One of the most powerful witnesses of the
Book of Mormon in the early days of the Church
came from Lucy Mack Smith, the mother of Joseph Smith.
Lucy had the rare privilege of handling the
golden plates as well as the Urim and Thummim
and the breastplate while they were covered
with a cloth.
She may have actually seen the plates uncovered
as well.
Lucy Smith was intimately involved in bringing
forth the Book of Mormon
and bore testimony of the book throughout her life.
For example, while leading a group of immigrants,
Lucy inspired them by comparing their journey to Lehi’s voyage across the ocean.
During the voyage a man heckled her yelling
“Is the Book of Mormon true?”
She replied, “The book was brought forth
by the power of God and translated by the same power,
and if I could make my voice sound
as loud as the trumpet of Michael, the archangel,
I would declare the truth from land to land
and from sea to sea
and echo it from isle to isle.”
Years later, after the Haun’s Mill massacre,
the survivors found comfort through a song
written by Lucy.
It was called Moroni’s Lamentation, and
is a reinterpretation of the last great Nephite battle.
For these people who, like Moroni, had seen
so many friends and family members die, the
song meaningfully paralleled their own situations.
Lucy Mack Smith’s testimony of the Book
of Mormon remained firm throughout her life.
When people confronted her about her faith,
she appealed to the Book of Mormon.
When challenges came her way, she drew strength
from its inspired pages.
It served as an anchor of hope in a chaotic
world.
Her example of unwavering commitment to the
gospel can inspire us to also anchor ourselves
to the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon can be our anchor when
people or circumstances challenge us or our
faith, as it was for Mother Smith.
And now you know why
