'A Woman's Worth' defines women's gifts

When Jerry Earl Johnston, a Deseret News columnist, writes, he refers often to women and the qualities they exhibit.New

from Covenant Communications Inc. is "A Woman's Worth," a booklet with

a dozen of Johnston's columns extolling the virtues and spiritual gifts

of women he admires.

He writes about Jenny Knudsen, who died at age 29 giving birth to

her son. Addressing the son, Hayden, Johnston tells him, "Your mother

was a joy." Her gift: sacrifice.

He writes about his own mother, who "created the background

harmony," both in music and in the family. Johnston writes, "She

accompanied every aspect of our lives, pushing us along when we began

to drag, slowing us down when we raced ahead." Her gift: harmony.

He also writes about Marjorie Pay Hinckley, whom he never met.

"Sister Hinckley taught by example," Johnston writes, "that life is a

never-ending quest for knowledge." She was "an example whose faith,

testimony, love, dedication and good humor will endure and continue to

touch lives through the ages." Her gift: grace.

And then there's the mother of the prodigal son, who "was worried

sick ... from the day the boy left until he got home again." Johnston

writes, "She went to bed each night and rose each morning with a prayer

in her heart for his health and safety ... and that he would someday

see the light." Her gift: hope.

The above examples are just a few of the many spiritual "presents" that Johnston says women have given to all of us.

"A Woman's Worth" retails for $4.99 and is available at LDS bookstores.

E-mail: rwalsh@desnews.com