By Kaitlynn Christiansen
There are few things in this world more important than our families. In our society today, we are seeing the breakdown of the traditional family unit and a general disregard for its importance. Families all over are dealing with different trials that come with living in today’s world. While some remain steady and confident, many more are struggling through the stormy trials raging in their lives. Staying on the strait and narrow can feel very hopeless and lonely.
This season, as spring begins bringing the world new light and beauty, we celebrate Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Easter season is an opportunity for us to remember that even though we will have trials and tribulations, the Savior reminds us, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Families are Central to the Plan of Happiness
We must always remember that families are central and imperative to Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. When we know this, we can see why the objective of the Adversary is to destroy families. The Savior’s Atonement has created a way for families who have endured hurt, separation, and betrayal to be made whole again.
As parents, one of our biggest fears is that our child will become distracted, and even lost, in the noise of the world. But there is always hope. Jesus Christ knows your worries and fears, and He has made it possible not only for you to be healed of sorrow and pain, but for your child to return home, to repent, and to be healed. In his talk “The Laborers in the Vineyard” Jeffrey R. Holland teaches, “However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.”
How to Live in the Light of the Savior’s Hope
Though the Savior has made covenants with us, we must continue seeking knowledge and growing as individuals and families. As we do so, we can have that light and hope with us at all times. As individuals we can:
- Pray daily for peace and strength
- Carry out personal scripture study
- Be service-minded
- Show love to your family and others
- Access the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ daily (repentance, healing)
- Strive to have a Christ-like love for every family member
Doing these things each day will help you, as an individual, create that relationship with your Heavenly Father and your Savior. As a family, you can grow in hope by:
- Having family prayer
- Having family scripture study
- Serving one another and others as a family
- Meeting together as a family to see how you can love each other better
- Having Christ-centered family home evenings
- Teaching your children about repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ
- Loving one another in a Christ-like way
These are just a few of the ways that you can grow closer to the Savior and His promise of hope for families, but they are so important. As we practice these steps ourselves, and teach them to our children, we build up the foundation of our faith. This way, when the hard times do come, we can hold onto that promise of hope and happiness and stay steady through the storms
For more ideas on how to teach children the importance of gospel learning, check out our book: Chloe has a Question
Kaitlynn Christiansen is an elementary teacher who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She loves to learn and is passionate about educating families about healthy relationships.
Citations
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.). New Testament. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/john/16?lang=eng.
Holland, J. R. (2012, April 2). The Laborers in the Vineyard. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/the-laborers-in-the-vineyard?lang=eng
Don't Give Up!
There is no sin or transgression, pain or sorrow, which is outside the healing powers of His Atonement.
-C. Scott Grow
Start the Conversation
Kids ask questions, and that’s a good thing! But it can be hard to know how to answer them, especially if they’re gospel questions. For help in teaching your child that questions are good, and how to respond to them, check out our book, Chloe has a Question.
