JalShalley Lynch first met the missionaries while on a smoke break at work, and she asked them so many questions that the elders missed their next appointment. In March 2004, she joined the LDS Church. Strong-minded, honest, and ready to laugh, Shalley—sometimes known on the streets as Pooh—was born and raised in Washington D.C. She [...]
A Conversation with JalShalley Lynch
by Johanna Buchert Smith
A Conversation with Lita Little Giddins
by Kathryn Lynard Soper
Lita Little Giddins joined the Church at age eighteen and served a mission to England Leeds in 1986-7. She earned BA and MS degrees from Brigham Young University. A gifted performer, Lita continually uses her talents to help share the gospel. She starred as Egyptus in Michael McLean’s premier production of The Ark, and is [...]
Honoring Jane Manning James: Courage on a Stage of Bigotry
by Susan Easton Black
Jane Manning James was a black Mormon pioneer known for her faith, endurance, and charity. She joined the Church at age nineteen in Connecticut. She and her family walked 800 miles to Nauvoo, where they were taken in by Joseph and Emma Smith at the Mansion House. Failing to find employment as her family members [...]
The Making of Jane Manning James: Your Sister In the Gospel
by Margaret Blair Young
THREE YEARS AGO, film maker Scott Freebairn began filming tributes to black pioneers Jane Manning James, Green Flake, and Elijah Abel. Most of the footage was devoted to Jane James. Scott filmed Lita Giddins, Denise Cutliff and Tamu Smith—all of whom have portrayed that great pioneer—at “This is the Place Heritage Park” in Salt Lake City. [...]
Linear Thoughts . . . Acts of Creation
by Carol Petranek
For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. (D&C 46:11) Preparation My seven-year-old granddaughter asked if I would make Halloween cards with her for a school party. In anticipation, she collected construction paper and markers and confidently [...]