The Foundation of Peace

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"How do we bring that peace into the lives of children who are growing up in trying, troubling times? … The best and most meaningful resources are found within the home where faithful, devoted parents and supportive brothers and sisters love one another and teach one another of their divine nature."

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children," Ensign, Apr. 1994, 60.

"There have been a lot of changes in my life. Some things that didn't change were family scripture study and prayer. I love the scriptures and am now trying to read them on my own every day. I like the peaceful feeling I get when I read them."

Michael H., whose parents divorced and whose mother later remarried.

"My mom taught me from the scriptures that I can trust Heavenly Father even though I can't see Him. After the earthquake, when I couldn't find my mom, I knew that God would guide me, and He did. And though my sister died, I knew that I would see her again."

Anny A., a few months after the 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Peru in 2007.

"I know that adults talk about bad things in life to warn me and help me understand things. But it helps if I also hear about the good things in the world and in their lives. It helps me remember how good life can be."

Erica M., who had five family members and friends die within the past 18 months.

"My dad finds time for us to be together, often when we are doing service for someone else. He takes the time to talk about life in general. And when you talk, you can feel inner peace."

Ryan P., whose father was unemployed for almost a year.

"There are scary, bad people in the world. But my daddy helps me feel OK. He calls me during the day and tells me he loves me."

Ally V., whose father is a police officer.

Photographs by Robert Casey unless otherwise noted

Photograph by Adam C. Olson

Note

1.

See John Gottmann and Joan DeClaire, The Heart of Parenting: Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child (1997).