a story and our wall

Once upon a time a little boy found some himself some heroes.

These heroes:

They are the Stripling Warriors. This painting by Clark Kelly Price is entitled, "It's True Sir- All Present and Accounted For". Their story is found in the Book of Mormon, which is a second witness of Jesus Christ and a companion volume of scripture to the Bible that records God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas. Their story goes like this:

(as told by the artist)

Seldom in the annals of history has there been such an inspiring example of unwavering faith in God as was exhibited by the valiant young sons of the Ammonites. These two thousand and sixty young men were a "Great support" to their country's defense. Though they had never fought, the scriptures tell us "they were exceedingly valiant for courage . . . . . and true at all times in whatsoever thing they were instructed. They were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God, and to walk up rightly before God." (Alma 53:20-21) Their mothers had especially influenced their faith. Their commanding officer, Helaman, called them his "sons," "for they are worthy to be called sons," he said. (Alma 56:10) They called him "father", such was the love and respect they had for him.

This scene depicts the moment when Helaman (shown on his horse) learns from a subordinate officer that all two thousand and sixty of his beloved sons have survived a terrible battle in which everyone of them have "received many wounds." This was the second time this had occurred, though many other soldiers in the army had perished, this "little band" under Helaman's leadership, lost not a single man. Speaking of this unbelievable occurrence, Helaman states, "two hundred out of my two thousand and sixty had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of the whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish.

A year and a half ago, our family took this little trip to Palmyra, New York. We spent some time in the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center where there happened to be a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL video clip about the Stripling Warriors.

Although it was nearing time to begin our 6 hour journey home, we could not pull Garrett away. He pushed the button over and over and OVER. Each time, my eyes welled up at the poignant message and the genuine intrigue my sweet little boy had in these 2000 young men.

Some 5 hours after leaving Palmyra, Garrett sat quietly staring out the window. After this continued for some time, I joined him in the back seat and asked him what he was thinking about it.

He replied, "The Stripling Warriors".

This began a tender conversation about these heroes, his deeper understanding of them and what it was about them that made them so valiant, faithful and full of the strength of the Lord.

At some point, it hit me. He gets it.

He wants to be like them.

Help him do it.

Since this time, we have often discussed the Stripling Warriors with our family. They come up in Family Home Evening and in very unexpected yet precious teaching moments. We've likened ourselves unto them, discussing the qualities, the faith, the courage they had, and what we need to be to be like them.

We want their story to be our story.

Matt and I want to be like Helaman and the parents of the 2000 Stripling Warriors who must lead our precious little ones off into battle, having taught them the truth and to have faith in God.

I think of my kids. Valiant. Faithful. Going forward to wage this horrible final battle against Satan himself.

Our quest is that in the end, we rejoice as Helaman did, knowing that we are: