Podcast Summary: Don't Miss This Study

Episode: "A SEASON OF HOPE"

Hosts: Emily Freeman & David Butler

Release Date: October 20, 2025

Overview

In this episode, “A Season of Hope,” Emily Freeman and David Butler take listeners on a "field trip" to Nauvoo, reflecting on both historic and personal seasons of sorrow, hope, and restoration. Drawing from Doctrine and Covenants Section 124, they focus on the concept of building "houses of refuge"—both literal and metaphorical—and explore how ordinary people and small acts of faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes. The episode intertwines lessons from Church history, personal anecdotes, and scriptural insights to offer hope during challenging times.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context of Recording: Recent Losses and Tragedies

• The episode was recorded shortly after the passing of President Russell M. Nelson and a recent tragedy in Michigan, casting a somber but reflective tone.
• Grace: “It's tender and sad to say goodbye...our whole lives are going to be filled with both sadness and happiness and tragedy and restoration...” (00:33)
• The hosts underscore the importance of seeking out "happy spots"—Nauvoo being one historically for the Latter-day Saints.

2. Nauvoo as a Symbol of Refuge & Renewal (02:03 - 03:11)

• Nauvoo is described as a period of relative joy and restoration after intense suffering and persecution.
• The hosts compare these “Nauvoo moments” (peace, gathering, safety) with “Liberty moments” (trial, adversity).
• Emily: “Nauvoo seems to be this, like, happy spot...just a happy moment in the history of the church.” (02:03)

3. Doctrine & Covenants 124: The House of Refuge (Tip-Ins)

• Focus on D&C 124:22–23, where God commands a “house for boarding, a house that strangers may come from afar to lodge therein...that the weary traveler may find health and safety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord.”
• Grace: “How can I build my house into a home of refuge...that even in a chaotic world, there can still be homes that are refuge.” (03:11)
• The hosts connect the historic commandment to their own callings—to create homes of holiness, safety, and encouragement.

4. Lessons from Nauvoo’s Foundation & the Lord’s Proclamation (07:42 - 12:04)

• Recap of how the Saints found refuge after Liberty Jail, highlighting acts of kindness and miracles as the foundation of the city.
• Discussion of the first “Proclamation to the World”—a message meant for global leaders, emphasizing the bold scope of the Restoration.
• Dave: “‘Come then to the help of the Lord...in this, the greatest of all revolutions.’ And that to me is so rad...a fight for a good cause, that will one day have the kingdom of God filling the entire earth.” (11:16)

5. Personal Application: Creating Homes of Refuge (12:04 - 20:41)

• Emily shares a powerful personal story of opening her home during a stressful, crowded year—offering space and nurture to family, friends, and even near-strangers, despite limited resources.
• Her guiding scripture was D&C 124:23, striving to make her home a place “everyone was going to be welcome” and “the weary traveler would find help and safety while he would contemplate the word of the Lord.”
• Emily: “‘You provide the space. Let me provide the means.’ And we were provided for in that time, miraculously provided for.” (18:33)
• Memorable moments include daily meals, scripture study, and small acts of hospitality—showing that “little windows of welcome” can become defining, sacred times.

6. The Nauvoo House vs. The Temple: Hospitality & Holiness (20:41 - 23:02)

• The Lord uses the same language for a house of hospitality (hotel) as for a house of worship (temple), showing both are sacred when built according to His pattern.
• D&C 124 commands both the Nauvoo House (for dignitaries, strangers) and the temple (for worship)—illustrating the intertwining of God’s love for people and for worship.
• Dave: “If you're going to be showing love to God, bring your finest. And if you're going to be showing love to people, bring your finest. That is this city encapsulates what it looks like to live the two great commandments in action.” (22:07)

7. Sarah Granger Kimball & the Birth of Relief Society (23:02 - 32:10)

• The story shifts to Sarah Granger Kimball, whose simple desire to help led to what became the Relief Society.
• Sarah, watching the temple being built from her kitchen window, initiated a sewing circle to provide for temple workers—a small act that catalyzed the formation of the global organization.
• Theme of the “if” in scripture: “If you labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy.” (D&C 124:43–44)
• Emily: “That one ‘if’ and this one window...created something bigger than Sarah Granger Kimball could have probably ever imagined.” (28:41)
• Emma Smith’s vision: “We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.” (31:05)

8. The Power & Consequence of Choices: “What If” Lives (34:05 - 39:22)

• Contrast between two Nauvoo figures:
  • Sarah Granger Kimball: Acted on her “if,” catalyzing the Relief Society.
  • William Law: Also given immense spiritual promise (“if he be humble...he shall mount up...as upon eagle’s wings”—D&C 124:97–100) but ultimately rejected his opportunity, becoming linked to Joseph Smith’s martyrdom.
• Dave: “Let your imagination run on eagle’s wings. Don't withhold anything. Everything is possible with you and the path in front of you.” (37:00)
• The “what ifs” of faith can lead to worldwide good or to tragedy, depending on choices.

9. Closing Reflections: Embracing Potential in a “What If” Community (39:22 - 41:41)

• Nauvoo embodies the spirit of hope, restoration, and radical possibility—transforming from a “muddy swampland” to a place of gathering and miracles.
• The call to listeners: Consider what “what ifs” God is inviting you to pursue in your own life. Let God guide you into miraculous, unforeseen blessings.
• Emily: “Isn’t that neat when you think about him calling fishermen just on the shores of that normal sea, those rough fishermen on just the banks of a lake...and to see what, like, the what ifs and the like...That is where he shines.” (40:29)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Grace: “How can I build my house into a home of refuge, a home like this...even in a tragic world, there can still be homes that are refuge.” (03:11)
• Emily: “You provide the space. Let me provide the means.” (18:33)
• Dave: “‘Come then...and your willing and hearty cooperation in this, the greatest of all revolutions.’” (11:16)
• Emily: “That one ‘if’...created something bigger than Sarah Granger Kimball could have probably ever imagined.” (28:41)
• Emily: “Let your imagination run on eagle’s wings. Don’t withhold anything.” (37:00)
• Emily: “What miracles, what relief, what glory you’re finding with that.” (38:01)

Key Timestamps

• 00:33: Reflections on President Nelson’s passing and Michigan tragedy—“It’s tender and sad to say goodbye...”
• 02:03: Nauvoo as a “happy spot” in church history.
• 03:11: “Homes that are refuge”—tip-in intro and scriptural foundation.
• 07:42: Nauvoo’s founding and the theme of hope after suffering.
• 11:16: First Proclamation’s bold call to the world.
• 12:04 – 20:41: Emily’s personal “house of refuge” story.
• 23:02 – 32:10: Sarah Granger Kimball and the humble beginnings of Relief Society.
• 34:05: The “what ifs”: contrast of Sarah Granger Kimball and William Law.
• 39:22: Final reflections and encouragement for listeners.

Conclusion

“A SEASON OF HOPE” is a poignant reminder that in the midst of personal and collective suffering, we can create “holy spaces” of refuge and help, just as the Saints did at Nauvoo. Through real-life stories and scriptural insight, Emily Freeman and David Butler inspire listeners to imagine and embrace their own “what ifs”—choosing faith, service, and bold action in a world that often feels turbulent. Their stories affirm that extraordinary outcomes often grow from ordinary faith and heartfelt hospitality.