Faithful Abish

When we know the truth about something, we can easily discern half-truths, lies, and errors that appear to be the truth. One truth has the power to silence a multitude of falsehoods. So what is the truth about the issue of Mormon Polygamy? How can we know the truth? 

This website was created for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who are seeking answers to the difficult questions Mormon Polygamy brings up. It's for those who are seeking to ground themselves in Christ and to remain faithful to Him and to God after discovering the many dilemmas of the Mormon Polygamy issues. It is for those who are seeking to keep their testimonies of Christ alive and desire to live truth and true principles. 

I recognize the many questions that arise as we seek to find understanding about Mormon Polygamy. I have walked through much darkness and confusion myself as I've sought the Lord's guidance in how to continue moving forward in faithfulness after coming across these things. I have often felt like Joseph Smith as I've studied and listened to the multitude of opposing and conflicting views on this issue. Joseph stated:

"In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? (JSH1:10)." 

There are so many opposing narratives to this issue. How do we know who is right and who is wrong? As I've worked through it, I have relied on my knowledge that I do know God hears and answers our prayers. He does indeed answer us if we are willing to study these things out in our minds and then ask Him if it is right (D&C 9:8). 

I have chosen to name this website "Faithful Abish" because I want to emulate that woman's faith. In Alma 19, we learn of a woman named Abish who was the servant to King Limhi and his wife. After Ammon taught King Limhi the gospel on one occasion, Ammon, the king, his wife, and his servants cried unto God for repentance. All of them fell as if they were dead except for a woman named Abish. Abish did not fall to the earth because she had already been converted years prior but had never made it known. Seeing this as an opportunity to share the goodness of God and help others become converted, she went to gather the people so they could see for themselves what had happened.

Alma 19:17

"...she knew that it was the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity, by making known unto the people what had happened among them, that by beholding this scene it would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people." 

When the people assembled, they did not believe or understand the situation. They began to say all manner of conflicting reasons why the king, queen, servants, and Ammon lay as if they were dead on the earth. Some believed it was a sign of God's judgment, while others believed it was the work of evil among them, and some believed Ammon was a monster sent to torment them. One even tried to kill Ammon and fell dead. Then Abish came.

Alma 19:29

"And thus the contention began to be exceedingly sharp among them. And while they were thus contending, the woman servant who had caused the multitude to be gathered together came, and when she saw the contention which was among the multitude she was exceedingly sorrowful, even unto tears."

"And it came to pass that she went and took the queen by the hand, that perhaps she might raise her from the ground; and as soon as she touched her hand she arose and stood upon her feet, and cried with a loud voice, saying: O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed, God, have mercy on this people!" 

And the queen seeing the contention raised the King. The King immediately began to teach the people and convert them to the Lord. 

Like Abish, I have been converted to the Lord and desire to help others come to know and love Him. I want to help put down contentions on this issue by sharing the truths that I've been given  as I've asked for clarity. So here, though what I have to offer is only a small part of the whole, I hope to share some insights that may lay down contentions and false beliefs. My goal is to help all who are willing come closer to Jesus Christ. I hope that the things I share here will provide some insights that will lead each diligent seeker to find answers to their difficult questions. I hope that it will help each soul retain their spiritual foundation while it seems earthquakes and storms are threatening them around us.