With Consoling Words (Emma Hale Smith)
Elspeth C. Young
- Country
- Born 1984, Utah; residing Utah
- Dimensions
- 28.75 x 24.5 x 1.38 In.
- Medium
- Oil on panel
Doctrine and Covenants 25:5 gives Emma Hale Smith the task to “comfort . . . Joseph Smith Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions.” That assignment must have felt heavy eight years later when Joseph Smith was incarcerated in Liberty Jail. Young imagines Emma Hale Smith, her hands clasped before her as she ponders what consoling words to pen to her husband. Eventually, Emma would write Joseph on March 7, 1839, “I still live and am yet willing to suffer more if it is the will of kind heaven that I should for your sake.”
“Emma Hale Smith was ever anxious to ameliorate the sufferings of others, even at the greatest personal cost.”