Forward Faith

Submitted to the 2021 Book of Mormon Central Art Contest

Emma Smith is a remarkable woman. I’m so happy to have been able to depict this story of her. From the Saints book—

“In early February, Emma left Far West with her four children—eight-year-old Julia, six-year-old Joseph III, two-year-old Frederick, and seven-month-old Alexander. Almost everything she and Joseph owned had been stolen or left behind in Far West, so she traveled with friends who supplied a wagon and horses for the journey...

“The family traveled across Missouri’s frozen ground for more than a week. Along the way, one of their horses died. When they reached the Mississippi, they found that the bitterly cold winter had created a sheet of ice across the wide river. No ferries could operate, but the ice was just thick enough for the group to cross on foot.

With Frederick and Alexander in her arms, Emma stepped out onto the ice. Little Joseph clutched one side of her skirt while Julia clung tightly to the other. All three walked carefully across the slippery path until their feet at last found the far riverbank.”

Emma had qualities of faith, courage, and strength, that are impossible to overlook...Its so good to have these stories of her. She had forward faith—a faith that was always pushing her along the most difficult of times.

I am a young mother of two children residing in Austin, Texas, and aspiring to have my work be seen amongst all people especially those of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’ve been drawing for about one year now—via Procreate, on my iPad. Before then I have dabbled in oils, watercolor, and sketching. For the time being the iPad is the safest and easiest way for me to create, considering my two toddlers who run my life, (in the best way of course). I’ve no official training but am committed to learning and stretching and using my talents to uplift those around me. I consider all art a Gift from God, and I am honored to be one blessed with an ability to create it.