A Return to Virtue

A Return to Virtue
By Elaine S. Dalton
Deseret Book, 2011. 141 pgs. Teen/Adult Nonfiction

Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women General President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, invites people, both young and old, to reevaluate the importance of virtue and to reinstate it in their lives. Comparing this return to training for a marathon, Dalton takes readers through their "orientation", training, etc., all the way to the finish line. She calls for a return to modesty in attire and in behavior, describing how this outward reflection of our inner understanding invites the Holy Spirit to be with us. She talks about mothers' responsibility to set the example that will protect their children.
She counsels us to do a few simple things that will make a big difference in our lives: (1) work hard and study things out, (2) focus and don't become easily distracted, (3) be obedient and don't procrastinate, and (4) consistently do simple, doable things.
She also talks about making our homes a place of refuge, where children can be safe from all the negative voices in the world, places where they can find peace and know that they are enough and they are loved for who they are. We also need to provide opportunities for them to "be still" and find God.
She notes that "Never has there been a greater need to rightouse motehrs, mothers who bless thei children with a sense of safety, security, and confideance about the future. Mothers who teach their children where to find peae and truth and that the power of prayer is stronger than any other power on the earth." (p. 107)

This book is jam-packed with good information, along with invitations to specific actions that will help those who want to reexamine and recommit to a value that is increasingly declining in our society.
4 stars. Clean read.