Sometimes in our experience we also find people we tend to want to βchalk off.β We may consider someone a person who will never make it. In my young days, that person probably was Thorval Pattee. Thorval lived on the outskirts of town in Portland. His was a poor family; they didnβt have anything. We were part of the same Sunday School class that used to drive teacher after teacher out in despair. You remember those days, too. World War II came, and Thorval Pattee enlisted in the marines. He was in a battle in the South Pacific when a mortar shell fell into the foxhole with him and several of his buddies. Thorval lifted up the mortar shell to throw it out. It exploded at the last minute, filled him with shrapnel, and blew his hand nearly off, until it hung by a thread of skin. With his own knife he cut his hand off and then returned to get medical aid.
I saw Thorval when the war was over. There was a knock on my door at my home in Portland. I opened it up, and there he wasβdischarged nowβwith an ex-marine hat on and a T-shirt covered back and forth with wires, straps, and pullies that manipulated the hook that replaced his right hand. He had a cigarette in his mouth, and he was a bitter, cynical young man. We talked and visited, and I wondered what would happen to Thorval Pattee.
In contrast to Thorval, there was another young man in our Sunday School class who was the good boy. This was Daryl Porter. Do you have any Daryl Porters in your Sunday School class, the one who is always quiet, the one who is always good, the one whose name is always brought up when your mother says βWhy canβt you be like Daryl Porter?β The years went by, and I saw neither Thorval Pattee nor Daryl Porter. Then, not long ago, after many years had gone by and Iβd been at BYU for some time, I received a phone call one evening. A voice from the past said βBill, this is Thorval Pattee.β I was delighted and I said, βWhere are you?β
βIβm here in Provo.β
βWhy are you here in Provo?β
βI am here to see my daughter graduate from BYU.β
βWell, come up. Iβd like to have a chance to visit.β So Thorval and his wife came to spend an evening with me and my family. I found out that at some point he had decided to go back to church, and a fine young lady at church had seen something there that others had not seen. She was able to respond to that, and he to her. So they were married, later sealed in the temple. They had a very fine family. He became the early morning seminary teacher in his small community and now was at BYU to watch his daughter graduate. Truly in the case of Thorval the race was not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but to him who endures to the end.
Now the race is not yet over for Thorval Pattee. I asked him about Daryl Porter, and he said, βAs far as I know, Daryl dropped out of the Church after the service was over and has never come back again.β But hopefully Daryl Porter has not yet given up in the race.
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The Race Is Not to the Swift Nor the Battle to the Strong
Summary: The speaker recalls Thorval Pattee, a troubled classmate who was grievously wounded in WWII and returned bitter and cynical. Years later, Thorval came back to church, married, was sealed in the temple, taught seminary, and attended his daughterβs BYU graduation. In contrast, the once exemplary Daryl Porter left the Church after military service and, as far as known, did not return.
Read more β
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Youth
Adversity
Apostasy
Conversion
Disabilities
Endure to the End
Family
Judging Others
Ministering
Sealing
War
An Answer for Lucia
Summary: Lucia, the only Latter-day Saint at her school, is teased and confused after a teacher implies Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are the same person. She goes to the missionaries, who read scriptures with her, including John 17, to explain how They are one in purpose but separate beings. The Holy Ghost confirms the truth to Lucia, bringing her comfort and reassurance.
Lucia wiped away a tear. She didnβt want the other kids to see. She left the school grounds and hurried toward home.
Lucia lived on a small, beautiful island. She was the only member of the Church at school. Everybody else went to the same church. They teased Lucia and wouldnβt play with her because she was different.
That wasnβt the only problem. Sometimes the teachers ignored Lucia when she raised her hand.
βBut today was the worst!β Lucia thought. She kicked a pebble down the road. During class, the teacher read some Bible verses that Lucia didnβt understand. They made it sound like Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost were the same person. Then the teacher said there were some churches that didnβt believe what the Bible taught. She looked straight at Lucia. Everybody in class laughed.
Lucia was confused. Werenβt Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost separate? What was going on?
Suddenly she had a happy thought. She could ask the missionaries! They came to Luciaβs village every day. βTheyβll know how to help!β she thought.
When Lucia got home, she saw Sister Brown and Sister Ruiz. They were helping pump water up to a tank on the roof.
Lucia asked her question right away. βWhy does the Bible say Heavenly Father and Jesus are the same person?β
Sister Brown smiled. βThatβs a good question. After lunch letβs look for some scriptures to help.β
Lucia hardly tasted any of the yummy ropa vieja stew Mama had made. All she wanted was the answer!
Finally lunch was over. Lucia and the missionaries opened their scriptures. They read about Joseph Smithβs vision. Then they read about Jesusβs baptism. Both scriptures showed that Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost were separate.
βSo why do those other scriptures say theyβre the same?β asked Lucia.
Sister Brown started turning the pages. βLetβs read in John 17. Thatβs where Jesus prays to Heavenly Father about His Apostles.β
They all took turns reading. In the scriptures, Jesus prayed that His Apostles βmay be oneβ like He and Heavenly Father are one. Lucia counted three different times He said it.
βThe Apostles couldnβt all become the same person,β Sister Ruiz said. βBut they could become one in how they believed and acted. Thatβs how Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are one.β
Lucia began to feel warm inside. She knew it was the Holy Ghost. He was telling her that what Sister Ruiz said was true.
Heavenly Father and Jesus werenβt the same person. But They were the same in what They said and did. And Lucia knew that They both loved her.
Lucia lived on a small, beautiful island. She was the only member of the Church at school. Everybody else went to the same church. They teased Lucia and wouldnβt play with her because she was different.
That wasnβt the only problem. Sometimes the teachers ignored Lucia when she raised her hand.
βBut today was the worst!β Lucia thought. She kicked a pebble down the road. During class, the teacher read some Bible verses that Lucia didnβt understand. They made it sound like Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost were the same person. Then the teacher said there were some churches that didnβt believe what the Bible taught. She looked straight at Lucia. Everybody in class laughed.
Lucia was confused. Werenβt Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost separate? What was going on?
