As sisters in Zion we’ll all work together….so begins the hymn that has become the anthem for the women of Relief Society.
*You know the words but do you know the story behind them? Did you know they were written to describe Emily Hill’s experience traveling with the now famed Willie Handcart Company? I didn’t either!
Emily and her older sister, Julia, had joined the Church as teenagers in England and been disowned by their family. After four years they had finally earned passage for their way to America. They were crossing the American plains with the Willie handcart company when they and many others were stranded on the trail by an early October storm. Emily and Julia joined forces with a young widow and her five children to help one another survive the bitter cold and starvation they now faced. In later years Emily would write a poem about that time. “We’ll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak” takes on new meaning when you imagine her experience traversing the snow-packed Rocky Ridge in Wyoming, pulling a handcart, herself being weak and weary.
This book, As Sisters in Zion, by Debbie J. Christensen tells Emily’s and Julia’s story in more detail. It is personal as the author is a great-great-granddaughter of Julia! I read it one afternoon when our power was out for several hours {so pioneerish of me, don’t you think?}. It is a beautiful testament to the strength of women. I enjoyed reading their experiences, connecting to them as a fellow sister in Zion, trying to traverse my own set of “Rocky Ridges.” It is a reminder that I cannot do it alone. It takes all of us helping each other, encouraging one another onward and upward.
*Here are the words to refresh your memory.
The blessings of God on our labors we’ll seek.
We’ll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;
We’ll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.
If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.
Oh, naught but the Spirit’s divinest tuition
Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.
(Hymns, no. 309)
Would you like to win a copy of As Sisters in Zion courtesy of Deseret Book? Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter to enter.
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This sounds like a wonderful book. I can hardly wait to read it.
I would love to win this book- I also had a great great grandparents in both the Martin and Willie Handcart companies. Thanks for the chance!
I am intrigued by this book and hope to be able to read it soon.
I’d love to win this book. Did you know there were more than just the three verses we usually sing?
Sounds like an amazing book! I would love to read it.
This looks so interesting! I love reading books like this as they make the history come alive for me. I read “Undaunted” a year or two ago and loved it. What a fun giveaway!
I love the sisterhood this song is about! I memorized this song years ago when our RS sang it for a stake RS meeting.
I love this song and now there is so much more meaning behind it. I would love to win!:)
This looks like an awesome book! Right up my alley!
I’ve been seeing this book advertised and would love to have my own copy.
Love this song! 🙂 Sounds like a great book, too!
Sounds like a wonderful book. I did not know the history behind the song. It makes it a lot more meaningful
I would love to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win it! I love your blog, its one of the first things I read when I get on the computer in the morning.
It sounds like an amazing book to add to our “library”. 🙂 Thank you!
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How wonderful! I find that the stories behind the hymns always make them that much more meaningful when we sing them, and makes me appreciate them all the more.
Fun giveaway, Cocoa! 🙂
Love this song! I’d love to learn more!
This book is on my wishlist! I love all things Church, history and RS so this is awesome!
I had great great great grandparents in the Martin Company, Sarah and Charles Wilkinson. They drove President Richard’s books across the plains. They aren’t well known to many, but I love their stories. I like to think back to them when something in my life is difficult. Anyway, thank you for sharing this book!
Thanks for the chance, sounds like a good book!
Looks great!
Looks great!
This book sounds great! I would love to read it!
Thanks for introducing another fun book.
I love that hymn and have been inspired by many stories of the Willie and Martin handcart companies. Thanks!
I would love to read this book.
thanks for the introduction to it.
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This book sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
sounds like a great read!
That is one book I’ve been meaning to read, but haven’t had time to yet.
I’ve always loved this song. I’m really excited there is a book telling the story behind it!! Thanks .
I didn’t even know there was a book titled this. I love to sing this song.
Thanks for sharing such a great description, I’ve seen the book but didn’t know what it was about, now it’s on my must read list!
This looks like a great read & study.
It looks lovely!
Thanks for the Amazing giveaway. I love this song!
I’m new here! Glad to find you. I saw the book at Deseret and wanted to read it since then! THANKS for the chance!
This sounds like a very interesting book. Hope I win 🙂
I LOVE the song! Whenever I sing it in a RS General Meeting, I can feel a connection with women all around the world. I would love to get a copy of this book! 🙂
I too love this song. I love reading your blog and I would love to win this book!! Thank you for the chance.
I have been hearing all about this book and would love to own a copy! I love reading about the pioneers and their sacrifices and courage. It always helps me to remember, if they can do it, so can I (even if “it” is in a different context). Thank you for this giveaway!
Sounds like a fun book! Thanks for the chance!
I love stories about strong courageous women! I am excited to read it!
I love stories about strong courageous women! I am excited to read it!