Episode Overview

Title: How Did Mom Know?! • followHIM Favorites • December 16-21 • Come Follow Me
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Date: December 11, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode centers on the influence and intuition of parents, particularly mothers, in the lives of their children, as inspired by teachings from the “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Hank and John share a powerful story about spiritual guidance, parental love, and how the Lord helps parents protect and care for their families. The story illustrates the enduring impact of a mother's inspiration and highlights gospel principles of family responsibility and divine connection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Keith’s Story: A Mother’s Inspired Intervention

[00:05 – 03:54]

• Hank recounts a story from his friend Keith, who, as a teenager in Alaska, was committed to church standards alongside his best friend even when pressured by non-member peers.
• At a party, Keith witnessed his friend, whom he saw as spiritually stronger, drink alcohol. This incident deeply affected Keith, and he considered breaking his standards at the next gathering.
• On the night Keith resolved to try alcohol, he arrived at a friend’s house when, unexpectedly, the house phone rang for him—a rarity at that time.
• Memorable Moment: Keith’s mother called, requesting his help at home. She later revealed, “Keith, please, please, please don't be upset with me. I knew you were in trouble, and I had to come get you.”
  • (Hank Smith, 02:37)
• Keith had not communicated with anyone about his intentions; his mother was simply prompted to act by the Spirit.
  • “I had talked to no one.” — Keith via Hank, 02:59
• Reflecting now, Keith treasures stories of his mother's spiritual influence as some of his greatest life treasures, noting: “She was a consecrated mother and was in tune with the spirit to keep her son from falling too far from the covenant path.”
  • (Hank Smith, 03:18)

2. The Family Proclamation: Parental Responsibility & Divine Help

[03:54 – 04:24]

• Hank connects Keith’s experience to the “Family Proclamation,” quoting, “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.”
• He emphasizes that not every parent has such experiences, but the Lord will help sincere parents, saying:
  • “You can see that the Lord will help you as you try to love and care for your spouse and children.”
    • (Hank Smith, 03:55)

3. Parental Prayers and Protection

[04:02 – 04:21]

• John recalls Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s World War II experience, where he felt his parents’ prayers for his safety during an attack. Elder Maxwell’s mother felt prompted in the night to pray for him.
  • “They think that his mother had said, we need to get out of bed and pray for Neil. Just think, man, that's amazing.”
    • (John Bytheway, 04:17)

4. Encouragement for Listeners

[04:22 – 05:00]

• Hank and John encourage listeners to reach out to their own parents with appreciation, saying:
  • “Text your mom right now or your dad, let them know how much you love them. Tell them, say, Hank and John told me to tell you that I love you.”
    • (Hank Smith, 04:34)
• They also invite listeners to the full podcast episode featuring Sister Carol Costly, who provides a unique perspective on the Family Proclamation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “She said, ‘Keith, please, please, please don’t be upset with me. I knew you were in trouble and I had to come get you.’”
  — Hank Smith telling Keith’s mother’s words at (02:41)

• “I had talked to no one.”
  — Keith, through Hank, underscoring the miraculous nature of his mother’s intervention (02:59)

• “She was a consecrated mother and was in tune with the spirit to keep her son from falling too far from the covenant path.”
  — Keith reflecting on his mother’s legacy (03:18)

• “You can see that the Lord will help you as you try to love and care for your spouse and children.”
  — Hank Smith relating the story to gospel principles (03:56)

• “They think that his mother had said, ‘we need to get out of bed and pray for Neil.’ Just think, man, that's amazing.”
  — John Bytheway citing Elder Maxwell’s experience with parental prayer (04:17)

• “Text your mom right now or your dad, let them know how much you love them. Tell them, say, Hank and John told me to tell you that I love you.”
  — Hank Smith, encouraging listener action (04:34)

Important Timestamps

• Keith’s Story Introduction: 00:05
• Phone Call from Mom: 02:00
• Mom’s Inspired Words: 02:37
• Keith’s Reflections on His Mother: 03:06
• Connection to Family Proclamation: 03:54
• Elder Maxwell Story: 04:02
• Encouragement to Listeners: 04:34

Tone and Style

The conversation is warm, personal, and faith-centered. Hank and John speak with genuine admiration for parents, sharing stories with gentle humor, awe, and a sense of gratitude for spiritual experiences in family life. The episode is uplifting, relatable, and invites reflection and action from the listeners.

Summary

This “followHIM Favorites” episode uses Keith’s personal story of his mother’s spiritual sensitivity to illustrate the deep, sometimes divinely-inspired love parents have for their children. By tying these stories to the principles of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Hank Smith and John Bytheway gently encourage listeners to appreciate, honor, and emulate the caring responsibilities outlined in church teachings and supported by personal faith experiences.