FollowHIM Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Best Golf Shot in the World • followHIM Favorites • May 5 - 11 • Come Follow Me
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of the FollowHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into a personal and inspirational story that aligns with the weekly Come, Follow Me lesson. Focusing on Section 45, Verses 34 and 35, the hosts explore themes of trust, divine guidance, and overcoming personal trials through faith.

The Golf Story: A Lesson in Trust

Growing Up on the Golf Course

Hank Smith opens the segment by sharing his upbringing as the son of a golf professional in St. George, Utah. Despite the relentless heat, Hank’s father was dedicated to teaching his children life lessons through golf. This environment set the stage for a memorable experience that Hank recounts in detail.

Hank [01:24]: "I think you know this, that I grew up the son of a golf professional. I don't know if you've ever forced your hobbies on your kids, but that's all we did, it seemed, was golf growing up."

The Challenging Putt

Hank narrates a pivotal moment on a par five hole at Southgate Golf Course. The green featured a significant hill that made putting particularly challenging. Hank explains the difficulty of landing the ball above the hill, as it inevitably rolled past the hole.

Hank [01:28]: "I hit it up on the green in three, and you got to climb up there to see where you landed it. And I landed it right on the edge of the hill."

Despite the odds, Hank’s attempt resulted in the ball miraculously dropping into the hole after defying the expected trajectory.

Hank [03:36]: "It turned all the way around, and it's now going back towards the hole, like in front of me. It's slowing down, and it gets right to the edge of the hole and sits there for a second and drops in."

Father’s Guidance and the Miraculous Putt

Confronted with the challenge, Hank considered tapping the ball down the hill but realized it was futile. His father, exhibiting the wisdom of experience, instructed him to aim away from the hole.

Hank’s Father: "Hey, who do you think knows more about this, me or you?"
Hank [03:38]: "I think we're about equal, right?"

Initially hesitant, Hank trusted his father's expertise. This decision led to the incredible outcome where the ball circumnavigated the hill and settled into the hole, a play they later celebrated as one of the greatest putts ever witnessed.

Hank [05:48]: "If Heavenly Father has the top 10 golf plays ever, it's going to be this random little kid in St. George, Utah."

Reflection: Trusting Beyond Understanding

A Time of Loss and Faith

Fast forward to 2021, Hank shares the emotional period following his father's health decline due to a stroke and cancer. After receiving promising news from a doctor, his father tragically passed away three days later. Overwhelmed with frustration and grief, Hank turned to prayer, questioning the timing and reasoning behind the sudden loss.

Hank [07:17]: "Who do you think knows more about this, me or you?"

In this moment of despair, Hank recalled his father's earlier wisdom on the golf course. He internalized the message to trust in a higher plan, recognizing that divine guidance often surpasses human understanding.

Hank [08:26]: "I made it. So don't you think, John, we're going to have to trust the Lord?"

Lessons and Insights

Hank’s story beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Come, Follow Me lesson by illustrating that trusting in divine guidance, even when outcomes are uncertain, leads to profound personal growth and peace. The analogy between the miraculous golf putt and his journey through grief underscores the importance of faith in navigating life's unexpected challenges.

Conclusion and Teaser for Future Episodes

The episode concludes with Hank expressing hope and a belief in eventual reunion with his father in the celestial kingdom, reinforcing the enduring nature of trust and faith. John Bytheway appreciates the depth of the message, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining trust amidst adversity.

John Bytheway [08:30]: "Easier said than done. But, yeah, I love that little message."

Hank wraps up by inviting listeners to join their full podcast, mentioning upcoming episodes featuring guests like Professor Shima Bachman, who brings her unique perspectives as an Iranian lawyer, further enriching the podcast's diverse and insightful content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Hank [01:24]: "I grew up the son of a golf professional. I don't know if you've ever forced your hobbies on your kids, but that's all we did, it seemed, was golf growing up."
• Hank [03:36]: "It turned all the way around, and it's now going back towards the hole, like in front of me. It's slowing down, and it gets right to the edge of the hole and sits there for a second and drops in."
• Hank [07:17]: "Who do you think knows more about this, me or you?"
• Hank [08:26]: "I made it. So don't you think, John, we're going to have to trust the Lord?"

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FollowHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed on episodes represent the views of the guest and podcasters alone.

This episode of FollowHIM serves as a poignant reminder of the power of trust and faith, using a personal story to illuminate spiritual truths that resonate with listeners seeking inspiration and deeper understanding in their studies.