The pioneers and their stories have always held a soft spot in my heart. Their stories are full of spirit, passion, determination, and grit. My 4th great grandma, Jane S. Richards, was healed from a priesthood blessing and courageously got baptized the next day by her brother in a hole cut out of the frozen river. Three hundred people attended, many who felt determined to arrest and imprison her brother for baptizing her. She traveled across the plains with many long, sick days; losing a father, brother, and children. She traveled much of the time without her husband who was serving a mission.

Reading through many pioneer stories this month, I have come to see the tremendous hardships these men and women have had to overcome. They amaze me! Yet, I have come to truly believe that the pioneers didn’t want to be remembered for their hardships. They wanted us to remember their courage.

In the song Come, Come Ye Saints, one line reads, “fresh courage take”. I love that!! How many of us need a little courage today? How many of us need a little courage to start going to the temple more regularly? How many of us need the courage to pursue that new talent/skill we keep putting aside? How many of us need courage to befriend a new neighbor? Or to forgive someone who has hurt us? How many of use need the courage to connect better with our children? Or to find time for scripture study? How many of us need courage to commit to make time for family history? 😉

Today is truly a day to honor these great men and women. Not just to remember them, but to honor them as we take courage.

What show of courage will you do today to honor these pioneers?

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