Suddenly she had a happy thought. She could ask the missionaries! They came to Luciaβs village every day. βTheyβll know how to help!β she thought.
When Lucia got home, she saw Sister Brown and Sister Ruiz. They were helping pump water up to a tank on the roof.
Lucia asked her question right away. βWhy does the Bible say Heavenly Father and Jesus are the same person?β
Sister Brown smiled. βThatβs a good question. After lunch letβs look for some scriptures to help.β
Lucia hardly tasted any of the yummy ropa vieja stew Mama had made. All she wanted was the answer!
Finally lunch was over. Lucia and the missionaries opened their scriptures. They read about Joseph Smithβs vision. Then they read about Jesusβs baptism. Both scriptures showed that Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost were separate.
βSo why do those other scriptures say theyβre the same?β asked Lucia.
Sister Brown started turning the pages. βLetβs read in John 17. Thatβs where Jesus prays to Heavenly Father about His Apostles.β
They all took turns reading. In the scriptures, Jesus prayed that His Apostles βmay be oneβ like He and Heavenly Father are one. Lucia counted three different times He said it.
βThe Apostles couldnβt all become the same person,β Sister Ruiz said. βBut they could become one in how they believed and acted. Thatβs how Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are one.β
Lucia began to feel warm inside. She knew it was the Holy Ghost. He was telling her that what Sister Ruiz said was true.
Heavenly Father and Jesus werenβt the same person. But They were the same in what They said and did. And Lucia knew that They both loved her.
Read more β
π€ Missionaries
π€ Children
π€ Parents
π€ Other
Adversity
Bible
Children
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Faith
Holy Ghost
Joseph Smith
Judging Others
Missionary Work
Scriptures
Teaching the Gospel
Testimony
The Restoration
Homemaking
Summary: A woman who frequently moved for her husband's job planted flower bulbs in her yard. When a neighbor questioned why she would plant bulbs she wouldn't see bloom, she replied that someone else would enjoy them and she wanted to leave her homes more beautiful. The story illustrates selfless effort to bless others and improve one's surroundings.
A woman who was required to move frequently because of her husbandβs employment was planting flower bulbs in her yard. Her neighbor stopping to watch asked her, βWhy do you bother planting these bulbs when you know you wonβt be here when they bloom next spring?β
βI may not be here,β the woman replied, βbut someone else will. I always try to leave my homes, temporary as they may be, a little more beautiful because I was there.β
βI may not be here,β the woman replied, βbut someone else will. I always try to leave my homes, temporary as they may be, a little more beautiful because I was there.β
Read more β
π€ Other
Charity
Employment
Kindness
Service
He Took My Purse
Summary: A single Latter-day Saint woman preparing for a trip to the Atlanta Georgia Temple was mugged outside a church party, seemingly losing her wallet and temple recommend. After praying and following an impression to search the grass and bushes, she found her keys, her intact wallet with her recommend, and even her lipstick on her mirror. She recognized this as God's protection and a reminder that He was aware of her.
As a single woman, I am used to being careful about safety. But in the weeks before my trip to the Atlanta Georgia Temple, my usual concern escalated into a recurring nightmare in which a man mugged me, getting away with my credit cards, checks, and driverβs license. My concern became so great that the day before leaving for the temple, I checked my wallet three times to make sure everythingβincluding my temple recommendβwas still there.
That same evening I went to a party with my wallet in my purse, along with a small mirror and the tube of lipstick I am never without. After parking my car and adding my keys to my purse, I started toward the church where the party was underway. I was alone in a big city, but I wasnβt afraid. Having asked for the Lordβs protection earlier that evening, I felt safe.
As I walked up a path, I sensed someone behind me and turned to see a man running at me with lightning speed. There was a sharp tug on my purse, a strong hand on my arm, and I heard, βGive me your purse!β As I struggled to free myself, my purse flew across the broad lawn, landing in the nearby bushes. I cried out, but the man ran, retrieving my purse as he left.
After calling the police, I found an empty room in the church where I could send a silent prayer up to Heavenly Father. βI donβt understand,β I thought, fighting tears. βI was going to the temple tomorrow! Now he has my temple recommend! Father, why wasnβt I protected?β Feeling helpless and hopeless, I went out to face the police officers.
βIβm sorry, Ms. Thomas. The officers didnβt find anythingβnot the thief, not your purse,β I was told. But as the police officers and I walked to my car, an impression came to me.
βIβm going to look in the grass to see if anything fell out of my purse, OK?β I tried not to get my hopes up, but when I saw something metallic reflecting light from the streetlamps, I scooped it up triumphantly and shouted, βMy keys! My keys are here!β I said a silent prayer of thanks as we started toward my car once again.
βWait! I want to look in the bushes too.β
Shaking his head, the officer escorting me answered with a half-grin, βGo ahead, but no one has that kind of luck.β
He was wrong. Unable to contain my tears, I shouted from the bushes, βMy wallet!β Inside it, everythingβincluding my temple recommendβwas intact. The police officers were dumbfounded.
βIβve never seen anyone so lucky,β one commented.
βItβs not luck,β I answered without thinking. βItβs protection from God.β I doubted the police officers would understand the importance of my trip to the temple, so to break the skeptical silence, I jokingly added, βThe guy did get one thing of value thoughβmy lipstick!β No one laughed.
Feeling awkward, I glanced back at the bush where I had made my last amazing find. What I saw astonished me: there, upright on the little mirror I carry in my purse, was my tube of lipstick.
Before the police arrived, I had wondered why God hadnβt protected and blessed me. But standing on that lawn next to the flabbergasted police officers, I realized He had done both. Now, whenever I have the slightest doubt that Heavenly Father is aware of my struggles, I remember the night He saved my keys, my wallet, my temple recommend, and even my tube of lipstick.
That same evening I went to a party with my wallet in my purse, along with a small mirror and the tube of lipstick I am never without. After parking my car and adding my keys to my purse, I started toward the church where the party was underway. I was alone in a big city, but I wasnβt afraid. Having asked for the Lordβs protection earlier that evening, I felt safe.
