To those who have gone before:

In February 1846, the pioneers began fleeing religious persecution. Over the frozen earth they marched, onward towards a land that would allow them to worship "How, where and what they may". I've often marveled at the bloody footprints that were left in the snow as they stepped forward with faith in every footstep. Would I have had the same courage? Could I have walked out of my home, leaving almost every possession I had, locking the door behind me? Could I have bundled my children, sending them out knowing the cruel elements were conspiring against us? Could I have buried my baby in the cold ground, without anger at God and walked onward towards freedom?

I like to think the answer is yes. I like to think that my faith would have given me courage and sustained me through the brutal journey. I feel like I would have grown closer to my Heavenly Father as I struggled, instead of building a barrier between us. I believe I would have tried to find joy in the journey and been an example to those around me.

As I have reflected on these amazing Brothers and Sisters who paved the way before me, I realized that this journey still continues. I too am faced by religious persecution all around me. Despite the frozen ground of permissiveness and evil that spreads out before me, I continue to march onward with my eyes lifted upward. The footprints I leave behind are not those the shade of scarlet, but are indelible on the path that I hope one day will lead my children onward with greater strength because I had walked there before them. Every day I muster the courage to open the door and walk out into the world. Every day I bundle my children with the protection of scripture study and prayer, knowing they will need its power as they battle the elements facing them. All around me I see the consequences of evil and still know that God is in control, and face these things - not with greater anger, but with greater love and resolve.

I imagine if the pioneers could have seen our day and the spiritual trials of my journey - they might say their physical journey was the easy one. I find comfort in this daunting task by reading the words of God: "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." I know with His power I can accomplish this mission that He has called me to serve and I can do it while finding great joy in the journey. I thank you "blessed, honored Pioneers".