In the same way that some people will choose a word or phrase in January to serve as their mantra for the new year, many families I know are starting to find a word, phrase, or theme to focus on for each new school year. Some families choose to do a special themed dinner, have a back-to-school Come, Follow Me lesson, or something else entirely, but the idea of centering your “fresh start” for the new school year on a gospel message is never a bad idea.
And one theme I’ve seen pop up for a couple of families is the idea of courage.
Life generally today for kids, teens, and young adults is so much more tumultuous and stressful than when I was in school. But I love the peaceful reminders of God’s involvement in our lives found in verses like Psalm 31:24—“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”—and quotes like this one from Elder Gary E. Stevenson:
“No dark dart of fear stands a chance when you are protected with the Lord’s brilliant armor.”
I also love the Savior’s promise in John 14:18:
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come unto you.”
There is no mincing of words here. It doesn’t matter if your student’s back-to-school jitters include fears about facing a new school, tackling a difficult class, encountering homesickness, or struggling with relationships among your friends. Or if you are an anxious parent worried about bullies or your child’s friends or how they’re treated or how they’ll act in class or if they will learn the material, Christ’s message is simple and powerful: He will never ever leave you—or your child—comfortless. He will always be with you, no matter how alone in your struggles you may feel.
And what a beautiful, powerful reminder for anyone who feels like they are lacking in courage as they look ahead to the new school year. You could consider showing your family the video "Spiritual Whirlwinds" to help kids visualize how Heavenly Father can help them be courageous:
If courage is not the theme your back-to-school crew needs this year, here are a few other scripture verses you could set as your family’s new school year topics and verses that might resonate better.
If You Want to Focus on Strengthening Weaknesses
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13
“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me.”
Ether 12:27
If You Want to Focus on Learning
“Seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”
Doctrine and Covenants 88:118
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Matthew 11:29
If You Want to Focus on Loving Others
“Love one another, as I have loved you.”
John 15:12
“Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Matthew 25:40
If You Want to Focus on Trusting God
“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good.”
Alma 35:37
“Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.”
Alma 36:3
“And now, 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.”
Helaman 5:12
If You Want to Focus on More Peace
“And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.”
Mosiah 4:27
“Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on ... For your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
3 Nephi 13:25, 32
Find more great articles about going back to school or finding peace in the links below:
► 5 scriptures to help ease back-to-school anxiety
► Have a homesick college student or missionary? BYU president offers an antidote
► What prophets and apostles have said about finding peace in a fear-filled world