As I walked up a path, I sensed someone behind me and turned to see a man running at me with lightning speed. There was a sharp tug on my purse, a strong hand on my arm, and I heard, βGive me your purse!β As I struggled to free myself, my purse flew across the broad lawn, landing in the nearby bushes. I cried out, but the man ran, retrieving my purse as he left.
After calling the police, I found an empty room in the church where I could send a silent prayer up to Heavenly Father. βI donβt understand,β I thought, fighting tears. βI was going to the temple tomorrow! Now he has my temple recommend! Father, why wasnβt I protected?β Feeling helpless and hopeless, I went out to face the police officers.
βIβm sorry, Ms. Thomas. The officers didnβt find anythingβnot the thief, not your purse,β I was told. But as the police officers and I walked to my car, an impression came to me.
βIβm going to look in the grass to see if anything fell out of my purse, OK?β I tried not to get my hopes up, but when I saw something metallic reflecting light from the streetlamps, I scooped it up triumphantly and shouted, βMy keys! My keys are here!β I said a silent prayer of thanks as we started toward my car once again.
βWait! I want to look in the bushes too.β
Shaking his head, the officer escorting me answered with a half-grin, βGo ahead, but no one has that kind of luck.β
He was wrong. Unable to contain my tears, I shouted from the bushes, βMy wallet!β Inside it, everythingβincluding my temple recommendβwas intact. The police officers were dumbfounded.
βIβve never seen anyone so lucky,β one commented.
βItβs not luck,β I answered without thinking. βItβs protection from God.β I doubted the police officers would understand the importance of my trip to the temple, so to break the skeptical silence, I jokingly added, βThe guy did get one thing of value thoughβmy lipstick!β No one laughed.
Feeling awkward, I glanced back at the bush where I had made my last amazing find. What I saw astonished me: there, upright on the little mirror I carry in my purse, was my tube of lipstick.
Before the police arrived, I had wondered why God hadnβt protected and blessed me. But standing on that lawn next to the flabbergasted police officers, I realized He had done both. Now, whenever I have the slightest doubt that Heavenly Father is aware of my struggles, I remember the night He saved my keys, my wallet, my temple recommend, and even my tube of lipstick.
Read more β
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Other
Adversity
Faith
Gratitude
Holy Ghost
Miracles
Prayer
Revelation
Temples
Testimony
Open the Heavens through Temple and Family History Work
Summary: President Nelson recounts his grandfather A. C. Nelsonβs experience when his deceased father visited him on April 6, 1891. The father described teaching the gospel in the spirit world and urged faithfulness, temple sealings, and obedience. A. C. Nelson promised to be sealed to his father, and President Nelson notes that the children were later sealed, fulfilling the purpose of the visit.
President Nelson: When my grandfather A. C. Nelson was a young husband and father, just 27 years old, his father died. About three months later, his deceased father, my great-grandfather, came to visit him. The date of that visit was the night of April 6, 1891. Grandfather Nelson was so impressed by his fatherβs visit that he wrote the experience in his journal for his family and friends.
βI was in bed when Father entered the room,β Grandfather Nelson wrote. βHe came and sat on the side of the bed. He said, βWell, my son, as I had a few spare minutes, I received permission to come and see you for a few minutes. I am feeling well, my son, and have had very much to do since I died.ββ
When Grandfather Nelson asked him what he had been doing, his father answered that he had been busy teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit world.
βYou cannot imagine, my son, how many spirits there are in the spirit world who have not yet received the gospel,β he said. βBut many are receiving it, and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forth to their friends who are still living to administer for them in the temples.β
Grandfather Nelson told his father, βWe intend to go to the temple and get sealed to you, Father, as soon as we can.β
My great-grandfather responded: βThat, my son, is partly what I came to see you about. We will yet make a family and live throughout eternity.β
Then Grandfather Nelson asked, βFather, is the gospel as taught by this Church true?β
His father pointed to a picture of the First Presidency hanging on the wall of the bedroom.
βMy son, just as sure as you see that picture, just as sure is the gospel true. The gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power of saving every man and woman who will obey it, and in no other way can they ever obtain salvation in the kingdom of God. My son, always cling to the gospel. Be humble, be prayerful, be submissive to the priesthood, be true, be faithful to the covenants you have made with God. Never do anything that would displease God. Oh, what a blessing is the gospel. My son, be a good boy.β
A. C. Nelson, grandfather of President Russell M. Nelson.
Illustrations by Bjorn Thorkelson
Sister Nelson: I just love all those Bβs. βBe humble, be prayerful, be submissive to the priesthood, be true, be faithful to the covenants you have made with God. β¦ Be a good boy.β Six Bβs brought to you by your departed great-grandfather. He certainly sounds a lot like President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910β2008) with his six Bβs.1
President Nelson: He does, doesnβt he? Itβs so precious to me that my grandfather would leave that record for us. We learned that his fatherβs children were subsequently sealed to him. So the reason for his visit was accomplished.
βI was in bed when Father entered the room,β Grandfather Nelson wrote. βHe came and sat on the side of the bed. He said, βWell, my son, as I had a few spare minutes, I received permission to come and see you for a few minutes. I am feeling well, my son, and have had very much to do since I died.ββ
When Grandfather Nelson asked him what he had been doing, his father answered that he had been busy teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit world.
βYou cannot imagine, my son, how many spirits there are in the spirit world who have not yet received the gospel,β he said. βBut many are receiving it, and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forth to their friends who are still living to administer for them in the temples.β
Grandfather Nelson told his father, βWe intend to go to the temple and get sealed to you, Father, as soon as we can.β
My great-grandfather responded: βThat, my son, is partly what I came to see you about. We will yet make a family and live throughout eternity.β
Then Grandfather Nelson asked, βFather, is the gospel as taught by this Church true?β
His father pointed to a picture of the First Presidency hanging on the wall of the bedroom.
