followHIM Favorites • October 27 - November 2 • Come Follow Me

Podcast: followHIM
Hosts: Hank Smith (“A”) & John Bytheway (“B”)
Episode Date: October 23, 2025
Scripture Focus: Doctrine & Covenants 124

Episode Overview

In this “followHIM Favorites” mini-episode, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway highlight a single personal story to illustrate core lessons from this week’s “Come, Follow Me” study of Doctrine & Covenants 124. The discussion centers on the theme of integrity, using touching real-life anecdotes to inspire listeners to strive for honesty and moral courage, even when no one is watching.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Lord’s Commendation of Hyrum Smith

• The discussion opens with John citing a verse where the Lord praises Hyrum Smith:

  "The Lord just says the nicest thing to Hyrum. 'I, the Lord, love Hyrum because of the integrity of his heart.' I would like to have a section of the Doctrine and Covenants say that about you."
  — John Bytheway (00:16)

  • John expresses admiration for this scriptural praise and light-heartedly wishes the same could be said about ordinary people.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s Defining Moment of Integrity

• John recounts a defining experience from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s youth as a football player:

  Key Details of the Story (00:39 – 02:06):

  • Elder Wirthlin’s play called for him to carry the ball into the end zone.
  • As he was tackled, he found himself mere inches from the goal line, pinned under a pile.
  • He could feel the line and was tempted to nudge the ball over (“I could feel it. The goal line was two inches away”).
  • He remembered his mother's frequent counsel:

    "Do what is right, no matter the consequence. Do what is right and things will turn out okay."

  • Rather than move the ball, Elder Wirthlin left it just short of the goal—choosing integrity over glory.
  • He concludes:

    "More than being a hero in the eyes of my friends, I wanted to be a hero in the eyes of my mother."
    — (Quote as retold by John Bytheway, 01:49)

• This story underscores the theme that true heroism is found in private acts of integrity.

Golf Analogy: The Test of Quiet Honesty

• Hank chimes in with a golf analogy, referencing his father who was a golf pro:

  "What happens if you accidentally touch your ball or it moves? What do the rules of golf say you have to do?"
  — Hank Smith (02:07)

  • The answer: It’s a penalty, and you must replace the ball (“Many people would be like, oh, no one saw. I’m okay.”).

• They briefly reference the story of golf legend Bobby Jones, renowned for his honesty in calling a penalty on himself when no one else witnessed a rule infraction.

The Takeaway: Integrity and Admiration

• John reflects that being a hero in the eyes of a parent, or in God’s eyes, is more rewarding than public accolades.

  "I want to be a hero in the eyes of my mother."
  — John Bytheway (02:25)

  • Hank responds enthusiastically:

    "I love that. I love that. Let's put that on a t-shirt."
    — Hank Smith (02:39)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• John Bytheway, on the Lord’s praise for Hyrum Smith:

  "I, the Lord, love Hyrum because of the integrity of his heart." (00:16)

• Elder Wirthlin, as quoted by John Bytheway:

  "Do what is right, no matter the consequence. Do what is right and things will turn out okay." (01:42)

  "More than being a hero in the eyes of my friends, I wanted to be a hero in the eyes of my mother." (01:49)

• Hank Smith, on integrity in golf:

  "That's a penalty. It's a two stroke penalty and you can put it back where it was... many people would be like, oh, no one saw. I'm okay." (02:16)

• John Bytheway, on the value of integrity:

  "Just stories of integrity like that get to you because you were this close? Nope. I want to be a hero in the eyes of my mother." (02:25)

Important Timestamps

• 00:16 — Praise of Hyrum Smith’s integrity in Doctrine & Covenants 124
• 00:39 – 02:06 — Elder Wirthlin’s football story illustrating personal integrity
• 02:07 – 02:16 — Hank’s golf analogy and the Bobby Jones story
• 02:25 — The “hero in the eyes of my mother” takeaway and shared admiration

Episode Tone & Style

The tone is warm, conversational, and gently humorous, mixing scripture, touching anecdotes, and personal reflection. John and Hank seamlessly trade stories, keeping the content accessible and engaging for all ages, modeling the very principles of faith and integrity they discuss.

Final Notes

• The hosts invite listeners to tune into the full episode featuring Dr. Liz Darger, promising more inspiring stories and personal insights.
• The episode encourages listeners to apply the principle of integrity in everyday life, seeking to become true heroes in God’s eyes—and in the eyes of those who matter most.