Recently, Elder Cullen and I visited Carthage specifically to take the Carthage Jail Tour and learn more about the murder of Joseph Smith. There are many books out there about this and a really great movie depicting it called "Six Days in August".
I loved how the physical make up of the grounds lead you from Joseph's first vision, through some of his other important revelations and ends at the jail where he was killed.
There is a very sombre energy there that leaves one feeling very in awe of the human Joseph Smith who from his first encounter with Christ muddled through with all his faults and weakness and developed strength and courage and finally stopped fearing his enemies and his friends completely and allowed himself to be taken off the earth.
I admire the example of Joseph's life, that, like David, Paul, Saul, Moses, and all of the prophetes of old, God uses regular people who sometimes obey and sometimes disobey by trying to do things THEIR way instead of God's way.
It gives me hope for myself. I know there are jobs that my Heavenly Father and Jesus want me to do for Them. I know that sometimes I'm awesome and sometimes I am a FOOL...literally. I have tons of skills and there are many things I lack. God takes me as a whole package and gives me the opportunity to serve Him and experience joy, repentance, growth, repentance, joy, growth, and round and round. God is the BEST at building kingdoms with broken tools. We must all follow His example by allowing people to be broken and valued at the same time. To LIFT each other.
To have each other's backs and help each other be our best selves. To give each other Grace.
To allow everyone to do something to help Jesus build his kingdom and let them be on the learning curve and not expect perfection BUT do expect them to be willing to strive for perfection as we prepare for the return of the PERFECT ONE.
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