I had the wonderful opportunity of sitting down with a fantastic woman who has enlightened me in a number of ways. I decided I wanted to share with our LDSBlogs.com readers this daughter of God as well. So, please let me introduce you to Jewel Adams: wife, mother and author.

Candace: Jewel, you have made it very well known to one and all that you did not grow up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that your circumstances were a little less than ideal. I happen to know you are a fantastic woman and someone I feel privileged to call my friend. But will you please share a little bit about your beginnings and what brought you to the Church in the first place?

Jewel: Well, I was born and raised in Asheville, NC. I lived in an abusive home and watched my mother be abused on a daily basis. I was a pretty messed up kid emotionally and because of this, I made some pretty poor choices. True, I had a painful childhood, but in the end, the choices I soon began to make were mine.

I made the dumb decision of getting married when I was 16 to a guy I didn't love. I did it to escape the prison I called home because I was tired of taking care of an alcoholic mother. In truth, I just traded one prison for another. Two years later, Isaiah, the guy I married, went swimming and drowned. At 18 I was a widow and because of his life insurance, I had more money than I knew what to do with.

Having been raised poor, suddenly having that much money was not a good thing. That money helped to fuel a newly developing drug and alcohol addiction. It helped to numb all the pain that I couldn't seem to forget.

Then I married another man I didn't love (we only had drugs and alcohol in common). It was also at this time that I met my first set of missionaries. Of course a couple of minutes into the discussion they knew I was too wasted for them to get anywhere with me.

Two years later after family and friends had bled me dry and I was again living in a housing project but now was a mother of two babies, I was humbled enough for the Lord to send another set of missionaries and this time I listened, and I immediately knew what they were telling me was true. Despite an ongoing battle with substance abuse I was baptized. Because drugs and alcohol were the only thing we had in common, my marriage ended. I finally became clean and sober, married my amazing husband in the St. George Temple, moved to Utah permanently, and never looked back.

But thinking back on it, I think I was a Mormon as a child and just didn't know it, I mean while all my friends idolized the Jackson 5, The Sylvers, and Marvin Gaye, I idolized The Osmonds. I had a poster of Donny on my wall and his face was on my notebook. Of course everyone thought I was out of my mind, but I didn't care.

Candace: You are one of the least "woe is me" people I have ever had the blessing of meeting. With the recent Church celebration of the Lord's revelation to President Spencer W. Kimball in 1978 that all "worthy male members of the Church may now hold the priesthood," there has been much excitement and rumor abounding amongst the members of the Church. You've told me about your family, friends and co-workers' opinions when you joined the Mormon Church. Will you please share those experiences and your responses to them?

Jewel: Growing up we didn't go to church on a regular basis, but my mother did tell us about God and taught us to pray. When she finally escape her brutal marriage and we moved from Charlotte back to our home town of Asheville, my brother and I started attending church with my grandparents. They were staunch Baptists and their church rocked out every Sunday morning and evening. My grandparents wanted us to be baptized, but for some reason I refused.

Later when I joined the Mormon church I got a lot of flack from family and so-called friends. They gave me a hard time for joining what they considered a racist church. I told them the Church wasn't racist. Then my manager at work asked me why the blacks had to wait so long to hold the priesthood. The answer quickly came to me. I said that neither the blacks or whites were ready for such a change before then and that a change of that magnitude would have torn the Church apart. It's something I've never even questioned. There is a time for everything and God knows when that time is. He is perfect and He doesn't make mistakes.

Candace: As an author, you have recently released a book which is a thinly veiled, yet wonderful, parable of premortality and mortality. As many know, Mormons believe we did not begin with birth, nor do we end with death. Would you please share your opinion and knowledge of how our Heavenly Father looks upon all of His children regardless of race, color or creed?

Jewel: First, I have to say that there is another author named Jewel Adams and her writing is kind of on the naughty side. That's why I'm now going by J.Adams.

One of the things my mother taught us was not to ever see color, even though she was raised in an age of extreme racism. I'm sure that was a trait she brought with her to this life. I think Heavenly Father is color blind as well. I know each race has certain trials that may come because of their race, but like all other trials, I think what's most important is how we deal with those trials, and how we let them affect us.

Candace: Would you please share with us what it is like being a black Mormon?

Jewel: When I first moved to Utah people actually went out of their way to show me they weren't racist to the point that I would think, "Whoa, back up a little. I know you're okay with me." But truthfully, I love living in Utah among so many saints. I've never had a problem with cultural differences and no one has ever had a problem with mine. I've never had a problem with racism in the Church, and as far as I know, neither have my children. I have made so many friends in the Church, people who support me and love me unconditionally. My patriarchal blessing says that my "ability to make friends is a precious talent to be cultivated." How grateful I am for that.