βMy son, just as sure as you see that picture, just as sure is the gospel true. The gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power of saving every man and woman who will obey it, and in no other way can they ever obtain salvation in the kingdom of God. My son, always cling to the gospel. Be humble, be prayerful, be submissive to the priesthood, be true, be faithful to the covenants you have made with God. Never do anything that would displease God. Oh, what a blessing is the gospel. My son, be a good boy.β
A. C. Nelson, grandfather of President Russell M. Nelson.
Illustrations by Bjorn Thorkelson
Sister Nelson: I just love all those Bβs. βBe humble, be prayerful, be submissive to the priesthood, be true, be faithful to the covenants you have made with God. β¦ Be a good boy.β Six Bβs brought to you by your departed great-grandfather. He certainly sounds a lot like President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910β2008) with his six Bβs.1
President Nelson: He does, doesnβt he? Itβs so precious to me that my grandfather would leave that record for us. We learned that his fatherβs children were subsequently sealed to him. So the reason for his visit was accomplished.
Read more β
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Other
Baptisms for the Dead
Covenant
Death
Faith
Family
Family History
Obedience
Plan of Salvation
Prayer
Priesthood
Sealing
Temples
Testimony
Are You His Friend?
Summary: A missionary in Argentina is unexpectedly challenged by a young boy who asks, βYou are friends of Jesus Christ?β The question stays with him and leads him to reflect on what it really means to be Christβs friend. He concludes that Christβs definition of friendship requires obedience, love, and steadfastness, and that everyone must decide whether the boyβs words are a statement or a question.
I was sitting on the curb of some dirt road on the edge of townβsomewhere in the middle of Argentina. I was a missionary, and this was my first area. My companion was doing an interview, and rather than waste my time I figured I would sit down and study the missionary discussions.
Just as I opened the fifth discussion, I noticed a little boy running playfully across the street like he was being chased. What was he running from? I wondered. What could be so terrible? Then I spotted the dreaded assailant coming from behind. It was a girl. He must have been considering the dreadful things that might happen if she ever caught up with him. Yuck!
Just in the nick of time, the boy saw me. Surely she wouldnβt dare follow him over by an American in a suit. He was right. Pretty soon it was just me, an empty street, and a ten-year-old boy hiding behind my coat.
Suddenly we were in the middle of a gospel discussion as he snatched the fifth discussion out of my hands and read the title. βLiving a Christlike life,β he said. Iβm not sure what he said after that, but I could see the wheels turning inside. I imagined his question was something like, βWho are you guys, anyway?β
I tried to brush him off with some shallow explanation of what a missionary is, only to be humbled by his profound response. In an attempt to summarize everything I had said, he replied, βΒΏUstedes son amigos de Jesucristo?β or βYou are friends of Jesus Christ?β
βYes,β I answered as he ran off to play, unaware of the effect he had had on me.
I couldnβt get his voice out of my head. βΒΏUstedes son amigos de Jesucristo?β There was something about the way he said it in Spanish. Did he mean it as a mere statement of fact or an actual question?
Am I a friend of Jesus Christ? I thought. What is a friend of Jesus Christ? A friend to Christ? A friend like Christ?
One morning I stumbled across a passage in the Doctrine and Covenants where the Prophet Joseph Smith records the salutation to be read in the School of the Prophets:
βArt thou a brother or brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, in which covenant I receive you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless, in thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amenβ (D&C 88:133).
Iβve never found a better definition of what a friend should be. These were brethren who had a determination to be friends, and this prayer explained what that meant. Some of the qualities that impressed me are determined, fixed, immovable, unchangeable, loving, obedient, blameless. I realized that if these were the requirements to be a friend of Jesus Christ, then I wasnβt qualified.
Christ set the perfect example of what it means to be a friend. He asks us to qualify as his friends and receive the blessings that he has made possible. In John 15:14 he said, βYe are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.β The preceding verse reads, βGreater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friendsβ (John 15:13).
This is no ordinary friend.
βYou are friends of Jesus Christ?β was what the young boy said. All of us need to decide in our own lives if those words are a statement of fact or a probing question.
Just as I opened the fifth discussion, I noticed a little boy running playfully across the street like he was being chased. What was he running from? I wondered. What could be so terrible? Then I spotted the dreaded assailant coming from behind. It was a girl. He must have been considering the dreadful things that might happen if she ever caught up with him. Yuck!
Just in the nick of time, the boy saw me. Surely she wouldnβt dare follow him over by an American in a suit. He was right. Pretty soon it was just me, an empty street, and a ten-year-old boy hiding behind my coat.
Suddenly we were in the middle of a gospel discussion as he snatched the fifth discussion out of my hands and read the title. βLiving a Christlike life,β he said. Iβm not sure what he said after that, but I could see the wheels turning inside. I imagined his question was something like, βWho are you guys, anyway?β
I tried to brush him off with some shallow explanation of what a missionary is, only to be humbled by his profound response. In an attempt to summarize everything I had said, he replied, βΒΏUstedes son amigos de Jesucristo?β or βYou are friends of Jesus Christ?β
βYes,β I answered as he ran off to play, unaware of the effect he had had on me.
I couldnβt get his voice out of my head. βΒΏUstedes son amigos de Jesucristo?β There was something about the way he said it in Spanish. Did he mean it as a mere statement of fact or an actual question?
Am I a friend of Jesus Christ? I thought. What is a friend of Jesus Christ? A friend to Christ? A friend like Christ?
One morning I stumbled across a passage in the Doctrine and Covenants where the Prophet Joseph Smith records the salutation to be read in the School of the Prophets:
βArt thou a brother or brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, in which covenant I receive you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless, in thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amenβ (D&C 88:133).
Iβve never found a better definition of what a friend should be. These were brethren who had a determination to be friends, and this prayer explained what that meant. Some of the qualities that impressed me are determined, fixed, immovable, unchangeable, loving, obedient, blameless. I realized that if these were the requirements to be a friend of Jesus Christ, then I wasnβt qualified.
Christ set the perfect example of what it means to be a friend. He asks us to qualify as his friends and receive the blessings that he has made possible. In John 15:14 he said, βYe are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.β The preceding verse reads, βGreater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friendsβ (John 15:13).
This is no ordinary friend.
