Strength to Not Swear

Emma B., Alberta, Canada

Illustration by Roger Motzkus

Once after a Mia Maid lesson on virtue, my class did a project where we chose a symbol to represent virtue so we would remember to keep to our standards, and we put that symbol on a necklace. I chose the heart as my symbol, because it reminds me of the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for us. I wear the necklace all the time because of what it represents for me. When I am tempted to do wrong, my heart necklace reminds me to stay true to my values.

I am the only person in my grade at school who is a member of the Church. One young woman I met during summer school used bad language, and when I told her about my faith, she surprisingly ceased using inappropriate language around me. No one else in my class responded that way.

One day in math, a young woman I’ve known since last year wanted to hear me swear, just to see how the teacher reacted. I told her I do not use inappropriate language, but she kept pressuring me. At first I was tempted to use her words against her, but when my hand touched the familiar heart around my neck, I knew I couldn’t fall into temptation. Instead, I told her that no matter how hard she tries, I would be true to my standards. As I talked, she seemed amazed that I stood up for what I believe in. She left me alone after that.

I know we can stand up for what is right. If we always try to remember virtue and our God, we will not go astray.