To My Daughter

I have wanted to write something for a while now for my daughter who was baptized last year.  She is at a transitional stage of life between being a little kid and developing into a young woman.  We don’t always allow her to do the things some others at school get to do or let her have all the gadgets and electronics that she sees others with.  It can be difficult to navigate what it good and true even at her age as those she interacts with at school have various language habits and attitudes and priorities.  She gets implicit feedback about what is important from her parents, from her teachers, from her friends, and from other kids at school.  How can she develop the best priorities and habits in her young life?  How can she determine who she wants to become and what kind of life she wants to live?  How can she find happiness?  As I’ve pondered what the scriptures might teach her to answer these questions, I can think of no better source than the revelation to Emma Smith which the Lord prefaced with these words, “Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter,” and which was summarized, “And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:1,16).  This revelation specifically to one of the Lord’s elect daughters and generally to all, including the “daughters in [the] kingdom,” contains key principles that I hope my daughter will seek to live by.

                So, to you my daughter, here is the counsel from this section of the Doctrine and Covenants that I hope you will come to internalize as your guide in becoming the woman the Lord wants you to. 

·         “Walk in the paths of virtue before me” (v2): While many around you will use vulgar language and laugh about inappropriate topics, know that to the Lord virtue and purity are of utmost importance.  Never mimic the language and behavior of your peers when you feel inside you that it is not right.  You can be a beacon of light and goodness to those around you. 

·         “Murmur not” (v4): As you see that others often have things you don’t or get opportunities you don’t, remember that happiness comes through learning to be grateful for what you have. Remember to be a Nephi and not to murmur.   

·         “Thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost” (v8): Last year you received the gift of the Holy Ghost, but it is a gift that you must continually receive.  Seek earnestly to listen to that small voice in your heart and in your head that helps you see what is right and what is not.  Pray to your Father in Heaven to be able to receive each day this the greatest of all gifts. 

·         “Thou needest not fear” (v9): Because you have the Holy Ghost, you truly need not fear if you will try your best to live how your Father in Heaven wants you to live.  When you are afraid, remember that the Lord knows you personally and has not left you alone!

·         “Lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (v10): Be careful not to focus too much on obtaining things and electronics and being just like those around you.  As you seek to know the Lord by reading your scriptures and praying each day, you will find there is much more satisfaction in that than even the best dessert you can imagine. 

·         “The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me” (v12): You have a gift to feel and understand music—continue to develop that gift and know that the you can speak to and hear the Lord through music.  It can be a great guiding influence for good for you. 

·         “Lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.” Don’t forget your covenants of baptism: Keep the commandments, Always remember Him, and Take His name upon you.  If you try your best to do those three things, you will indeed be happy and be able to rejoice.