I just finished reading "Ezra Taft Benson: a biography" by Sheri Dew. It was amazing. I read biographies fairly often, maybe once a month, but I've never read a biography of an apostle or prophet. It was actually riveting. I read the whole thing in less than a week and I was a even a little bit disappointed when it ended. The reason wasn't that the writing was super stellar although it wasn't bad, but because President Benson led an amazing life, and I felt amazing reading about it.
Not only was President Benson amazing, but his wife was incredible. My new goal in life is to be more like Flora. She was a rock, and absolutely devoted to the gospel and her family. It didn't seem that she ever complained that for at least half of their married life, she was alone while her husband traveled. Not many wives would stand for that these days. It helped put some things in perspective for me as shortly after I finished the book my husband was called to a new, possibly very busy calling. The stake presidency counselor that talked to us said that many men in the church are denied opportunities for service and growth because their wives won't support them. I can't imagine that the wife of a prophet ever said no to a calling for her husband.
There were many things about the book that impressed me:
- The spirituality of Ezra Benson from childhood. Even when he was young he knew the power of prayer and the importance of obedience. Some of the stories as he grew older, became an apostle, and the prophet are very spiritual and inspiring.
- His dedication. He was not only dedicated to the gospel, but to anything that he felt was important such as the state of the country's agriculture.
- His work ethic. If he had a job to do, he did it to the best of his ability and better, because he always relied on the Lord to make up where he lacked.
- His patriotism. President Benson probably delivered more talks on freedom, government, and the constitution than any other general authority. He was passionate about freedom.
- His knowledge of and insight into The Book of Mormon. He said at one point that you could learn more about what is going on in our country by reading The Book of Mormon than by reading the newspapers. He studied The Book of Mormon continuously, and he gave copies to practically everyone he met. His testimony of the book is an inspiration.
- His love and dedication to family. Even though he was away often with church work and as a member of the Cabinet and other government work, his children and wife were very important to him. He often took at least one child on his trips when possible, and his wife traveled with him frequently once the children were grown. He took time to talk with his children, and teach them, and support them. He loved his wife and seemed to cherish every moment the had together.
- His ability and desire to follow the prophet. He always followed the counsel of the prophet. He took the job in the Cabinet because he was counseled to do so by the prophet. When he was being considered as a presidential candidate, he did so only upon approval of the prophet. He prayed diligently for the prophet. He even delivered an outstanding talk about the 14 fundamentals to following the prophet. He was very humble.
- The life of Flora Benson. Even President Benson said that behind every good man is a good woman. Sister Benson is my new hero in motherhood. I want to be just like her as a wife and mother. I want to be patient and fun and inspiring for my children, and I want to be a supportive and loving wife, just like her.
If you have any inclination at all to learn more about the life of a prophet, I recommend reading about Ezra Taft Benson. He was an example of faith, humility, diligence, and righteous living that we can all learn from.
