Whenever I'm start to get a sinking feeling of hopelessness, there are three examples that I think of that help me keep perspective. 1) Jesus Christ 2) George Washington at Valley Forge, especially the not so well known history of Valley Forge (highly recommend that book) and 3) Mary Williamson Hibbert.
First, I know that Christ has descended below all things and that I can always pray to him to be strengthened in my circumstances. He knows and understands and will not leave us comfortless. Second, we lived in Virginia in 2006 and George Washington was often on my mind. We visited Valley Forge and I got books from the library ~ that book "The Secret History of Valley Forge" shows the incredibly difficult circumstances George Washington was in at Valley Forge. He wasn't just dealing with the British, he had enemies on the Patriot side that should have been allies that wanted to see him fail. Desperate and difficult circumstances, I'm so thankful for how he endured. And for #3, allow me to share the story of my great grandmother Mary Williamson Hibbert.
When Sarah went into labor with their eighth child in July 1892, Ambrose hurried off to get the doctor. It was a stormy night and on the way back to the farm, the horse spooked from the thunder and ran off. Ambrose and the doctor were late getting back. Upon arriving at the farm home, Ambrose found his wife Sarah had died after delivering the baby, and his daughter Nellie, who was now 13 years old, was holding her newborn brother. What a sad and desperate situation, I can hardly imagine. Ambrose was obviously grief stricken. The bottom had fallen out of his world. A neighbor took care of the newborn baby. Ambrose’s mother came to take care of the other children. What should Ambrose do with his little family? Through many desperate prayers and pleadings to God, his thoughts turned to Mary Williamson in England, who was now 21 years old. Now remember, Mary is Sarah’s niece, and is not a member of the Church. Ambrose was impressed that he should write Mary a letter. He wrote Mary about Sarah’s death, and entreated her to come to America, marry him, and be a mother his motherless children. When Mary received Ambrose’s letter, she was greatly concerned with the request. All that her family knew of the Mormons was the fact that a Mormon had taken one of their family, Sarah, away to America, and now she was dead. The thought of Mary going to America was preposterous to them. Mary worked in the Cotton Mills in Apethorn, and had to walk a few miles to get to and from work. As she was walking home from work one evening, Sarah appeared beside her and walked with her. Sarah pled with Mary to accept the call from Ambrose, her good husband, and be a mother to her children. Sarah said she would never know the joy of doing it herself, and willingly would trust them to Mary’s care and keeping. Mary was so impressed by this experience that she knew what she must do. She felt sure that the Lord had chosen her to do this work and she must obey. Surely God never would have felt it necessary to let Sarah come back and plead her cause otherwise. Mary had the courage she needed to face the future. Mary told her family of Sarah's visit and announced that she was going to America.
After 3 weeks preparation, Mary left Liverpool, England. There were sad farewells. She would never see England or her parents again. She was coming all alone, to a new land, to a man whom she hardly knew. Ambrose picked her up at Echo Junction, in Wyoming, and took her to the Stake Patriarchs home where she learned how to ‘keep house in the American style’ as Ambrose put it—churn butter, make bread, care for farm animals, haul water to the house each day, and take care of a small farm. She was also taught the missionary lessons. She visited with Ambrose’s children every few days. After 3 months, on March 4, 1893, a hole was chopped in the ice in the Weber River and she was baptized. Four days later, March 8th, she married Ambrose in the Logan Temple and began her new life. She earned the love and respect of her step-children and lived to give birth to eight of her own. In the course of her life she accepted joys, tragedies, loneliness, happiness, and sorrow and ever acknowledged the hand of the Lord in everything that happened to her. She supported Ambrose when he served 2 missions for the Church, and relied on the Lord to help her take care of the family while he was away. To me, Mary exemplified what it means to be a woman of strength. When she made the decision to come to America, she turned her life over to God. I hope I will always remember her and follow her example and be willing to follow God promptings, no matter where they take me or what life circumstances it leads me through. Mary has always been an example of strength to me and my family. I'm so thankful for her example and for this wonderful legacy of faith in my family.
So there is that story for you to read and know, my children. You've got Mary's genes and her blood flows through your veins. Remember her as you face life and the lessons and challenges it presents to you. You can do hard things and your posterity will bless your name for it. I'm so thankful for Mary Williamson and to be one of her great grandchildren! I will try to bring our family honor! :) "Please bring honor to us all!"
