She had a second home in Providence, was unmarried, enjoyed a lot of social clout, and earned quite a bit of wealth by her 40s.

She obtained a copy of the “Mormon Bible” and read it, but was pretty indifferent to it.

Until one night, as she prayed, she had a “vision of the Book of Mormon”, and she felt she should ask if it was true scripture.

She immediately received her answer.

She traveled to Ohio to be baptized, and then returned to Boston to help missionaries establish a branch of the church.

About a year later, she said goodbye to Boston for good and headed to Ohio.

She freely gave of all her money to the church, and her giant $1400 contribution directly helped Joseph purchase land for the upcoming Kirtland temple.

And then Vienna was asked to move to Missouri.

“It is meet in mine eyes that she should go up unto the land of Zion, and receive an inheritance…“That she may settle down in peace inasmuch as she is faithful”. D&C 90:30-31

Peace, rest, and a land of inheritance was being promised to her.

Literally a month later, mobs attacked the printing press in Missouri, scattering manuscript pages and tarring and feathering the Bishop.

Vienna knelt in the night, gathering as many pages of the Book of Commandments as she could.

When the saints finally arrived in Nauvoo and started to build up the great city, Vienna was present when the very first baptisms for the dead were performed.

She received her own endowment in the Nauvoo temple before being forced out yet again.

Where was her peace? Her rest? Her inheritance? Her blessing for consecrating her money to the Lord?

She arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 and was given a city lot.

She called that her “inheritance” for the remainder of her 40 years left on earth.

She was a powerful scriptorian, fiercely independent, and self-sufficient. She loved the temple, she loved the prophet, and she had faith in Jesus Christ.

She died at the age of 96 and others said she was “strong and full of faith in the principles of the gospel”.

There is true power in faith, and Vienna lived that.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post The amazing faith of Vienna first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Are the any great resources that you know of? Comment below to let me know!

• Relief Society Page that has links to a bunch of amazing resources
  • https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/callings/relief-society-organization/work-and-purpose/women-and-priesthood?lang=eng 
• Gospel Topics Essays: Women and the Priesthood
  • https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/joseph-smiths-teachings-about-priesthood-temple-and-women?lang=eng
• Daughters in My Kingdom
  • https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/daughters-in-my-kingdom-the-history-and-work-of-relief-society/blessings-of-the-priesthood-for-all-an-inseparable-connection-with-the-priesthood?lang=eng
• Gospel Topics: Priesthood
  • https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/priesthood?lang=eng
• Handbook Section 3
  • https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/3-priesthood-principles?lang=eng#title_number7
• “Spiritual Treasures” by Pres Nelson Oct 2019
  • https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/36nelson?lang=eng 
• “Women in the Book of Mormon” Presentation with Professor Joseph Spencer

The post Women and the Priesthood Resources first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Did anyone else notice this?

Mormon then follows that with, “and also men”. But let’s be real, when was the last time virtually anywhere, but especially the scriptures, where “women” are listed before “men”, if they are mentioned at all?!

To me, this JUMPED off the pages this read-through. The “men” part sounded like an afterthought.

Korihor affected women the most.

He appealed to their pride.

He caused them to commit sin, thinking of no consequence.

He turned them against their religious traditions.

Women were extremely susceptible to Korihor’s wicked teachings.

And now, thousands of years later, I fully believe that women are in the same, powerful position.

Women are influencers, on their families and on the world.

And we’ve been asked to step up and use our influence for good.

We’ve been asked to detect deception in all of its forms. To recognize the same exact teachings that Korihor shouted, but in our media, news, apps, entertainment, and conversations.

We’ve been asked to stand up when something that is a societal norm or even a part of “church culture” doesn’t sit right with us. To receive personal revelation and then lead with confidence and love.

For me, this leads to some reflection. Have I let any sins become “acceptable” in my life? Have I become lax, or indulged in pride?

How can I better take a stand?

Because we have been promised that in these final days, the good women of the world will be drawn to the Church because of the example of strong, righteous women.

We need to be seen calling out sin and standing up for what is right.

Instead of being the first to fall away into temptingly easy and pleasurable paths…

We can use our influence to bring others to Christ.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Leading away women first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

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

The post A woman in Ammonihah first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.