In one of my recent personal scripture reading sessions, I came across the story of Helaman and the 2,000 young stripling warriors. These young men had been taught by their mothers that "if they did not doubt, God would deliver them."
Studying these scriptures made me think about my mothering. I desired to be as good as an example of faith to my young children. I had been having one of those moments where it seemed a struggle to keep it together for our family.
The kids were being uncooperative with getting their schooling and chores done. There had been constant bickering and fighting amongst them. My two youngest, who always have danced to the beat of their own drum, were being more rebellious than ever. I felt like I was failing miserably as a mother.
So, after pondering these scriptures, I was left questioning what I could do better to prepare my "warriors" for life and its challenges. I wanted to know what these mothers had done and what their "secret" for producing faithful and valiant youth was.
At the same time I was studying this topic, I was also reading "Raising a Family to the Lord," by Elder Gene R. Cook. It reminded me that there really are no "secrets." These mothers have been doing what we have been counseled to do from the beginning: pray, read the scriptures and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
For some of us, this may seem too simple of a thing to do, "but by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise" (Alma 37:6). If you think about recent talks by church leaders geared toward parents, the message has been the same and very clear: family scripture study, family prayer and family home evenings. These three simple activities are what we need to do to help our youth be strong, faithful and valiant "warriors."
We have all that we need to raise up our family to the Lord. The Lord gives it to us freely — we don't have to go to an expensive seminar or buy 50 books about parenting to figure it out. Through the Holy Spirit, we are able to receive the divine guidance we need to teach and guide our children. All we need to do is accept Heavenly Father's gifts and use them for our good.
I feel better knowing that even though we may have some rough patches at home, it is not equal failure. If we follow the guidelines set by the Lord, my kids will be all right, and our family will be all right.
If we do not doubt, God will deliver us.