Yesterday on our way home from the park, I stopped to chit-chat with our neighbor Leona. It was the first time she had seen Shae, and in her excitement over the baby she kept saying, "Oh my G_ _! She is so cute!...Oh my G_ _, you are so blessed!...Oh my G_ _, look at that smile!..."
Not wanting to offend her, I refrained from covering my girls' ears and just smiled and pretended I didn't notice her repetedly taking the Lord's name in vain.
Then Hailey tapped her on the arm and in a VERY sweet and meek but confident voice said (and I quote), "Um, excuse me, but you gotta remember this: when you say 'Oh my God' you're really taking Heavenly Father's name in vain." Leona paused with her mouth open then her eyes flashed to me for a second and then back to Hailey and she said with a smile, "Oh, you're right. Thank you for teaching me that. You are a very smart girl." She was so sweet about it. I was so proud of Hailey for standing up for what she knew was right (as I should have done). I think Hailey could kind of sense that what she said may have offended Leona, because right after that she said, "Is there anything you want? I have some really pretty rocks I collected at the park in my treasure bag here. You can have one." 
So innocent! That's exactly what the Savior would have done. Rebuke the sin, but show love to the sinner. It reminded me of Robert D. Hales conference talk on Christian Courage. "Meekness is not weakness. It is the badge of Christian Courage...We do not feel we are better than they are. Rather, we desire with our love to show them a better way - the way of Jesus Christ...To help them, to be an example for them is not for the weak. It is for the strong." 
I am so proud of my children. I am so blessed to have them as my examples!
11 comments:
Wow, great example
I haven't checked your blog forever and was SO impressed when I checked that you are blogging regularly now! Good job! That is the sweetest story about Hailey! What a doll! It is amazing what children can teach us. Again, it is a reminder that we must "become as little children". Shae is so big now! She is such a cutie!
That was very sweet! Wanna be my visiting teacher? That's the sort of thing I need to hear more often :)
That's my niece! I am so proud of sweet Hailey. You've done a good job of teaching her well. What a brave thing to do- give Hailey a squeeze for me. Or I can tomorrow- Hooray for Thanksgiving!
She learned from the best! Oh, I can't wait to give her a hug. Sweet, honest Hailey!
So true. Kids are great gifts to have in in an adults life. They do teach a great amount and are great examples to live after. Everyone looks well and happy. Your a great mom!
Hailey; You are an example to all the rest of the world, just as Jesus was. Thank you for your sweet love and example.
What wonderful examples our children are! I am always learning from my kiddo's!
Hailey is such a great girl! I loved reading that story about her. We were so glad to see everybody in AZ, thanks for having us over! I hope it's not too long before we can visit again!
ok that is an amazing story! i wish i would have her courage to stand up and do that. another time to brag :)
Great story!
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