Candace: To those who would say The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a racist church, how would you respond?

Jewel: I would say nothing could be further from the truth. Our church is filled with diversity and all are welcome, no matter your race, creed or color. We are all God's children and we are all the same in His eyes. I'd also invite them to come and play church ball or attend a ward pot luck. Good food always brings everyone together.

Candace: What advice do you have other blacks investigating the Church?

Jewel: Put all thoughts of race and things of the past aside and open your heart so the Lord can do His work in it. And if you do have concerns, pray about them, but remember, it's all about the gospel and nothing else.

Candace: I am a firm believer in celebrating that which is good and what we all have in common. Can you tell me why we should forget the hurts of the past and concentrate on the present and future?

Jewel: Concentrating on the hurts of the past can do nothing but bring us down. I'm a firm believer in showing gratitude for all things and living in the here and now. When I pray, I try to always remember to thank God for both the joys and the sorrows, including the sorrows of the past. I don't know if my ancestors came from Africa, Fiji, or Jamaica, but I'm sure they were most likely slaves and were likely treated badly. But how grateful I am for what they went through. It is because of them that I am here in this free land, living this amazing life. Their time has passed, but my time is now, and I will not use this time thinking bitter thoughts. They would not want that.

Candace: What advice do you have for those seeking to find Jesus Christ and His Gospel?

Jewel: Just pray with an open heart, then listen with an open mind and ears, and He will come. And definitely welcome those missionaries.

Candace: Would you please leave your testimony with us?

Jewel: Looking back on my life and the person I was, I almost feel like I'm looking at someone else's life, like I've lived two lives. How grateful I am to the Lord for rescuing me when He did. By rights I should be dead, but God had other plans, and if someone would have told me when I was 18 that I would one day be a Mormon, married and living in Utah, a mother of 8 children, and writing books, I would have offered that person a drink because they would have needed it more than me. But, as I said, God had bigger plans for me than I had for myself.

With all my heart and soul I know this gospel is true and I will be eternally grateful to the Lord for never giving up on me. I'm grateful for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Because of it, I was able to leave the old life behind and accept the one I have now, the one He prepared for me from the beginning. And though I know I'll never be perfect in this life, God has given me the gift of knowing that everyday is a day of grace as long as He is in it.

And there ends the interview with Jewel Adams. Much has been said of late of why African Americans join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jewel has always been frank and straightforward in responding to people who ask this question. Once again, this morning she addressed this issue on an email list we both belong to. I asked her if she'd be willing to be interviewed for LDSBlogs.com and she was very gracious in saying yes. I hope you enjoyed this woman who has lived through so much to come out into the light of Jesus Christ. She is a friend who I would stand with at all times.

We’ve all heard it. Maybe we’ve even said it, ourselves. “If only I could make just a bit more money—then I’d be happy.” So we work hard, sacrificing time away from our families, refusing to take vacations, all in an effort to be the best at our job and to make more money. Often it works and we get what we had hoped for; sometimes it doesn’t work and we get passed over for the promised promotion or raise.

Regardless of the outcome of our sacrifice, the thing that is constant is that we find we are not, in fact, any happier. Usually, we end up somewhat less than happy.

We think back to our newly married days, the days when we didn’t have much, but oh we were happy. Were we happy simply because everything was new? The new love, the new life together? Or were we happy because there were fewer responsibilities, fewer demands on our money and therefore, fewer demands on our time?

Today “affluence is up, but happiness is down, as indicated by rising divorce rates…” says Lynn G. Robbins of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormons,) in his talk entitled “The Cost of Riches” (Ensign, Jun 2003, 24.) So we have what we hoped for—more money. But we oftentimes don’t have what we really wanted—more happiness.

It has been said that a rich man doesn’t own his things; rather, his things own him. The more we have, the more work we need to do just to maintain what we have. It is a vicious cycle that has no end, unless we put a stop to it.

Elder Robbins says that “One antonym for greed, and perhaps the antidote to it, is contentment.” The Apostle Paul stated, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philip. 4:11.) Be satisfied with what you have, and more, be grateful for it. Contentment and gratitude are essential if you are to be truly happy.

Benjamin Franklin said: “The eyes of other people are the eyes that ruin us. If all but myself were blind, I should want neither fine clothes, fine houses, nor fine furniture” (Quoted in Andrew M. Allison and others, The Real Benjamin Franklin (1987), 364.) He knew that time is the one thing that is purchased by not spending money, but that time was the one thing truly worth having more of.

