So if you have the time, you should definitely read this and listen to the sings too, because even though some of them are cheesy, they explain so much better than i can.
The first three pictures I took Saturday around noon and the rest of the pictures were taken by my roommate Jaylene that evening while after we went inside.
The Nauvoo miiiiight just have squeaked it's way into my "favorite temple" slot.
sorry Idaho Falls, you've been there since 7th grade, buuut, Nauvoo is incredible.
Seriously, though. so gorgeous. and It's a recreation of the original Nauvoo temple built in 1846. How did the pioneers build this temple without cranes or lifts or machines in general? it just blows my mind. and oh my goodness, the inside of the temple is GORGEOUS. the most beautiful I've ever been inside. spiral staircases, dark wooden furnishings, incredible incredible details.
The early church members lived in Nauvoo from 1839- 1846. They came to Nauvoo to escape persecution in Missouri and Ohio. for about six years they lived in peace. finally, after nine previous years of being pushed from state to state, they had a place to rest. They believed this would be their permanent home. A Safe Haven. And for the most part, it was. Until 1844 when Joseph Smith was murdered, and then the non-mormon occupants of Nauvoo got more and more uncomfortable with their mormon neighbors. The persecution was growing severe, houses were burned, many hate crimes were committed. Finally in 1846 local authorities told the members of the church to leave Nauvoo before they were forcibly removed. So within a year, almost all of the saints crossed the Mississippi one last time and began the trek west to Salt Lake City.
I am amazed at the faith of these people. This was their home! their beautiful home, and they had hoped to live here for a long time peacefully. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it would have been to leave this place, headed for an unknown destination. ugh, i seriously do not know how they did it. How could they just pick up and leave Nauvoo? their city, their temple, how did they just leave? I know it was mostly because they had to. They were forced out. but still, i can't imagine that.
you can skip the cheesy intro and go to like 1:04 for the actual song:
my favorite part of that song? "blacksmith on Parley street" and "Brigham waves 'em on as he straightens his hat". man, i love that song.
And then one evening, when the Mississippi was frozen over, they crossed. and they left. Emma Smith and her family stayed behind. So did a few others, and I don't know exactly why. I'm in no place to judge them. I've said before that i admire Emma and all that she did for the church while Joseph was alive.
But she didn't cross.
Some saints, while crossing, changed their minds, and they turned and went back to Nauvoo. They didn't go west. Eventually, those families fell away from the church because there were no other members around.
Figuratively, I want to cross the river. I want to show God that i am willing to do His will, even when it seems impossibly difficult. I want to stay true to Him, always.
(Me in front of the temple)
Cross the River
No comments :
Post a Comment
Love Notes: