Al Carraway has never been one to stay in one place for long. But her family’s recent move west to Arizona was about more than a change of scenery. It was about following peace, purpose and spiritual promptings.
Carraway and her husband, Ben, had always envisioned settling in Arizona again. However, with three young children, the decision wasn’t easy.
“At different times they [our kids] came to us saying like, ‘Hey, you know, we've been having this reoccurring thought.’ And I'm like, ‘Oh, tell me more.’ And so, we were all having the same reoccurring idea that we needed to relocate here,” Carraway said.
The Carraways officially moved a month ago, embracing what they see as a new chapter full of opportunity and spiritual growth.
Teaching moments through change
During a recent dinner discussion about history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carraway said her children showed a strong understanding of early Latter-day Saint pioneers and their spiritual journey which contributed to their journey west.
“I'm like, ‘What was the question the saints were asking in early church, you know, restoration early saints?’ And I said, ‘Is it like, where do we move next?’ And they're like, ‘No, they've always asked where is Zion.’ And every time they acted on their answer, they really believed that where they were going next, they were to build up,” Carraway said.
Carraway said those lessons apply today especially when people are asked to move, either physically or spiritually.
“Everywhere God has ever called me to be, there have been really important needful things,” Carraway said.
Finding Zion in people
For Carraway, the concept of Zion is less about geography and more about community.
“People are Zion. And I just feel called more than anything and more than ever before this pull towards and this calling towards all people,” Carraway said.
In addition to her writing and speaking, Carraway leads Church history tours three times a year. She said those experiences have created lasting bonds with people she guides through sacred sites.
“Do people know they can just go right here in our own country to go where Jesus has gone and where he has been? I want to take you to all those places, but aside from beautiful sacred Church history spots that we will hit all of, we just have so much fun,” Carraway said.
Faith, callings and growth
Through these chapters in her life, Carraway said her relationship with God has continued to deepen.
“For me to feel like I'm living a fulfilling life is simply showing up in the way that I feel God has called me to show up,” Carraway said. “You have a heart that is beating and a God that is yours and vibrant blessings that are already there for you. If we can just grow in our confidence with Him and see our seasons through and act on your good reoccurring thoughts and know that there's so much more to a limitless God than just getting what we want.”
A new book and upcoming tours
Carraway’s ninth book, “Your Jesus,” will be released later this month. The children’s book shares New Testament stories in a way that’s accessible and inspiring for young readers. It’s available for preorder through Cedar Fort Publishing’s website.
She will also be traveling through Idaho, Utah and Arizona as part of a book tour. On Sept. 18, she will appear at the Idaho Falls Library at 10:30 a.m. and at the Deseret Book in Pocatello at 3:30 p.m.
Carraway also invites people to join her Church history tours. To book a tour, visit her website.
“This is not your retired grandma's Church history,” Carraway said. “You can hop on a bus with me, start in New York and we go all the way to Missouri, and I am with you the whole time.”
To hear more from Carraway, listen to the full interview on BYU-Idaho Radio’s podcast on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.