βYou are friends of Jesus Christ?β was what the young boy said. All of us need to decide in our own lives if those words are a statement of fact or a probing question.
Read more β
π€ Joseph Smith
π€ Other
Commandments
Covenant
Friendship
Jesus Christ
Joseph Smith
Obedience
Scriptures
Sarah Farr Smith
Summary: As a boy, George found his mother unconscious after a cupboard fell on her. He prayed fervently for her life and promised to devote himself to God's work. She recovered, and he remembered his promise.
George Albert Smith loved his mother very much, and he had an experience as a boy that taught him the importance of faith and prayer. One day while his mother was cleaning in the kitchen, she bumped the kitchen cupboard and sent it crashing down on top of her. Hearing the noise, he came running to help her. He found her unconscious on the floor underneath the cupboard and prayed to Heavenly Father with all his might that He would save her life. In return, young George Albert promised to devote his life to Godβs work. His mother did recover, and he never forgot his promise to the Lord.
Read more β
π€ Parents
π€ Children
Children
Consecration
Covenant
Faith
Family
Miracles
Prayer
Be Ye Converted
Summary: As a Latter-day Saint teenager in the 1960s, the speaker chose to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs despite social costs like fewer party invitations and dates. Many peers later suffered harm from drug use. By living the Word of Wisdom, she gained a strong personal testimony confirmed by the Holy Ghost, illustrating that conversion follows faithful action.
I would like to share an example of how living a principle helps us become converted to that principle. I was a young woman in the β60s and the only LDS girl in my high school. It was a revolutionary period characterized by the rejection of traditional morals, drug use, and an βanything goesβ mentality. Many of my peers were good people but found it easy to get caught up in the excitement of this new morality, which actually was just the old immorality. My parents and teachers at church had impressed upon me the value of treating my body with respect, keeping a clear mind, and most of all, learning to trust in the Lordβs commandments. I made the decision to avoid situations where I knew alcohol would be present and to stay clear of tobacco and drugs. It often meant I was not included at parties, and I rarely dated. Drug use was becoming more and more common among young people, and the dangers were not as well known as they are today. Many of my peers later suffered permanent damage from mind-altering drugs or got caught up in serious addictions. I was grateful to have been taught to live the Word of Wisdom in my home, and I gained a deep testimony of that principle of the gospel as I exercised faith and lived it. The good feeling that came to me from living a true gospel principle was the Spirit of the Holy Ghost confirming that the principle was true. That is when true conversion begins to take place.
Read more β
π€ Youth
π€ Parents
π€ Friends
π€ Church Members (General)
Addiction
Commandments
Conversion
Faith
Health
Holy Ghost
Obedience
Temptation
Testimony
Word of Wisdom
Come Drink the Living Water
Summary: A sailing ship disabled by a storm drifted for days, leaving crew and passengers desperate for water. Another ship signaled, 'Let down your buckets where you are,' which seemed nonsensical to the desperate crew. Unbeknownst to them, they had drifted into the mouth of a great river with fresh water beneath them. The saving water was right below, but they were dying for lack of that knowledge.
This difficulty of understanding about water recalls the story of a sailing ship that had become disabled in a storm. It drifted aimlessly for many days. The crew and passengers became famished and parched from lack of food and water. Finally another ship came into view. They signaled frantically for water. The other ship replied, βLet down your buckets where you are.β This communication made no sense at all, for they supposed they were far out to sea in typical ocean water. Again the famished ones requested water. Again the signal came, βLet down your buckets where you are.β They could not know that they had drifted into the mouth of a great river and that the water beneath them was fresh and could save their lives. The water of life lay just beneath them, yet they were dying for lack of this knowledge.
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π€ Other
Adversity
Faith
Obedience
Revelation
Mantiβs βMiracleβ
Summary: During pageant time, a young man on a motorcycle asked what was happening and admitted he knew nothing about the Church. Sister Braithwaite invited him to stay with her family, watch the pageant, and clean up. He watched and stayed the night, and a year and a half later, she received a letter from him in the mission field.
Sister Braithwaite relates one experience that was βa special spiritual awakeningβ for her. βOne year there was a young man on a motorcycle going through town during pageant time, and he stopped to ask what was going on. I told him and asked him if he knew anything about the Mormon church. He said, βNot a thing,β so I invited him to stay with my family and watch the pageant. At first he said βNo, Iβm too grubby,β but I told him he could shower and get cleaned up, and he agreed. He did watch the pageant and slept on our lawn in a sleeping bag that night. Well, we didnβt hear from him again for a year and a half. Then we got a letter from him in the mission field.β She pauses to blink back tears. βYou know, I could just see the light of Christ in his eyes. Thatβs what this pageant is all about. And just recently, another lady and I were in Provo making some purchases for the pageant. A man in the shop heard who we were and walked up to us and said, βI owe the conversion of my son-in-law to the Mormon Miracle Pageant.ββ
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π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Other
Conversion
Kindness
Light of Christ
Ministering
Missionary Work
Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary
Summary: As a civil engineering student, the speaker eagerly anticipated learning to design 'anti-seismic' buildings. On the first day, the professor taught that one cannot design against earthquakes, only design structures to be seismic-resistant. This insight deeply influenced the speakerβs professional work and his approach to building a spiritually resilient life.
This time, I would like to humbly add a comparison inspired from an area in the field of my professional preparation. I am referring to the world of civil engineering. From the beginning of my university studies, I dreamed of the day when I would complete the requirements to be qualified to take the class that would teach me how to design buildings and other structures that could then be considered βanti-seismic.β
The day finally arrived for my first class on this subject. The first words from the professor were the following: βYou are surely anxious to begin this course and learn how to design anti-seismic structures,β to which many of us eagerly nodded our heads. Then the professor said, βI am sorry to tell you that this is not possible, for I cannot teach you how to design a building that is against, that is βanti-β or that is opposed to, an earthquake. This makes no sense,β he said, βbecause earthquakes will occur anyway, whether we like it or not.β
Then he added, βWhat I can teach you is how to design structures that are seismic-resistant, structures that can resist the forces coming from an earthquake, so that the structure remains standing without suffering any serious damage and can then continue offering the service for which it had been conceived.β
Although more than 40 years have passed since that first class in seismic-resistant engineering, I perfectly remember the moment when I began to acquire a deeper, more complete understanding of the vital importance that this concept would be present in the structures that I would design in my future professional life. Not only that, but even more importantβthat it would be permanently present in the edification of my own life and in those over whom I might exercise a positive influence.
