...And They Lived Happily Ever After.

Dearest Sister,

My children, like most children, love fairy tales. One of our favorite ones is the story of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who is given a chance to become a real boy under certain conditions.  As he tries to follow the Blue Fairy’s command to be “brave, truthful and unselfish,” he encounters many challenges to his moral character and good intentions.  Whenever Pinocchio's mind strays from the things the Fairy has told him, he seems to get into trouble.

Pinocchio’s father, Geppetto is a wonderful father, who sells his coat to allow Pinocchio to attend school. He forgives Pinocchio’s foolish choices for “Geppetto was a kind man, and he did not stay angry long.”

I admire the devotion Geppetto has for Pinocchio. He understands the special gift he’s been granted and makes personal sacrifices to allow his son to reach his divine potential.

As women we have been blessed with divine attributes of love, compassion, charity and kindness. We have the power and solemn responsibility to edify and nurture the youth of the church.  “Our primary emphasis should always be to make any necessary sacrifices to protect our own family and the rising generation… We must help inoculate them from a world that sounds a lot like the Jerusalem that Lehi and Jeremiah experienced.”

Elder L. Tom Perry reminds us that the light and truth of the gospel comes “one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time.” He continues, “It is the duty of parents to teach their children these saving principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that they will know why they are to be baptized and that they may be impressed in their hearts with a desire to continue to keep the commandments of God after they are baptized, that they may come back into his presence. You must begin by teaching at the cradle-side.”

Just like Pinocchio, the youth of the church are frequently being tempted by messages and ideas contrary to gospel truths. At times, they may even become distracted by the world and stray from the strait and narrow path that leads to life eternal (Nephi 31:18). May we, like Geppetto, recognize the precious gift we’ve been given and do all we can to ensure their ‘happily ever after.’

Much love,

Romy Humphries