The Students, My Friends

I was pretty sure I had already read the entire book The Students, My Friends by Don C. Black before, but I decided to read it again just to know for sure. I must have read it before because I remembered almost every part of the book, including the end. But it was still good to read again and I found it uplifting. Don Black is quite a guy!

Brother Black was a seminary teacher who did more than just teach in the classroom. He also worked with youth and especially worked to help them overcome drug problems. His book is actually selections from his personal diary over the course of one year. I was amazed to read about the heartaches and triumphs he experienced as he helped various youth. It wasn't easy, and sometimes he wanted to just give up and walk away from it all. But he didn't. His testimony was so solid and so sure that he was able to continue.

This book reminds the reader of the reality of the adversary and how hard he is really working on everybody to get them to fall. Nobody is safe from temptation. But this book also strengthens testimony in the reality of the Spirit, the atonement, and the power of prayer. Light is so much stronger than darkness and will always prevail. These reminders are good, and they encourage the reader to continue through trying times by holding fast to the iron rod.