The day finally arrived for my first class on this subject. The first words from the professor were the following: βYou are surely anxious to begin this course and learn how to design anti-seismic structures,β to which many of us eagerly nodded our heads. Then the professor said, βI am sorry to tell you that this is not possible, for I cannot teach you how to design a building that is against, that is βanti-β or that is opposed to, an earthquake. This makes no sense,β he said, βbecause earthquakes will occur anyway, whether we like it or not.β
Then he added, βWhat I can teach you is how to design structures that are seismic-resistant, structures that can resist the forces coming from an earthquake, so that the structure remains standing without suffering any serious damage and can then continue offering the service for which it had been conceived.β
Although more than 40 years have passed since that first class in seismic-resistant engineering, I perfectly remember the moment when I began to acquire a deeper, more complete understanding of the vital importance that this concept would be present in the structures that I would design in my future professional life. Not only that, but even more importantβthat it would be permanently present in the edification of my own life and in those over whom I might exercise a positive influence.
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Other
Adversity
Education
Endure to the End
Religion and Science
Be a Friend
Summary: A first-grade girl became close friends with Josh, a blind classmate, and spent the year helping him and including him in activities. One memorable birthday moment was when they ran together, leaving his teacher frightened but relieved when she saw he was safe. By the end of the year, the teacher recognized how much responsibility the girl had carried, and the girl resolved to keep being a friend to others, trying to be like Jesus.
One of my momβs favorite memories is of when she brought cupcakes to share with my class on my birthday. Josh was with his special education teacher in another classroom down the hall and around the corner. Miss Ready asked me to go get him. I was so excited that I told Josh, βLetβs run!β With Josh holding my arm, we ran for all we were worth. When we got to the classroom, we were out of breath, and Josh said, βThat was so much fun! Can we do it again?β I realized then that Josh never gets to run.
Joshβs teacher came huffing and puffing into the room, her eyes big and round from fright. She calmed down when she saw that Josh was OK and that I had been careful and hadnβt bumped him into anything as we ran.
During a field trip toward the end of our first-grade year, Miss Ready separated Josh and me and put me into another group. She told my mom that she hadnβt realized until then how isolated I had been, taking care of Josh all year and that she felt bad about it. But both Mom and I feel that it was a very rewarding year.
I have gone on to second grade now. Josh stayed back in first grade. I miss him a lot, but every couple of days or so we talk on the phone. Iβm going to invite him back to church with me and pray that his grandma will let him come. I know that Heavenly Father loves Josh, and I pray that he will find someone else in his class to care for him with love and kindness. In the meantime, Iβll find someone in my second-grade class who needs a friend, because Iβm trying to be like Jesus.
Joshβs teacher came huffing and puffing into the room, her eyes big and round from fright. She calmed down when she saw that Josh was OK and that I had been careful and hadnβt bumped him into anything as we ran.
During a field trip toward the end of our first-grade year, Miss Ready separated Josh and me and put me into another group. She told my mom that she hadnβt realized until then how isolated I had been, taking care of Josh all year and that she felt bad about it. But both Mom and I feel that it was a very rewarding year.
I have gone on to second grade now. Josh stayed back in first grade. I miss him a lot, but every couple of days or so we talk on the phone. Iβm going to invite him back to church with me and pray that his grandma will let him come. I know that Heavenly Father loves Josh, and I pray that he will find someone else in his class to care for him with love and kindness. In the meantime, Iβll find someone in my second-grade class who needs a friend, because Iβm trying to be like Jesus.
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π€ Children
π€ Parents
π€ Other
Children
Disabilities
Friendship
Kindness
Faith in God Gave Me Strength
Summary: In 1998, the narrator worked after school to avoid his father as their relationship turned hostile. After hearing missionaries share a message with a coworker, he accepted the lessons and learned about eternal families, which inspired him to seek reconciliation. Through persistent efforts and prayer, their relationship softened and improved. Within three months he was baptized and continued to show love to his father.
The year 1998 was a turning point in my life. During that year, though concerned about my studies, I decided to work part time after school to avoid my father. Our relationship had been tense for a long time, but it was now turning into hostility. The anger we both felt was ready to erupt.
Then a miracle changed our relationship. One night at work, two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints paid a visit to one of my coworkers. They shared a brief message with him, and I listened casually to what they said. Curious to hear more, I accepted their invitation to listen to the discussions.
In the first lesson, I learned I could live with my family even after death. A sense of remorse concerning my relationship with my father filled my heart. I knew it was time to repair the damage. My desire for a happy and a forever family gave me the courage to speak to my father. At first he didnβt respond, but my fervent and constant prayers and my faith in God gave me the strength to keep approaching him. I knew as long as I did my part, Heavenly Father would do His.
Day by day, God answered my prayers. The misunderstanding between my father and me dissolved, and our hearts softened. Godβs love overwhelmed me, and in three months I was baptized into the Church, becoming a member of the Hsin Ying Branch, Tainan Taiwan Stake. I still show my love to my father, just as my Heavenly Father did to me.
Then a miracle changed our relationship. One night at work, two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints paid a visit to one of my coworkers. They shared a brief message with him, and I listened casually to what they said. Curious to hear more, I accepted their invitation to listen to the discussions.
In the first lesson, I learned I could live with my family even after death. A sense of remorse concerning my relationship with my father filled my heart. I knew it was time to repair the damage. My desire for a happy and a forever family gave me the courage to speak to my father. At first he didnβt respond, but my fervent and constant prayers and my faith in God gave me the strength to keep approaching him. I knew as long as I did my part, Heavenly Father would do His.
