"As I looked around at all those descendants of Hyrum Smith, I wondered about the research I had been asked to do. Why me? With all those descendants, why should I be asked to do the work? In the midst of my contemplation, an unmistakable voice whispered to my soul, 'Because you are willing.' Looking back, I now see that message as typical of Hyrum's life. In fact, I came to feel that it was Hyrum's voice," said Jeff O'Driscoll, of his experience in preparing his book, titled, "Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity".
In his BYU–Hawaii devotional speech, aptly titled, "Hyrum Smith: An Example of Faithfulness", O'Driscoll gave personal insight on his research process and the personal gems he has gleaned from what has become his oeuvre.
"Hyrum," O'Driscoll stated, "never shirked his responsibilities. He never tried to pass them off to someone else and he never gave up. His determination inspired those around him and the generations that followed. I believe this is one reason the Lord said that Hyrum's name 'may be had in honorable remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever' " (D&C 124:96).
O'Driscoll's research taught him many things: "I love Hyrum Smith. I am grateful for his examples of willingness, of going forward and of enduring to the end. Brothers and Sisters, in all worthy and righteous endeavors; be willing, go forward and never give up."
--Photo by Monique Saenz