Two little cousins having a lipstick moment—just for fun.
I came across this picture the other day. These
four-year-olds are now almost sixteen. Who was to know the trials that would
await them?
One of them has just been through a deadly cancer battle—and
won, for the moment. The other has a father who decided to follow an
alternative life style and leave his family. What heartache and trials these
two kids have been through.
Both of them are faithful in the gospel—preparing for
missions. Even as I write, one of them is in Kirtland, Ohio at EFY, and the
other is at girls’ camp, as a youth leader.
How do we prepare our children for the challenges that may
come their way? We cannot protect them against illness, nor can we prevent the
ravages of society from claiming loved ones around them. How do we lead them to
find strength through their faith?
They both have strong mothers who love their Father in
Heaven. These kids have watched their moms serve the Lord, attend the temple
regularly, pay their tithing, hold family home evenings and pray with them
often. Testimony shines through these two faithful women in all they do.
When trials come, these youth know their names are on the
temple rolls, and extended family are fasting and praying for them. They hear
the testimonies of those around them—family, ward leaders, and seminary
friends.
I love this quote by President Hinkley:
“You need more than your own wisdom in rearing [your
children]. You need the help of the Lord. Pray for that help and follow the
inspiration which you receive” (“The Fabric and Faith of Testimony,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 89).
Prepare your children with strong testimonies for the trials
that may come their way. These little ones belonged to Heavenly Father before
they became ours. He will love and bless their lives with faith and hope—through
us.
Becoming Free, A Woman's Guide to Internal Strength will be available in Ebook form Sep. 1, 2013
Thank you for posting this great reminder, Christy! And the praying doesn't stop after they are grown and raising families of their own! They just get longer! hugs~
ReplyDeleteThank you. Good post!
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for these kids. I wish they didn't have to have trials, but I know it's part of life. As a parent and grandparent, you just want to protect them.
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