theoriginalavatar Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 This is a bit of an offspring of my one of my other threads, so I pray you'll forgive me of that...If you were born during the time of the great Mormon move west to Salt Lake City...handcarts and disease and hardships all around...how do you think you would have done?Is this something you think you would have been able to handle? Do you think you would have fallen away from the Church, or would you have followed Brigham Young to the end?I realize this is a loaded question, but I am interested in your responses, nevertheless.Don't worry, I won't tell anyone your answer. Quote
Backroads Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 I think I would have done considerably well... keep in mind, not all of the pioneers totally suffered. Quote
Dravin Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) I suspect I'd have done average for enduring the physical hardships (being born in the time period I'd probably be more accustomed to physical rigors). Testimony wise I don't know, religiously I'd be a different person, I'd have been a convert and my conversion experience (and thus the spiritual experiences I currently based my testimony on), and spiritual challenges and trials would be different. Edited October 27, 2011 by Dravin Quote
NeuroTypical Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 When I think of my testimony (and my wife's), I think we probably would have undertaken the journey. When I think that that time was a time of increased miracles and angelic visitation and whatnot, I really think we would have undertaken it. Quote
Bini Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 I'm not sure I would have made it. At least, not pregnant and barefooted. There's no way a c-section would have turned out well back in those days.. Quote
theoriginalavatar Posted October 27, 2011 Author Report Posted October 27, 2011 I think I would have done considerably well... keep in mind, not all of the pioneers totally suffered.True enough.There are always those who enjoy a good case of dysentery! Only joking with you, BR. I agree, I think many probably enjoyed the journey. Especially considering that they knew they were doing as God would have them do. Quote
Jennarator Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 I would have failed, miserably..... Quote
theoriginalavatar Posted October 27, 2011 Author Report Posted October 27, 2011 I would have failed, miserably.....So you acknowledge that you would have been miserable then....? Quote
sister_in_faith Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 I would have kept going, but I bet I would have died along the way. I have too many medical issues... Quote
theoriginalavatar Posted October 27, 2011 Author Report Posted October 27, 2011 I would have kept going, but I bet I would have died along the way. I have too many medical issues...I am saddened to hear that, s_i_f (about the medical issues, that is), but I admire your faith. Quote
annewandering Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) When I was young, definiately. Now I cant walk to the end of the block so it would be a problem. If Brigham Young said to go I would have given it an effort anyway. So if they ask us to go to Missouri, I am going to cringe. My husband said he would drag me along in the wheel barrow. Isnt he sweet? :) Edited October 27, 2011 by annewandering Quote
sister_in_faith Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 anne, that is VERY sweet. Speaking of valor, I have to give props to my service dog Sophie. She came with us on our Martin's Cove trek, and when we went up into the actual cove I forgot to bring water. It was awfly hot, and I didn't realize that we were walking on crushed gravel (very sharp for little puppy paws) until we were too far to turn back. She never hesitated or balked, but stayed steadfast by my side the entire time. I tried to let her walk on the grass as much as she could while still being respectful of the site, and I was so worried about her getting heat stroke (she's a black lab, so she gets hot faster than, say, a yellow lab), and walking down that trail I could see the river in the distance. I kept thinking, if she passes out, I'm going to pick her up and run all the way to the river (probably not even possible, but I would have tried) and dump her in it. End of story she was fine and drank tons of water when we got back to the hand carts, but she taught me one of the biggest lessons I learned during trek. It brings tears to my eyes to think back on her valor, steadfastness, and loyalty. She is with me all the way to the end, even walking on sharp rocks. What a girl! She would have been a GOOD pioneer dog. Quote
Guest gopecon Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 I hope that I would have followed Brother Brigham and endured faithfully. The lack of good food would have been my biggest problem - I don't like to miss too many meals! Sister_in_faith - thanks for sharing about your wonderful dog! Stories like that make me believe that good dogs will be there in heaven with us. Quote
