|
World Changers
Other Cool Places |
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith An Inspiration To Live
Joseph Smith is best known as the man who founded (and was the first Prophet of) the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To many, he is also the inspiration that has taught us that even when we are made fun of or when people tell lies about us, we should still stand up for what we believe. When we stand up for what we believe, we will be a lot happier with ourselves. Joseph Smith, Jr. was born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Windsor County, New York. During Joseph Smith's early years his family moved several times, from Sharon to Tunbridge and then to Royalton. In 1811 they settled in Lebanon, New Hampshire. When young Joseph was eleven years old his older brother Hyrum returned home from school and brought the family typhus fever. Although some barely made it through the disease, all of Joseph's family recovered. A short time after the recoveries, Joseph had some trouble with his shoulder and the doctors predicted that he would be over it. However, the diagnosis was incorrect and his arm got worse and the pain spread into his leg. Doctors could do nothing until finally they decided to amputate his leg. Joseph and his mother argued the decision to amputate, and convinced the doctors to operate instead. The operation was performed with the crude instruments of the time and Joseph had part of his leg bone removed while he was not under any sedatives or anesthetics. The manner in which he passed through the ordeal is a great exhibition of power of endurance. At the age of fourteen, Joseph was in the middle of great religious disputes and was confused by which of the churches was teaching the right things. Each church he attended taught the same part of the Bible differently and Joseph believed that God is a God of organization and not confusion. Joseph had several experiences that made him feel that some of the teachings of the different churches were wrong, but when he told the Pastors and Priests about his feelings they told him that it was of the Devil to think such things and that he should just forget about it. Joseph later translated some ancient writings that had been hidden in a hillside near his home in Palmyra, New York. The writings he translated, known as the Book of Mormon, helped confirm the teachings we can read about in the Holy Bible. He also wrote some of the inspiring feelings and thoughts he had. For instance, he wrote an inspiration known as the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom is a code of health that teaches people what they should avoid if they want to be healthier. Joseph knew in his heart that the things he felt were right, so he stuck to his feelings and eventually founded a new church following the revelations that he recieved. After the establishment of this new church, known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Joseph Smith suffered beatings, he was tarred and feathered, people made fun of him, others hated him, but he stuck to his feelings no matter what happened to him. Joseph Smith had not done anything against anyone, and even though some people were angry at him because he felt inspired to bring new ideas to the world, he brought some great wisdom and gave a good example to us to stand up for what we feel is right. Joseph was murdered by an angry mob in 1844 because he believed in the faith he chose to establish. Today, there are more than ten million others who are living by the faith founded by Joseph Smith. The church members are known as Mormons. There are over 55,000 Mormon missionaries in one hundred and sixty-two nations world wide. The faith established by Joseph Smith is more than a faith, but is a way of life that is giving happiness, love, friendship, and morals to several million people today. The Prophet Joseph said,
" Happiness is the object and design of our existence and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." This Page Created and Written By Darrel W. McKrola Further Reading Hinckley, Gordon, B., (1986) "Truth Restored". Deseret Book. Smith, Joseph, "Joseph Smith History". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To return to our great people's home page click below. |
