me?
I walked away from the experience knowing that there was a lesson to be learned about prejudice and persecution. I have not had to endure the severe hardships that others endured. I have felt chastened by a difficult class that I procrastinated starting for far too long. (Does double pneumonia and pleurisy last October count as a reasonable excuse?) I have felt humbled as I endured prejudice because of my religion, but I was able to drive home in my own car sheltered from the elements & to arrive at my lovely home where my lovely children & friends were waiting to console me.
May I daily strive to be kind and to be everything that I should be.
2 comments:
Oh, wow, Jenna. What a disheartening story. It always surprises me when someone "picks on me" because of my religion. It seems like we should be past that, you know? Isaac was recently severely teased because of being a Mormon--by much older boys (men, really) who should have known better. In talking about it later, I wanted to tell him that it will never happen again, but I know better. It will happen again and again and it is just as disconcerting every time. It probably helps to have the perspective of history, though. Good for you for looking at the bright side
I'm sorry. I'm glad you got to take your test, and I hope you did well despite the exchange with that woman. It's nearly impossible to explain yourself to someone who has already decided not to believe you. For what it's worth, I know you are honest.
By the way, I remember you mentioned in a talk years ago that Scott was related to that boy at Haun's Mill. Now everytime I hear that story, I think, "I know a descendant of that boy!" What a legacy of faith that mother and son passed down.
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