Day by day, God answered my prayers. The misunderstanding between my father and me dissolved, and our hearts softened. Godβs love overwhelmed me, and in three months I was baptized into the Church, becoming a member of the Hsin Ying Branch, Tainan Taiwan Stake. I still show my love to my father, just as my Heavenly Father did to me.
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π€ Missionaries
π€ Parents
π€ Youth
π€ Church Members (General)
Baptism
Conversion
Faith
Family
Forgiveness
Love
Miracles
Missionary Work
Prayer
Sealing
A Legacy of Love
Summary: Before baptism, he sought his mother's permission, but she initially refused, fearing losing her son. He and the missionaries fasted and prayed, and after a follow-up call, she eventually consented with the condition that he remain committed. This experience led him to take his membership very seriously.
I asked the missionaries to come back almost every day after that. I believed what they taught me. I believed that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove. But before I could be baptized, I needed to get permission from my mother. I called her and said, βMother, Iβve found a wonderful church. I need to get your permission to join.β
She said, βNo. I lost my husband; I donβt want to lose my son.β She was afraid that if I joined the Church I would leave her.
I said, βIβm not going anywhere.β And then she hung up.
The missionaries fasted and prayed for me, and I did too. I called her again and said, βPlease donβt hang up on me until Iβve really explained it.β She suggested that I study more and take some more time to decide. But I felt strongly that now was the time I should be baptized.
Finally she told me, βSon, if you are going to quit right in the middle, donβt do it. But if you will stay with it all the way through, then you have my permission.β That caused me to always take my membership in the Church very seriously.
She said, βNo. I lost my husband; I donβt want to lose my son.β She was afraid that if I joined the Church I would leave her.
I said, βIβm not going anywhere.β And then she hung up.
The missionaries fasted and prayed for me, and I did too. I called her again and said, βPlease donβt hang up on me until Iβve really explained it.β She suggested that I study more and take some more time to decide. But I felt strongly that now was the time I should be baptized.
Finally she told me, βSon, if you are going to quit right in the middle, donβt do it. But if you will stay with it all the way through, then you have my permission.β That caused me to always take my membership in the Church very seriously.
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π€ Parents
π€ Missionaries
π€ Young Adults
Baptism
Conversion
Family
Fasting and Fast Offerings
Missionary Work
Prayer
Testimony
The Restoration
Florence Chukwurah:
Summary: After years of investigating churches, the Chukwurahs held a special fast on December 31, 1981, for guidance to find a lifelong church. Nine days later, both felt prompted to visit a family friend who had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and no longer drank alcohol. Immediately they asked how to join, received the missionary discussions, and were baptized in February 1982.
Just as she had felt, Florence found that Christopher Chukwurah shared her hunger for spiritual things. Together they investigated a number of churches, fasting and praying together regularly.
Christopher also shared her desire for education. He had a bachelorβs degree in political science and information sciences, and shortly after he and Florence married, they left Nigeria for the United States. Christopher earned a masterβs degree in educational administration from Illinois State University. Florence studied psychology part-time and worked in several hospitals.
They returned to Nigeria in 1977, still uncommitted to any one religion. By 1981, they were weary of moving from church to church.
Over the years, the Chukwurahs had developed the tradition of holding a special family fast on the last day of each year. On New Yearβs Eve, 31 December 1981, the purpose of their fast was to seek guidance in finding a church they could remain in throughout their lives.
Just nine days later, Florence was preparing a meal in the kitchen and Christopher was preparing a lecture for a college class when both received an impression in answer to their prayers. βI had this persistent feeling that we should visit a family friend of ours. When I told my husband, he said, βI have the same feeling. Can we go right now?ββ
When they arrived at the home of their friend, they were surprised when he offered them a soft drink instead of the more usual beer. He explained that because he and his wife now belonged to a church called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they no longer drank alcohol or smoked.
βMy husband and I looked at each other,β recalls Sister Chukwurah. βWe love each other so dearly that we can speak with our eyes. After looking into each otherβs eyes, we immediately asked, βHow can we become members of this church?ββ
After receiving the missionary discussions, the Chukwurahs were baptized in February 1982.
Christopher also shared her desire for education. He had a bachelorβs degree in political science and information sciences, and shortly after he and Florence married, they left Nigeria for the United States. Christopher earned a masterβs degree in educational administration from Illinois State University. Florence studied psychology part-time and worked in several hospitals.
They returned to Nigeria in 1977, still uncommitted to any one religion. By 1981, they were weary of moving from church to church.
Over the years, the Chukwurahs had developed the tradition of holding a special family fast on the last day of each year. On New Yearβs Eve, 31 December 1981, the purpose of their fast was to seek guidance in finding a church they could remain in throughout their lives.
Just nine days later, Florence was preparing a meal in the kitchen and Christopher was preparing a lecture for a college class when both received an impression in answer to their prayers. βI had this persistent feeling that we should visit a family friend of ours. When I told my husband, he said, βI have the same feeling. Can we go right now?ββ
When they arrived at the home of their friend, they were surprised when he offered them a soft drink instead of the more usual beer. He explained that because he and his wife now belonged to a church called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they no longer drank alcohol or smoked.
βMy husband and I looked at each other,β recalls Sister Chukwurah. βWe love each other so dearly that we can speak with our eyes. After looking into each otherβs eyes, we immediately asked, βHow can we become members of this church?ββ
After receiving the missionary discussions, the Chukwurahs were baptized in February 1982.
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π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Parents
π€ Other
Baptism
Conversion
Education
Faith
Family
Fasting and Fast Offerings
Holy Ghost
Missionary Work
Prayer
Revelation
Word of Wisdom
The Sabbath and the Sacrament
Summary: The speaker, a physician, sometimes had Sunday hospital shifts. He would arrive early, care for his patients while keeping a prayerful focus, and then go directly to church to join his family for remaining meetings. This demonstrates observing the Sabbath within necessary work responsibilities.
