I graduated from college two years ago. Yes, I know, I’m old and I thought it was too late. But, I did it! Anyway, one of my classes was on rhetorical writing. It had prerequisites that I hadn’t taken, and I was completely stumped on how to fulfill the required paper I had to write. I needed some guidance.

Even though this was an online class, I begged to meet with the teacher, and I also got a tutor to help me. I knew I had missed some important learning concepts from those earlier classes I hadn’t taken (and wasn’t planning on taking). I was jumping into the fire and hoping someone would at least hand me a hose to work with.

Sadly, the teacher’s advice was simply to listen to what my heart was telling me. Follow my feelings and suddenly I would know what to write. My tutor said something even more unhelpful. She said, “But, I don’t want to do your homework for you.” I’ll always remember those baffling words.

My innocent plea for help was completely snubbed. I ended up going to my children for help. They gave me the guidance and encouragement I needed. I just needed some help from someone who cared and who could lead me in the right direction to succeed.

This session of conference covers the April 1985, Saturday afternoon session of General Conference where Elder Perry speaks on good parenting skills, Bishop Hales speaks on the role of bishops, Elder Faust speaks on the Resurrection and Elder Packer speaks on authority. We sure need their words of guidance today.

We live in a world where anything goes. Many taboos are forgotten, rules are long ago broken, and people are literally running amok. Where do we turn when we are seeking help and guidance?

I’m hearing more and more the idea that either God is dead, God is a woman, God is there but has turned His back on us, and on and on. People aren’t even interested in the truth; they don’t want to learn about God the Father, or God the Creator.

And why would any child turn to a parent for advice when that parent openly breaks basic commandments without any remorse? And where are children to go when they yearn for their own answers? Our youth are growing up on their own terms and as a result, they have no respect for any kind of authority.

But the truth of the matter is there will be a recompense because of the Resurrection. Parents will be accountable for their parenting skills. Bishops will not only be judges in Israel, they too will be judged. Children will be accountable for whatever they were able to figure out on their own. And someday, we will all understand that authority has always been maintained in the order of Jesus Christ, through His priesthood and His church and His kingdom.

We cannot be afraid to teach our children about Jesus Christ. Elder Perry talks about the “necessity of teaching and training in the family.” He reminded us what Helaman taught his sons:

“My sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation … which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Hel. 5:12).

Strong families begin with strong marriages. Including God in your family plans is the best resource for success. And our church is full of good resources to turn to when struggles occur.

Bishop Hales, newly called as Presiding Bishop, teaches us of the enormous weight of a bishop. When they are set apart, they are given the gift of discernment and can see when someone needs their help and guidance. Though imperfect themselves, as Jesus Christ’s emissaries, they can guide you to Him.

Of course, fathers and mothers have this gift of discernment as well, but not everyone uses it. On the other hand, do children feel they have parents or bishops to go to when they need advice on the important decisions of life?

And what of authority? Authority is one of those things people laugh at today. There is little respect for anyone in authority, and respect has to be earned first by anyone in that position. Today, respect often translates into “being cool.” Elder Packer reminds us that authority comes from God and is a power to act in His name.

Elder Packer also said something that is worth pondering for a minute. Quoting Paul, he said,

“Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Tim. 3:13-14).

That phrase, knowing of whom thou hast learned them, has great significance. Paul taught that a knowledge of the scriptures was our immunization against these evils.”

We are told, time and time again, how important it is to read and understand the scriptures. And here it is again. Scriptures will actually immunize us against what? Evil, bad parenting, irresponsibility, lack of knowledge, feelings of loneliness, misdirection, hopelessness, imperfections, etc., etc., etc.

People can fail us, but the word of God comes from God. Jesus Christ’s church is still led by Him in spite of the imperfect people called as His leaders. Parents and children who try their best will be rewarded.

Though many may fail us, Jesus Christ will never fail us. He lives and so we must know Him, learn of Him, and obey Him. The Book of Mormon is a great place to begin our journey. As parents, children, bishops, all people, we will come to know Him by reading this book.

And in spite of all our imperfections, struggles and weaknesses we can all be taught how to succeed in this life. Even though I received no help from my teacher or tutor, I was still able to find some help somewhere. God never leaves us alone. He provides guidance to all those who seek Him.