The saddest situation a parent faces is a child who has gone astray. Literally leaving the gospel, it’s rewards, comforts and peace behind for the much more difficult life in a world likely to turn on that child in a heartbeat. The grief in a parent’s heart is tremendous, permeating their very soul and they have to stand back hoping the teachings given to that child will one day lead them home. President James E. Faust addressed this issue in the May 2003 Ensign, the conference issue: “But what if the children who have been taught by faithful, loving parents have rebelled or been led astray? Is there hope? The grief of a parent over a rebellious child is almost inconsolable. King David’s third son, Absalom, killed one of his brothers and also led a rebellion against his father. Absalom was killed by Joab. Upon hearing of Absalom’s death, King David wept and expressed his sadness: “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33) President James E. Faust – Dear Are the Sheep That Have Wandered
There is hope for those facing this heart wrenching dilemma. Prophetic promises given by President Joseph F. Smith upon the implementation of Family Home Evening hold the greatest promise for these grieving parents. If Family Home Evening was taught faithfully in the home; if parents taught their children the gospel; if parents were good and loving (not perfect) then that child will return to the fold— “not one child in a thousand will be lost”. I saw this with my own brother as he fled as far away from home and gospel as he could. He lived a very dangerous life, served prison time and struggled with addictions which nearly cost him his life. One day, he looked around at his wife, children and circumstance and realized he’d had the truth all along. He began on that road, and today, is a righteous priesthood holder, sealed in the temple to his wife and a productive member of the Lord’s kingdom. The prophetic promise held true for my mother.
“The Prophet Joseph Smith declared—and he never taught more comforting doctrine—that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a loving and forgiving father’s heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God.” (Conference Report, Apr. 1929, 110) President James E. Faust – Dear Are the Sheep That Have Wandered
My dear friend who brought this topic to my attention. I hope this provides some comfort. The Lord awaits all who come to Him, even those who trod a more well-beaten path. Realize that the repentance each must go through, whether here or in the life to come is, as President Howard W. Hunter has said, “but the homesickness of the soul, and the uninterrupted and watchful care of the parent is the fairest earthly type of the unfailing forgiveness of God.” The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1997), 32.
The path is not an easy one, but there is unfailing hope. The covenants, and promises we make to our Savior are returned to us a thousand fold, even a million fold – really beyond our comprehension to understand. Live your lives as you know you should, dedicated to restoring of the Lord’s kingdom. Love your son with everything in you, gently guiding him back to the Shepherd’s fold, for the Lord never lies.