Profiles in Mormon Courage

by Hartt Wixom

In a remarkable tribute to men of true character and valor, Profiles in Mormon Courage chronicles the lives of twelve individuals who had a profound impact on Latter-day Saint history. The stories included in these pages exemplify values and virtues that each of us can emulate to lead richer and more abundant lives, no matter our religious persuasion. In this inspiring volume, you'll learn of people such Ephraim Hanks, a Mormon pioneer and a respected leader who saved countless lives with his acts of selfless service; W. W. Phelps, an important leader in the early days of the Church, and of his journey from hatred towards his brethren to sincere repentance and humility; Ezra Taft Benson, president of the LDS Church and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who proved what can be accomplished by living the principles of the gospel - even in the spotlight. The spirit of these pioneers and the devotion they had for their posterity will inspire readers in their own spiritual journeys.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Lds, Biography

154 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book was a collection of short biographies of various Latter-Day Saints and non-LDS who faced intense trials because of their involvement with the church. Most of them were pretty short, but there was a bibliography at the end of each profile. The most interesting to me were the stories of Thomas L. Kane and Alexander Doniphan, both men who never joined the LDS church, but who stood by as a friend when the Saints were persecuted and first driven from Missouri under threat of death, then from Illinois, and finally threatened again once they reached what became known as Utah. The other story I really enjoyed was that of Lot Smith. I hadn't read much about him before, but he was a daring and resourceful man. He was the one most responsible for turning away Johnson's Army when they came to fight the LDS in Utah, and he did it without the loss of a single life.

However, the style was not great and it was occasionally too preachy for me. Too much speculation, as well, about what a person might have done or said or thought. Some of that is, I suppose, inevitable, but with some of the profiles, there was too much guesswork and not enough fact.

Recommended for Latter-Day Saints or those interested in the church and its history.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned alot about early mormon leaders. By far the coolest thing about this book is that the first story was about one of my husbands distant anscestors. Enoch Bartlett Tripp I thought it was really cool to read about someone I am (allbeit by marrage) related to
I am currently reading a book written by Marlene bates about her family and the snake valley so it was really awesome to find out more about that part of my new family.
okay I'm done now
the other stories in this book were very good although some were decidedly more inspiring than others

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Lots of great inspiring pioneer stories. I have started reading these books to inspire me for trek this summer or to truly get me motivated! I enjoy the simple stories of faith and sacrifice.

[Reggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very well organized. It has 12 chapters, each focuses on one important virtue illustrated by the life of one or two people. It's a short read that I enjoyed very much.