Lehi Utah Stake Relief Society

April Presidency Message from Sister Kay Sampson…

Dear Sisters,

There is something about children that softens our hearts and searches our souls. They are so innocent, honest, teachable, trusting, of whom our Savoir said, “Except ye…become as little children, ye shall not enter…the kingdom of heaven.”

Elder Richard L. Evans said, “One should not rest well, it seems, with thoughts of children growing up in ignorance; not taught of God, of life, its purpose; not taught of cleanliness, honesty, morality; of children warped in their ways by the neglect or bad example of adults.” There are too many little ones around us that are growing up in neglect and troubled homes. There are those who are looking for a worthwhile cause to be involved in. We do great work at humanitarian endeavors and other causes but what about the children of our own stake and community? Maybe we need to turn to the cause of seeing that children are taught and cared for.

One of our granddaughters asked my husband if he could come to her school for “Dads and Doughnuts.” Her dad was out of town and could not go. So he went. When he came home, he told me of a little boy in our granddaughter’s class that did not have anyone to read with him and so my husband invited him to read with them. My husband said that the little boy was shabbily dressed and was in need of a bath. As they began to read, it was obvious that the little guy could not read. This broke my husband’s heart. He talked to the teacher after about the little boy and she said that he came from a dysfunctional home where the parents were not supportive at all.

“Every child,” said President David O. McKay, “has the right to feel that in his home he has a place of protection from the dangers and evils of the outside world. One should not sleep well while children are left unloved and lonely. God bless and watch over little children, and bless us to love and understand and teach and care for them and give them all we can of wholesomeness and happiness.”

“I think when I read that sweet story of old,

When Jesus was here among men,

How He called little children like lambs to His fold,

I should like to have been with Him them.”

May each of us find ways to reach out to our Heavenly Father’s little ones.

Sister Kay Sampson