Nauvoo is a reminder that whatever the circumstances, we can build. Build a community, a temple, a home. This week’s lesson focuses on the Nauvoo period and much of what happened there.
With all that is happening in the world around us, it could be tempting to fear the future, rather than build for it. The saints in Nauvoo turned a swamp into an industrious thriving city and built homes of brick. Most important, they built a temple. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” reminds us why they made that effort:
“The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”
Even though our hardships don’t necessarily look the same as those living in Nauvoo, fear of the unknown, and doubting whether our efforts matter are sentiments we might share… their example is one we can learn from.
“We are preparing our youth for the temple and for eternal families. Many threats are coming to them that can discourage them from forming an eternal family. Our role in this is to teach them so they don’t misunderstand. We must be very clear on key points of doctrine, which we find in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”
Julie B. Beck, President of the General Relief Society (2007-2012)
This generation will be called upon to defend the doctrine of the family as never before. If they don’t know it, they can’t defend it.”