We Will Come to Your Town
Healing the Ties that Bind is a fireside or seminar presented by Kimberly Jo Smith and members of her family. Through these gatherings, Kimberly shares messages of hope and healing, focusing on ways families can overcome struggles from both the past and the present.
She speaks in a variety of settings, including stakes and wards, youth events, Relief Society conferences, family reunions, and smaller gatherings. Her goal is simply to go wherever people feel the message may bless lives.
Topics often include the life and legacy of Emma Smith and why she remained in Nauvoo, the divisions that affected the Smith family after 1844, the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the journey from trauma and abuse toward healing and wholeness. Kimberly also emphasizes the importance of understanding our heritage and strengthening the family ties that connect generations.
As a 2nd great granddaughter of Joseph and Emma Smith and a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kimberly feels a deep responsibility to share the story of what the Smith family has experienced since the martyrdom in 1844. Through these stories she reflects on the ways adversity and misunderstanding can divide families, but also how the healing power of Christ can bring reconciliation and unity.
Her message also draws from personal experience. As a survivor of abuse, Kimberly speaks with humility about the difficult path from trauma toward healing, and she hopes her experiences can help others who may be walking a similar road.
These firesides have been a nonprofit mission for Kimberly since 2000. She does not charge for the events and travels wherever she is invited, sharing her testimony and message of healing. In 2010 alone, her travels covered more than 12,000 miles as she participated in over 30 firesides and musical events. Over the years, many individuals and families who have faced abuse, division, or personal trials have shared how these gatherings helped them begin their own journey toward healing.
“We have received countless emails conveying that our firesides, as well as my book, Rising Hills and Sinking Valleys, have helped put people on the road to healing and strengthened their families. We are grateful for the feedback we receive, but we give all credit for any good that comes from our writing, music, or firesides to the Lord who gave us those talents, for it is to His work we apply them.”
— Kimberly Jo Smith
Kimberly is deeply grateful to those who support this mission. Donations help make travel possible and allow these firesides to continue reaching communities that invite them. Proceeds from products available on this site also help cover travel expenses.
What to Expect
Each fireside is centered on strengthening faith in Jesus Christ and helping individuals and families find healing through the gospel.
Presentations typically include:
• Stories from the Smith family history
• Messages about forgiveness, healing, and overcoming trauma
• The importance of family ties across generations
• Testimony of the healing power of the Savior’s Atonement and following the Holy Ghost
Firesides are usually 60–90 minutes, but the format can easily be adjusted for youth events, Relief Society gatherings, family reunions, or stake conferences.
Kimberly is happy to adapt the message to the needs of your group.
If you would like to invite Kimberly to speak in your ward, stake, or community gathering, please visit the Contact page and include:
• Location
• Type of event (fireside, youth event, Relief Society, etc.)
• Possible dates
We will respond as soon as possible.
