Growing up, my wise father taught me, “Behind every good man is a great woman.” Looking back to the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the same can certainly be said of Joseph and Emma Smith.
When thinking about the Restoration, members of the LDS Church never question the role that Joseph Smith played as prophet, seer and revelator. However, there are some who are quick to forget or discount Emma Smith because of choices she made after Joseph was killed. And yet, Emma Smith served a critical role as Joseph’s wife, confidant, and comforter.
Together, Joseph and Emma Smith experienced tremendous hardship. They were driven from place to place, rarely able to stay in one place long enough to be comfortable. Joseph was frequently away or even incarcerated. Six of their children died very young. Physical and emotional hardship was a mainstay in their lives and yet Emma remained at Joseph’s side throughout these challenges and more.
The following video shows clips from the lives of Joseph and Emma Smith, and is put to the song “Emma” by the Nashville Tribute Band. Listen carefully to the words (written below).
Never lived your life in an ordinary way
For everything you loved you paid a price
But you couldn’t let the world see you cry
Never felt the sunlight
When the worries set you free
Every time your life turned a page
It seemed like your heart might break
When the nights had grown colder
You seemed to weather every storm
With a queen’s grace
When you buried your children
I’m sure the angels stood in reverence as you prayed
How much can one heart take
When so many needed your warm heart as a home
Whispering a mother’s lullaby
As you sat alone by the fire
Somewhere down the line you lost your faith
How much can one heart take
How much can one heart take