As I have mentioned a few times previously, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that this is the restored church of Jesus Christ, the same one that Jesus Christ established during His life and that was lost after His death and the death of His apostles. A part of that restoration was the bringing forth of a book of scripture called The Book of Mormon. It was written by prophets and disciples of Christ who lived in the ancient Americas. I know that The Book of Mormon is truly the word of God!
I hadn't noticed it before, but this week, it was brought to my attention that there are many good examples of parenting in The Book of Mormon. I would just like to outline a few of them and what they have taught me about parenting in the way that God intended us to. If anybody wants to read along, you can find the scriptures at this link: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng
Alma 36:3 - And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trustin God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.
Whether you are religious or not, something very important can be learned from this scripture. In this case, Alma, the father, is teaching his son something that is very important to him. He had gone through a lot during his own life and wants to help his son to know what it takes to get through those difficulties that always come. We can, and should, do the same with our children. The lessons that we have learned in our lives are valuable opportunities to teach our children, and we should be there to share whatever may be necessary for them to move forward in their difficulties.
Alma 38:2 - And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.
This is the same father, Alma, but he is now counseling with another one of his sons. I love this verse because he shows his son that he is proud of his son for the effort that he has put into being the best person that he could be. I believe that it is important that we are involved in our children's lives and know their accomplishments, as well as their failures and struggles, and that we are open with them about our feelings regarding the choices they are making.
In the next chapter, Alma 39, Alma takes the opportunity to talk with his son Coriantum, who has made some bad decisions. The first part of this chapter is consists of Alma talking to his son in a very straightforward and honest way about what has happened. This chapter has helped me to understand the importance of being upfront with our children and being able to have open conversations with them about whatever may be going on in their lives. For the rest of the chapter, though, he spends a lot of time reaching out to his son and showing him that he loves and cares about him, despite any mistakes that he may have made.
Like I said above, despite your religious beliefs, these principles can be applied in any family. I am grateful for all of the resources that we have to become the best parents that we can be.
-Britt
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