She heard Alma speak and she felt her heart softened.
She listened to Amulek, who she recognized from around town, and she saw the mighty transformation that he had gone through.
She heard the teachings about a Savior, power from God, the purpose of life, the chance to repent… and she knew it was true.
She returned to her house with her children in tow, she fell to her knees, and she repented.
She discussed her feelings with her husband, whose heart had also been softened by Alma and Amulek’s words.
She sat down and searched the scriptures.
She taught her children what she now knew in her heart to be true – that there is a God and a Savior, and they love her.
She heard that the chief judge had taken and bound Alma and Amulek.
She took her family and gathered with the other new believers to see what these men’s fates would be.
She saw Zeezrom, that wicked judge, have a change of heart and plead for the lives of Alma and Amulek. Surely this would change the chief judge’s mind!
And then suddenly her husband was whisked away with the other men. She saw others in the crowd pick up rough, heavy stones and run after them.
She cried for his safety and offered up prayers to the God she now knew existed.
But then people began to gather around her. She picked up her children and held them close.
She saw the piles of wood form.
She looked around at the other women and children. Surely this would not be their fate. This was too cruel.
And so she prayed again.
She saw Alma standing up ahead, tears streaming down his face. Surely he would save them with his power from God.
She prayed again.
And suddenly, everything became clear.
She felt peace.
This was going to be her fate. She didn’t know why this had to be, but she knew that it was the only path now.
A martyr for a God she just started to get to know. A Savior that she would soon meet.
And so she hugged, and kissed, and prayed, and cried.
And her faith in God was unshaken to the end.
Painting by Niki Martins
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
5 Responses
I really love reading stories and you are so helpful by making this wonderful study guide for my come follow me, thank you so much, you are such a big help. im excited for everyday release. Best regards
I absolutely love this picture. It touches my heart right now with things I am going through. Can you lead me in the direction to find more info about the artist?
Isn’t it hauntingly beautiful?! Niki Martins is actually one of my Instagram followers, and she sent me this after she painted it last week. She said she doesn’t currently have a site or anything for her work, but she might consider it in the future.
Hi Cali I enjoy your excitement through this blog. I feel that it has influenced me for good and that your insights are helpful. Keep up the good work!
I have written a novel set during this heart-wrenching period with the new believers in Ammonihah. From the point of view of an elite Nephite woman, it follows the scriptural facts and historical research of that time to give the reader a real feeling of what it must have been like to live during this time in a wicked city controlled by the Order of Nehor. You can get a copy of the book or a digital version on my website Ammonihah.com