Are you Prepared?

Once upon a time there was a family who lived in a land where dragons were known to wander. They had been warned many times by elders in their village that a dragon could come upon them at any time. They believed these elders and wanted to be prepared, but they were just so busy. They had to find food, repair their little cabin, and care for their animals. They tried to teach their kids how to handle a sword, and a couple showed some promise. Every month or two they would gather their children and discuss where to hide and when to run. They wanted to be prepared, but it was just too much work. They couldn't do it all.

Next door was another family, just as busy, but they decided preparing for the eventual appearance of the dragon was a priority. Every evening the family gathered outside to learn swordsmanship, archery, and hand-to hand combat. They took turns teaching skills like tracking, food gathering, and camouflage. Many nights the parents of this little family went to bed tired and discouraged at the things still left undone. They wondered if their efforts were in vain.

Then one day, many years later, the dragon appeared.

"We live in that time of which the Lord spoke when he said, “Peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.” (D&C 1:35.) We live in that day which John the Revelator foresaw when “the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:17.) The dragon is Satan; the woman represents the Church of Jesus Christ. Satan is waging war against the members of the Church who have testimonies and are trying to keep the commandments. And while many of our members are remaining faithful and strong, some are wavering. Some are falling. Some are fulfilling John’s prophecy that in the war with Satan, some Saints would be overcome. (See Rev. 13:7.)" 

--Pres Ezra Taft Benson

Is your family ready to fight the dragon?