What do you think of when someone says “pioneer”? If you are like me, your first thought is of the people who crossed the plains and mountains to get to the Salt Lake Valley. Perhaps you have participated in a Pioneer Trek to experience some of the difficulties they faced. Those pioneers left behind almost all they owned to start from scratch in a better place. They are examples of perseverance, courage, and sacrifice.
“Not surprisingly, as the pioneer theme is presented, each goes back in memory to his or her own family line. There are usually examples to identify and which fit the definition of a pioneer: ‘one who goes before, showing others the way to follow.’ Some, if not all, made great sacrifices to leave behind comfort and ease and respond to that clarion call of their newly found faith” (Thomas S. Monson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 93).
Pioneers Choose a Path That Leads to Something Better
I am grateful to the pioneers in my lineage who made sacrifices that led them to this promised land, which I now enjoy. However, too often we overlook the pioneers who are a little closer to us than we realize. I was once asked about my husband's pioneer history. When I replied that he was the first in his family to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the conversation abruptly ended. It hurt my heart to think this person didn’t see that my husband was also a pioneer.
From Proverbs comes the counsel “Ponder the path of thy feet” (Proverbs 4:26). His path wasn’t the same as the pioneers who walked across the plains or sailed across the seas. But it was equally important in my life, in our children's lives, and for future generations.
Meet Two Amazing Pioneers:
Let’s consider the stories of two people close to me that I see as pioneers: a man and a woman who have led by example through difficult times.
The first was just a child when her mother and father made decisions that led her to live with her grandmother while her dad was frequently away for work. On Sundays, Nan would take the kids to church, where she played the organ, and then go outside to smoke. Perhaps there were whispers and judgments, but I am grateful for leaders who asked Nan to keep playing the organ (even if she may have been the only person who could play).
Eventually, the father took the kids back to Canada and, for the most part, raised them on his own. This child, now a young woman, would get herself to church on Sundays. Life wasn’t easy for her as a teenager; kids in her school weren’t always nice to her, including those who were members of the Church. But she continued to go to church, was married in the temple, and with her husband, raised four children. She taught them by example how to live the gospel and serve God and their fellowman.
Years later, after she retired, she and her husband decided to serve a mission. With great faith, she decided, “I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go” (Hymns, no. 270). They accepted the call to serve in a foreign country, where she learned a new language and came to love the people she met, served, and taught. My mom is a pioneer. I look up to her every day as she continues to do hard things.
The next example was a boy raised in a Christian home where they loved the bible and went to church every week. The parents taught their children to be good and work hard. As a young man, this boy had a desire to do good and share God with others. While he was learning and growing, however, he felt something was missing in the doctrine he had been taught. He would go to the public library to find books on other religions, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to learn more. He even met with missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at his friend's house to ask questions about the doctrine they were teaching.
He soon left home to obtain post-secondary education and said goodbye to those missionaries. While attending school, he often passed by a building and wondered what they did there. One day, he entered and met a man who answered his questions about religion and invited him to return to ask more. This building was the Lethbridge Institute of Religion, and that dear man invited the missionaries to answer more of this young man's questions.
It didn’t take long for the Spirit to bear witness to the truth of what they were teaching, and he made the decision to be baptized. Sadly, this created tension within his family. They had many misconceptions about the Church and did all that they could to change his mind. After praying and fasting, hearts were softened. Although his parents were not happy with his decision, they allowed him to make the choice.
This young man was baptized, served a mission, and married in the temple. He has worked hard to be an example to his wife and children of what it means to be a pioneer. That young man has grown to be a great father and husband (perhaps I’m a little biased, as he is my husband).
We Must Move Forward With Faith In Every Footstep
Look around you and consider the people in your life who are pioneers. You might even be a pioneer in your own way. You don’t have to walk across the plains to be a pioneer. But you must have faith and live what you know to be right. Do the hard things every day with faith. “One important step of faith for you as a pioneer is to resist going along with the crowd in ways that would lead you astray. A modern pioneer also encourages others to stay on course. When you lead out in righteousness, others will follow you” (Janette Hales Beckam, in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 91).
I am grateful each day for every pioneer in my life. I am blessed to have a pioneer heritage that walked the plains and sailed the seas for the freedom to worship. I see pioneers each day who have sacrificed so much to walk with faith in every footstep. Never underestimate the power of one step in the right direction.