Roots

Several months ago I remember hearing a talk about an old oak tree that was blown over in a storm because its roots were small and shallow. The speaker likened this to our testimonies and withstanding temptation. It made an impression on me, and it got me to thinking about how I am responsible for making sure my boys develop "deep roots" in the gospel so that they will be able to withstand temptation. I did a little searching on LDS.org to see if I could find the talk, and I came across a different one that I liked very much. It is called "Deep Roots" and it was given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, found in the Nov '94 Ensign . He says, "Our foundations should be solid and deep-rooted so we can withstand the winds of temptation, false doctrine, and the onslaught of the adversary without being swayed or uprooted...".
I know that times are getting harder, and I believe the youth have it hardest of all. I need to do everything I can to help my boys be ready to withstand the temptations and trials they will be faced with and to have the courage to stand for what is right.

In my Relief Society presidency meeting last night, I was reminded of my responsibility when the spiritual thought was given. In the scriptures, Alma 32: 28-43, Alma compares the word to a seed, and says that it must be planted and nourished.

This poem was shared last night and it ties eveything together that I have been thinking about...

The Oak Tree

A mighty wind blew night and day.

It stole the oak tree's leaves away.

Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark

Until the oak was tired and stark.

But Still the oak tree held its ground

While other trees fell all around.

The weary wind gave up and spoke,

"How can you still be standing Oak?"

The oak tree said, "I know that you

Can break each branch of mine in two

Carry every leaf away,

Shake my limbs and make me sway

"But I have roots stretched in the earth

Growing stronger since my birth.

You'll never touch them, for you see

They are the deepest part of me

"Until today, I wasn't sure

Of just how much I could endure

But now I've found, with thanks to you

I'm stronger than I ever knew."

-Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.