beefche Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 I would love to think that I would have followed a prophet's call and walked the 1500 miles to SLC. But, I truly don't know. If I had converted and lived through Missouri and Illinois, then I think I would have gladly followed Brother Brigham. Had I converted while in Nauvoo, I wonder if my testimony had been tested enough during those good years to understand why he would do something so drastic as leave our country to begin afresh in another country. But, I remember hearing from some GA that if we look at our committment to the church now, see how we react to the prophet's voice now, we can gauge how we would have responded to hearing Jesus speak while on His earthly mission. I think we can do the same to speculating about how we would have responded to the call to Utah. I've often wondered how I would have reacted to having my husband called on a mission unexpectedly (can you imagine sitting in sacrament meeting and having your name announced as beginning a mission the next day????). Being the sole provider for any kids and home we had and possibly enduring through horrible things without him would be difficult to bear. I can envision myself sitting quietly during the meeting, fuming, and then talking to Brother Joseph after the meeting to let him know that I was wondering if his call for my husband is an "inspiration" or "desperation" call. Quote
Gwen Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 I'm sure had I grown up in that time I would be a different person. Who I am now I honestly can't say I know I would have followed Brigham west. I find when I look back at church history I understand Emma more than the ones who followed without question. I think there is a good chance I would have stayed behind with her. I know I don't have infinite faith, I have my limits. Quote
RMGuy Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 Well...good question, and hind sight is always easier than foresight. easy to say I would have followed Brigham Young, but knowing what I know of the time and place, I might have supported William Marks over Brigham Young. -RM Quote
applepansy Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 I would have followed the Saints west. I'm not sure I would have survived the things my ancestors survived. Quote
mordorbund Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 I would walk and walk and walk and walk all the way to the valley. Once I got there though - after all that effort, when they stop the wagons and say "Here we are", and I take a look around "our lovely desert" (hey, where'd that extra 'e' go?), and I see Brother Farmer straining to get his plow to turn up any soil - I think my thoughts would start to turn mutinous (but I'm probably too lazy to turn around and go back at that point). Quote
bytebear Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 We are very adaptable creatures. I live in the suburbs of Southern California. I don't walk. But when I lived in Boston, I was on my feet all day every day. Did I mention I have gained a few pounds since then. I think being led to a promised land, away from persecution would make the trip worthwhile. Quote
Guest Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 I'd say I would have died in childbirth, but actually I never would have gotten pregnant. I think my husband and I would have done well. Quote
Suzie Posted October 29, 2011 Report Posted October 29, 2011 Is this something you think you would have been able to handle? Do you think you would have fallen away from the Church, or would you have followed Brigham Young to the end?Hard to say. Quote
sister_in_faith Posted October 29, 2011 Report Posted October 29, 2011 I have a question for all the ladies in the house... If you were on the trek to SLC, and the announcement came that all the men had to leave (mormon battalion), would you continue on the trek alone, or would you have dropped everything and gone with him? I KNOW that I would have dropped the handcart and all our stuff and went with my honey. No doubt. Quote
annewandering Posted October 29, 2011 Report Posted October 29, 2011 I have a question for all the ladies in the house... If you were on the trek to SLC, and the announcement came that all the men had to leave (mormon battalion), would you continue on the trek alone, or would you have dropped everything and gone with him?I KNOW that I would have dropped the handcart and all our stuff and went with my honey. No doubt.Interesting question. If we had our 8 kids it would have been hard to follow him. If we had no kids, or only a few, then I am not much for being away from him. Quote
sister_in_faith Posted October 29, 2011 Report Posted October 29, 2011 anne, just come with us! we could do a lot of laundry together!!! Quote
annewandering Posted October 29, 2011 Report Posted October 29, 2011 You are willing to do hand laundry for 8 kids and keep up with the men? I have a feeling we would have lots of dirty clothes! Quote
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