"To Keep Them in the Right Way"

Sara Lynne Lindsay (American, born 1977)
Knew They Would/Knew You Would Be Here (2020)
cotton, cedar wood, ink, hanger, buttons, Sarah Pea DeArmon Rich journal entries 1814-1893
approximately 7 feet in diameter x 2”
Collection of the artist

Used with permission of the artist
artist’s website

As we read the book of Moroni, we see that Moroni is compiling the record, wrapping up the story of his people, and grieving. Whatever level of hope fills these final chapters comes from his belief that ultimately the future will see the record and come to believe it.

The artist Sara Lynne Lindsay created a work documenting an ancestor’s conversion to the gospel through the Book of Mormon. Rather than etching into metal plates or taking pen to paper, Lindsay writes on textiles. She notes, "In Knew They Would/Knew You Would Be Here, the journal of my relative, the Latter-day Saint Pioneer Sarah Pea DeArmon Rich, is written in a circle to resemble the rings of a tree. She has helped to sow the soil which has nurtured my growth. The title of the piece comes from her first encounter with the missionaries and the Book of Mormon. 'I asked the company to excuse me for the evening and most of the night I spent in reading that book. I truly was greatly astonished at its contents that it left an impression upon my mind not to be forgotten.' Six weeks after this encounter, Sarah had a dream that the missionaries returned to her home. She told her parents that she was sure 'that they would be here.' The missionaries fulfilled the dream, and she was baptised. In the process of writing out her words onto the dress, the phrase 'knew... would be here' aligned naturally, emphasizing her complete trust in God. Not only was she testifying of her faith in the Book of Mormon and personal revelation, but she was giving me a witness that God works through revelation and fulfills his words. Just like the Book of Mormon filled with many people testifying of the Savior and of his divinity from the dust, Sarah’s record reminds me of the heritage that I have, a heritage that stands as a witness of the gospel, calling me from the dust, inviting me to know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Moroni thought he was finished writing because he anticipated that he, like his people, would have been killed. He then spent this unexpected time writing the Book of Moroni for us (Moroni chapter 1). Have you ever found yourself with unanticipated time? How might you follow Moroni's lead in choosing how to fill this time?

2. The sacramental prayer over the bread parallels "always" - as we always remember Him and keep His commandments, His spirit will always be with us (Moroni 4:3). What does this mean to you in relation to covenant keeping?

3. Moroni explains how the members of the Church "did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls" and to take the sacrament (Moroni 6:5-6). Why is meeting together oft an important part of our worship? How have you been blessed by meeting together with other members of the Church?

Questions for Youth & Children:

1. Moroni gives us the wording for the sacramental prayers in chapters 4 and 5.  During the pandemic when we couldn't go to church on Sunday, how did the sacrament look for you?  Where did you take the sacrament?  How was it served and prepared?  What did this experience teach you about the details of this ordinance?

2. Moroni teaches about the importance of baptism: "And now I speak concerning baptism" (Moroni 6:1, 1-4).  What do you remember about your baptism?  How did baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost change the way you make choices?  

3. Art project: Design a sacrament tray for the bread and the water if you were taking the sacrament other than at church.  What words or designs do you think fitting for the serving pieces for this ordinance?