In a symbolic parental gesture, Scott and Angelle Anderson stood side by side as they addressed a large congregation of women in the de Jong Concert Hall about helping their wayward children.

The lecture, which was one of several lectures for the 2003 Women's Conference, was based on five different principles that parents should take in order to cope with their wayward children.

The principles were: seeking the Lord's assurances, finding peace through the atonement of Christ, showing faith in God, having a hope in God's plan and showing courage in adversity.

The joint speakers spoke at length about the Lord's concern over their rebellious children and the hope that can be gained for them through the atonement of Christ.

"Prayer is the first and most important way by which parents can obtain peace and assurance from the Lord," Angelle said. "By pleading with the Lord for our children, we begin to see them as the Lord sees them."

The Andersons then quoted from President James E. Faust about good parents having unfaithful children.

"The measure of being a successful parent does not depend upon your children all being strong in the Gospel." Angelle said. "Rather, a successful parent is one that sacrifices and fights for their children."

The Andersons further emphasized this point when they alluded to Laman and Lemuel from the Book of Mormon.

"The tree of life shows a powerful example of how some children will decide to partake of the blessings of the Gospel and others that won't," Scott said. "It is obvious from this example that even the best parents sometimes have wayward children."

Citing his brother as an example, Scott further paraphrased President Faust and said all rebellious children of faithful parents would be compelled to turn to Christ either in this life or the next.

"My brother wandered for several years, suffering from drug abuse, before he finally realized that hope was found only through the Gospel," Scott said.

Angelle also said rebellious children are usually strongly influenced by outside factors.

"Laman and Lemuel were very influenced by the immoral society of Jerusalem where they grew up," Angelle said. "While their behavior cannot be excused or justified, it is better understood when one considers the kind of the environment they grew up in."

The Andersons finished the seminar by stressing the three final themes of faith, hope and courage.

"Without faith in the Lord there can be no hope, and without hope there is no courage and resolve," Angelle said. "Parents should remember to pray always for their children, no matter whether they change or not."



Copyright Brigham Young University 2 May 2003