Podcast Summary: followHIM – "I Can't See That Movie • February 10 - 16 • Come Follow Me"
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Introduction
In the episode titled "I Can't See That Movie," hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into the nuances of spiritual guidance as outlined in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Come, Follow Me curriculum. Focusing on Section 11, verses 12 and 13, the hosts explore the profound influence of the Holy Ghost in everyday decision-making and personal interactions.
Exploring the Holy Ghost (Section 11, Verses 12-13)
John initiates the discussion by highlighting the scripture's emphasis on the Holy Ghost's role in fostering virtues such as honesty, humility, and fairness. He remarks, “It’s a great description of the Holy Ghost. It’ll lead you to do good, to be honest, to be humble, to not judge people unfairly. And then it says in verse 13 that the Spirit can enlighten your mind” ([00:02]).
A Personal Story: Navigating Adolescent Dating and Spiritual Promptings
To illustrate the scripture's application, John shares a heartfelt anecdote about his wife’s experience during her high school years. He narrates:
“There was this one point where a boy that she really liked... her date said, let's do it. That sounds so great… She knew she wasn't going to go see it, but I was surprised at how nervous I got to tell him” ([02:32]).
John recounts how his wife, eager for a meaningful and genuine connection, planned an ideal evening with Brandon, a boy she admired. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Brandon brought along a group of older peers, creating an uncomfortable dynamic for his wife, who was significantly younger and less experienced in such social settings.
Faced with the dilemma of declining the movie date, John’s wife felt a moment of hesitation. As she attempted to express her discomfort, Brandon’s reaction was dismissive, turning off the music and creating an awkward silence. Amidst this tension, another participant in the car mocked her righteous stance, saying:
“So, what do you want to do, Ms. Righteous?” ([03:39]).
Insights on the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
In this critical moment, John's wife experienced a divine prompting that shifted the evening's course. She recalled a fond memory of playing indoor soccer at the church cultural hall and proposed an alternative plan:
“I know my family has keys to the church. What if we went and played indoor soccer?” ([04:05]).
This spontaneous idea was met with enthusiasm from the group, leading them to engage in an enjoyable activity that fostered genuine connections without the pressure of an uncomfortable date scenario. John reflects on this incident, noting:
“It was a moment where she felt the spirit enlightened. Her mind gave her a little flash of, here’s what you can do” ([04:55]).
Brandon adds a relatable analogy to explain this enlightenment:
“And it's like the light bulb going on above your head. Boop. Here comes the idea. Just in time” ([04:55] – [05:05]).
Reflections and Conclusions
The story underscores the Holy Ghost's capacity to provide timely guidance, steering individuals away from potentially awkward or uncomfortable situations towards more positive and fulfilling experiences. John expresses immense pride and gratitude towards his wife for her faith and responsiveness to spiritual promptings:
“To my wife, Sarah. You’re amazing. You’ve always been amazing” ([05:13]).
Upcoming Episodes and Farewells
As the episode concludes, John invites listeners to explore the full "Follow Him" podcast available across various platforms, including YouTube. He also teases upcoming content, specifically lessons from Sections 10 and 11 with Sister Chelsea Chipman, promising enriching teachings that align with the podcast’s mission to make LDS study fresh, faithful, and fun.
“You are going to love what she shows us in these sections. But then come back here next week. We'll share another” ([05:18] – [05:19]).
Connect with followHIM Podcast:
- Show Notes: followhim.co
- YouTube: FollowHimOfficialChannel
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- Facebook: facebook.com/followhimpodcast
Note: The 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 guests and podcasters alone.