The Savior Himself is the greatest example of proper prioritizing. With so little to distract him He was able to devote Himself to His ministry. The Lord doesn’t expect us to adopt a life of poverty, but His counsel is pretty clear: “Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (D&C 25:10) and “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15.)

Benjamin Franklin said, “When you have bought one fine thing you must buy ten more, that your appearance may be all of a piece; … ‘’tis easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it’” (The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac, and Other Papers (n.d.), 227.) This is especially true today and is evident the country over with families in crisis, and homes in the balance. Where once we were satisfied with small, modest homes, today we often seek out large, grand homes that require not just ten “fine things” but hundreds. We simply can no longer afford the lifestyle our greed has caused us to seek after.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, …

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (3 Ne. 13:19–20.)

Our greatest treasure has to be our family. And time spent with them, nurturing them, making memories together, is the best use of a valuable commodity. Elder Robbins supported this when he said:

“In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” we learn that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102.) Since the family is central, then the most important work we do, according to President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973), is “within the walls of [our] own home” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1973, 130; or Ensign, July 1973, 98.) Note the word within. Parents earn money outside the home to make a living, but they spend time inside the home to make a life.”

I feel confident that as we avoid that “outward show” but strive instead to be content with what we have, we will discover true happiness for ourselves and our families.

I’ve talked a lot about the Spirit that a disciple of Christ needs to carry with him. It’s that presence and knowledge of God’s will for you that make you the most effective disciple you can be. This Spirit comes in two forms. There is a general presence that testifies of truth as well as gives guidance and direction as it is needed for any and all human beings who have not denied the light of Christ within them. There is also a second step in which the disciple makes specific covenants with God that allow that Spirit to more fully manifest Himself to you. These covenants invite the Holy Ghost’s companionship into every aspect of your every day life.

Why the distinction? What can be gained from the added step of covenant making? And lastly, what covenants need to be made in order to receive these increased blessings? It’s about promises and commitment. The more committed we are to Jesus Christ, the more our actions show it, the more our lives invite the Holy Ghost and the more we are able to feel His affect in our lives. Making covenants with God is an increased measure of commitment and the ordinance of baptism opens the way for these blessing of the Spirit.

Shortly after baptism, through the power of the priesthood present in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is when we are given the privilege to have the Spirit as our constant companion as long as we are trying to live up to the promises we made at baptism. He acts as a testifier of Jesus Christ to strengthen and build our testimonies. He also acts as a guide, comforter, and a conduit for many other blessings. The Holy Ghost should be the closest and most valuable friend a disciple of Christ can have with him on life’s journey.

To understand this distinction further, let’s look at the example of Peter.

Peter was one of Christ’s most faithful disciples. He recognized the divinity in the Savior when many walked away. He served faithfully by the Savior’s side. He indicated that he wanted to be found in no other place than with the Savior.

During the last supper, Peter proclaims his steadfastness in defending Christ. Then sadly, a short time later, he would deny his knowledge of Christ three different times. (See- Matthew 26:33-35, 58, 69-75)

Then, after the Holy Ghost is given to the disciples at Pentecost, Peter’s perception of his mission and goals as a disciple of Christ changes. Because of that constant reaffirming presence, Peter finds strength that was previously beyond his capabilities. (Acts 4 & 5)

That’s the value of the Holy Ghost. Expressing true commitment through covenants with God, then living up to them, provides and extra strength and shield to your life. When the Holy Ghost is allowed fully into your life you can find testimony and faith beyond that you have ever previously known.

There is a scripture in the Book of Mormon that has occupied my time this morning. I wrote an article on it, focusing, as most of us who read it do, on how to use our wealth to help the poor. However, there is a small phrase tucked into this verse that caught my attention today:

“And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” (Jacob 2:19)

The little phrase we tend to skip over is “liberate the captive.” In a time when few of us live in countries with slavery, what does this verse mean? The verse was spoken in a sermon the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob was giving to his own people, chastising them for losing sight of the teachings of God. However, the Book of Mormon prophets kept these records just for our day—the people of the time didn’t have them. This means, if he chose to record the sermon, it has application for us. How can we today liberate the captive?

There are many ways to be captive. One can be held captive through sin, debt, addiction, poverty, or lack of education. One can be captive by not knowing the teachings of God. Anything that keeps you from reaching your full potential as a child of God can hold you captive.

With that in mind, the verse is specifically about the appropriate use of excess income. What are some ways you can use your discretionary income to liberate the captive?