The Sabbath is clearly a day in which we worship, work, and serve, as our employment circumstances allow. Each one of us has different responsibilities to attend to. Healthcare workers, police, and other vital occupations may be required to work on Sundays. When I was working as a physician, I had to do shifts in the hospital on some Sundays as assigned by the department director. I would go early to the hospital to evaluate the patients admitted under my care dressed in trousers, a white shirt, and a tie. I kept a prayer in my heart and focused on the service that was needed for the attention of our patients. As soon as the work was done, I would go straight to church and meet with my family there for the remainder of the meetings that I was able to join.
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π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Other
Employment
Family
Prayer
Sabbath Day
Service
Meet Sophie from Norway
Summary: Sophie and her younger brother, Jacob, help their grandmother clean the beach near their grandparents' home by removing glass and other items. They work to make the beach safe for animals and people. Sophie explains that caring for nature is a way to love and help others and to honor God's creation.
Sophieβs grandparents live by the sea. Sophie and her younger brother, Jacob, love to help their grandmother clean the beach by carefully removing pieces of glass and other items. They make sure the beach is clean and safe for both animals and people.
Sophie says, βJesus taught us to love each other and to help each other. Taking care of nature and helping to keep it clean and safe for humans and animals is a way of helping others. By taking care of the world around us, we take care of the home of all people. The world God created for us is a great blessing!β
Sophie says, βJesus taught us to love each other and to help each other. Taking care of nature and helping to keep it clean and safe for humans and animals is a way of helping others. By taking care of the world around us, we take care of the home of all people. The world God created for us is a great blessing!β
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π€ Children
π€ Other
Charity
Children
Creation
Family
Jesus Christ
Kindness
Love
Service
Stewardship
Floods and Fluffy
Summary: After a flood affects his town, Jayden wants to help those in need. Encouraged by his mom to give a toy, he decides to donate his favorite stuffed animal, Fluffy. Though he feels sad, he prays in gratitude and later feels happy for sharing.
Jaydenβs town had a big flood. Some peopleβs houses got lots of water and mud inside. Mom and Dad were putting cans of food, towels, and other things in a big box to help people.
Jayden wanted to help too. βWhat can I do?β he asked.
βYou could give a toy to a child whose toys were ruined in the flood,β Mom said.
Jayden ran to his room and looked at his toys. None of them seemed just right. Then he saw Fluffy, his favorite stuffed animal.
Jayden thought for a minute. He picked up Fluffy and gave him a big hug. Then he ran to put him in the box.
Mom looked surprised. βAre you sure you want to give Fluffy away?β
Jayden felt sad, but he nodded.
That night when Jayden said his prayers, he said, βThank Thee, Heavenly Father, for letting us help people.β
Jayden missed Fluffy, but he also felt happy inside. He was glad he had shared.
Jayden wanted to help too. βWhat can I do?β he asked.
βYou could give a toy to a child whose toys were ruined in the flood,β Mom said.
Jayden ran to his room and looked at his toys. None of them seemed just right. Then he saw Fluffy, his favorite stuffed animal.
Jayden thought for a minute. He picked up Fluffy and gave him a big hug. Then he ran to put him in the box.
Mom looked surprised. βAre you sure you want to give Fluffy away?β
Jayden felt sad, but he nodded.
That night when Jayden said his prayers, he said, βThank Thee, Heavenly Father, for letting us help people.β
Jayden missed Fluffy, but he also felt happy inside. He was glad he had shared.
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π€ Children
π€ Parents
Adversity
Charity
Children
Emergency Response
Family
Gratitude
Kindness
Prayer
Sacrifice
Service
For the Strength of You
Summary: While shopping with her granddaughters, Sister Beck noticed a sales clerk watching them and gave her a pass-along card. The clerk expressed a desire to take charge of her life, and they discussed how youthful choices determine future outcomes. Sister Beck pointed to her granddaughters as an example of blessings from earlier choices.
Sister Beck: Last week I was shopping with my granddaughters. I noticed a sales clerk watching our fun. Later I gave her a pass-along card. She told me, βIβm at a point in my life where Iβm trying to take charge, and I donβt know how.β So we talked. My closing comment to her was, βIf you want this when youβre my ageββand I pointed to my little granddaughtersββyou have to be really careful what youβre choosing now. The choices I made at your age determined who I am now.β
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Children
π€ Other
Agency and Accountability
Family
Missionary Work
Parenting
After the Trial of Our Faith
Summary: A mother, frustrated that her son ate too much candy, brought him to a respected wise man. The wise man asked them to return in two weeks, and upon their return, he told the boy to stop eating candy. When the mother asked why he waited, he explained that he had been eating too much candy himself two weeks earlier. His integrity gave his counsel power because he lived what he taught.
A story is told of a woman who was upset that her son was eating too much candy. No matter how much she told him to stop, he continued to satisfy his sweet tooth. Totally frustrated, she decided to take her son to see a wise man whom he respected.
She approached him and said, βSir, my son eats too much candy. Would you please tell him to stop eating it?β
He listened carefully then said to her son, βGo home and come back in two weeks.β
She took her son and went home, perplexed why he had not asked the boy to stop eating so much candy.
Two weeks later they returned. The wise man looked directly at the boy and said, βBoy, you should stop eating so much candy. It is not good for your health.β
The boy nodded and promised he would.
The boyβs mother asked, βWhy didnβt you tell him that two weeks ago?β
The wise man smiled. βTwo weeks ago I was still eating too much candy myself.β
This man lived with such integrity that he knew his advice would carry power only if he was following his own counsel.
She approached him and said, βSir, my son eats too much candy. Would you please tell him to stop eating it?β
He listened carefully then said to her son, βGo home and come back in two weeks.β
She took her son and went home, perplexed why he had not asked the boy to stop eating so much candy.
Two weeks later they returned. The wise man looked directly at the boy and said, βBoy, you should stop eating so much candy. It is not good for your health.β
The boy nodded and promised he would.
The boyβs mother asked, βWhy didnβt you tell him that two weeks ago?β
The wise man smiled. βTwo weeks ago I was still eating too much candy myself.β
This man lived with such integrity that he knew his advice would carry power only if he was following his own counsel.
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π€ Parents
π€ Children
π€ Other
Children
Honesty
Humility
Parenting