May 22, 2023

One of my greatest fears is the end of times. Today, I worry about bringing children into a world where schools are filled with temptation and the world is filled with war and disease. While pondering this I came across a quote in the Wilford Woodruff Papers: “The mob used every exertion to take the life of Joseph and others; but through the mercy of God in whose hands their lives were their enemies did not succeed in this.”¹

Joseph Smith’s life was constantly being threatened, the Saints had an execution order against them, and the whole world seemed against them. However, they still brought children into the world because it was God’s command, and they knew He would be merciful and protect them. I’m grateful for the reminder Wilford’s documents provide that God will care for us, even when the world seems to end just around us. He will always be there for us, even as the world changes and develops. God’s constant love will be enough for us to face the world and bring more of His children into the world.

“And you also shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet.”²

Lydia Martin recently graduated from BYU–Idaho with a degree in English. She enjoys reading and writing in her free time. While working for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project, she has found a lot of joy in learning so much about Church history, and she has felt like she is coming to know the wonderful leaders of the past.