Since no one can solve every problem, one solution is to think of which forms of captivity are of particular concern to you. You can put your money to good use in those areas, allowing you to make a larger single contribution than if you spread your money out. Another solution is to choose a single organization to help. Some people also prefer to help individuals rather than to deal with organizations.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has several programs to help liberate the captive. Some programs focus on the needs of members, but many others serve regardless of faith. You can read on the church’s website about their humanitarian outreach.

This outreach is funded by donations from both church members and non-church members alike. None of the money donated to this outreach is used for administration or outreach, a rare situation. Those costs are paid from regular church funds.

The services offered span a wide range of ways to liberate the captive. For instance, the church’s outreach has donated more than 190,000 wheelchairs to people around the world who would otherwise be captives in their beds. The clean water initiative has provided clean water to over three and a half million people in thirty-four counties by providing such things as wells or boreholes, purification, or storage systems. LDS ophthalmologists have served more than 30,000 people in sixteen nations.

While we may not be in a position to help so many people individually, the collective good done when a group of people band together to help can be immeasurable. A former prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints once said, “The goodness of the world in which we live is the accumulated goodness of many small and seemingly inconsequential acts.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “I Believe,” Ensign, Aug 1992, 2)

As we’ve been reading the Book of Mormon together, we’ve seen that the Nephites (the people who chose to follow God and so went with the prophet Nephi) had prospered since separating from their wicked family members, the Lamanites, who followed a rebellious young man named Laman, the brother of the prophet Nephi. Since this time, Nephi has died, a new man has been appointed king, and Nephi’s younger brother Jacob has become the leader of the church, assisted by the youngest brother, Joseph.

The Nephites had grown numerous over the years, and had been blessed for their worthiness. Some had now grown prosperous because they were fortunate enough to find gold and ore and other valuables. Instead of thanking God, and using their excess to help those who had been less successful, they took all credit for their finds and their wealth and even looked down on those who had not been as fortunate. We discussed this in the previous article on pride. Jacob called his people together to chastise them for this:

19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken unto you concerning pride; and those of you which have afflicted your neighbor, and persecuted him because ye were proud in your hearts, of the things which God hath given you, what say ye of it? (Jacob 2)

The subject of how to treat the poor ties directly in with Jacob’s warnings about pride. It’s much easier to neglect the poor if you believe it is their own fault they’re poor—that they’re poor due to wickedness, laziness, or whatever excuse you have in mind. Later in the Book of Mormon, other prophets will also warn people that often the wealthy have wealth because they had opportunities for learning because of their wealth. Had they not been wealthy, they might well have been different. It was their advantages that put them in place for their wealth.

“I am concerned about some of our prosperous people who are beginning to criticize the poor for being poor. Some of our own church members believe that only shiftless, lazy people remain poor in this prosperous day and age and that welfare is necessary only to sustain those who are not competent enough to work. They simply do not realize the unexpected problems and expenses that can suddenly come to any one of us. On one occasion the Church came to my aid when I was sick and helpless to help myself, and I was truly grateful that it did.” Theodore M. Burton, “A Disease Called Pride,” Ensign, Mar 1971, 26

Notice that Jacob suggested we should seek after wealth “for the intent to do good.” In other words, while being wealthy is not, in itself a sin, wanting to be wealthy so you can be “better than other people,” or to have a fancy home, an expensive car, or other worldly goods is wrong. The only reason to seek wealth is to have more to spend helping others. This can take enormous self-control. Brigham Young once said his greatest fear was that his people would become wealthy. While many may start that way, it’s difficult to maintain over time. Once a person has a taste of nice things, it can be tempting to add just one more nice thing, and then another nice thing, and soon you’re making your annual donation to the Heart Fund and that’s it, not willing to sacrifice too much of your own comfort.

One way to avoid this challenge is to get into the habit of giving long before you have wealth. Another is to always keep your life simple, not upgrading every time your wealth increases. Luxuries should be chosen with care. For instance, we live in a tiny cottage in a modest neighborhood. We do have a few things we spend a bit more money on, such as computers, since we both make our livings on the computer, but in general our material possessions are very modest. Self-employment means our income fluctuates, and we try not to raise our way of living when things are going well. I would like us to stay comfortable with a modest lifestyle. It’s much easier to stay with the status quo than to “downgrade” to a simpler life.

When life hands you a more luxurious income, ask yourself, “What good can I do with this money?” This will keep you in line with Jacob’s admonition to seek wealth, if you really want it, only to help others.