Artwork of The Parable of the Ten Virgins and a personal story/insight taken from the book “When a Child Wanders” by Robert L. Millet and also one from Emily Belle Freeman. Although it may be painful to see our children struggle with their own testimonies, we must remember that spiritual growth is an individual matter. 

Melanie's Library, www.melanieslibrary.com, The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Testimony, Short Story, Hope for Parents of Wayward Children, When a child wanders, Robert L. Millet and Emily Belle Freeman Don't Miss This

 

ARTWORK

The Ten Virgins

This image was found on LDS Daily; if anyone knows the artist, please contact melanieslibrary@gmail.com. The featured image “Five of Them Were Wise,” is by Walter Rane; Images used for educational purposes

 

STORY

Taken from “When a Child Wanders” by Robert L. Millet

For years I wrestled to understand the meaning of the parable of the ten virgins as recorded in Matthew 25. The message seemed so counter to all that the Master had taught. Why couldn’t the wise virgins just share their oil? If each one contributed just a little, I reasoned, perhaps some of the foolish ones could make it to the wedding to meet the bridegroom. And then experience taught me the answer to my query. While I was serving as a priesthood leader, a husband and wife came to see me. They were both distressed about their marriage and family; things seemed to be coming apart in their lives. “How can I help?” I asked. “We need more spirituality in our home,” the wife answered. I asked a few questions. “How often do you pray as a family?” They answered that their schedules precluded any kind of family prayer. “Have you been able to hold family home evening?” “Bill and I bowl on Monday nights” was the response. “Do you read the scriptures as a family and as individuals?” The husband answered: “Reading hurts my eyes.” “Well, then, how can I help you?” Again the reply: “We want the Spirit in our lives.”

It was as though they were saying to me, “Brother Millet, could you reach down into your heart and lend us five years of daily prayer, ten years of regular scripture study, and fifteen years of family spiritual activities?” I couldn’t do it. I realized dramatically that there are some things we simply cannot share. Spiritual growth is an individual matter. It is highly personal. As a parent I can bear testimony, live my religion, encourage my children to search and ponder and pray, but in the end the depth of their testimony and the level of their commitment will be largely a product of their own choosing. The exercise of agency can be painful.

 

INSIGHT

By Emily Belle Freeman (Taken from “Don’t Miss This”)

Maybe it is a friend. Perhaps your mother. It might be your sons, or one of your grandchildren. Each of us knows someone who has let go of his or her belief. Time has taught me that the process of believing is an individual journey, and as much as we want to tell others how they should believe, we can’t. Belief is gained through experience. Personal experience. It is unique to every individual.

…I know people who have let go of their belief. Taken a break. Walked away. I have learned the importance of respecting their journey. Learning to love for the sake of love. Setting aside agendas to simply be present in someone’s life. It is not my job to suggest what those people should believe or when they should believe or why thy should believe. Those are all answers I learned in a very personal way, on my own individual journey. I believe the same will be true for them.

But I also believe in the power of the counsel given at the end of [Alma 9:17], “For the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on his name.” I am one of those who is calling on His name in behalf of those I love. I want them to know Him. I want them to feel His blessings in their lives. But I want them to discover that faith for themselves, in the way He has designed for them. I know He will be merciful. I know His patience is greater than mine. I know He has a plan for every one of His children. I trust that His plan is good and so is His timing. Because of that, I am content to believe.

 

A great quote that goes along with this is by Dieter F. Uchtdorf on how spiritual growth is a quest of a lifetime, find it by clicking HERE

For more posts intended to bring comfort, understanding, and hope to parents of wayward children, click HERE

Yours Truly,

Melanie's Library

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