While I was studying Come, Follow Me in Dec, I read the story of Jane Elizabeth. She was a Black woman in the early days of the Church. At that time, the priesthood was not given to Black members. Because of her race, she was refused a seat on a wagon traveling from Connecticut to Nauvoo. And because of that, she had to walk more than 500 miles to get there.
Even after she arrived in Nauvoo, her situation did not become easier. No one in her family held the priesthood. She could have felt angry or unfairly treated, and that would have been understandable. However, instead of focusing on the unfairness, she chose to be more faithful.
Jane believed that this was part of God’s plan, even though she did not understand it. In uncertain and painful circumstances, she remained devoted to the Church and to her faith.
Jane passed away at the age of 95. During her lifetime, she never saw the priesthood given to Black members of the Church. Many years later, President Spencer W. Kimball announced Official Declaration 2. It declared:
“By revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple.”
Jane herself did not receive these blessings during her life. However, because she remained faithful, her family and her descendants were later able to receive the blessings of the priesthood and the temple.
Her story made me think about my own life. As a student and an international student, I often feel uncertain about my education, my career, and my future. Many times, I have wanted clear answers and strong reassurance from God. When I felt like there was no clear guidance, I sometimes felt disappointed or frustrated.
Through Jane’s example, I learned a deeper meaning of faith. Faith is not always about receiving immediate answers. Sometimes, it is about trusting God without conditions and without full understanding. Jane’s life taught me that sincere and consistent faith can bring blessings, even if we do not see them right away. Her story reminded me that God’s timing is different from ours, and that trust itself can be an act of faith.