Mormon Folklore

I have never read a book that was not written by either an ancient or a modern prophet, but Bishop Higgins (I still don’t think he is a real Bishop) suggested that I read “Where the Red Fern Grows,” after finishing the Miracle of Forgiveness (which I committed to memory years ago – not because I needed to, but because I knew it would come in handy when I became a General Authority – quoting prophets is very impressive and a sure sign of divine acceptance).

So, I read the book. My favorite part was when Billy prays for the dogs and then God gives him the dogs. Then when he can’t cut down the sycamore, he prays again and God blows down the tree. It is so true. The Lord always answers prayers.

Another theme I recognized was that the wicked always get their due in the end, like when Rubin Pritchard fell on the axe and died. While it was not clear whether or not Billy prayed for this to happen as well, I know it is what I would have been praying for in that situation.

I was also touched by the part at the end where God kills Billy’s two dogs in order to keep Billy’s family from moving away from the rest of their family – because families are the most important thing ever. The book even says so. And an angel plants a red fern over the dogs’ graves to prove it.

I already knew this wasn’t written by a prophet, but there was so much Truth in this book that I was surprised to learn that the author, Wilson Rawls, is not even a member of the church. It just goes to show how even non-members can stumble on to the Truth sometimes. I hope that the missionaries are able to tract him out and give him a chance to embrace the Truth officially. Or, hopefully, if he is already dead, someone will do his temple work for him. I’m pretty sure he’ll accept. Thank you bishop Higgins for the recommendation. I don’t spend much time wandering in the world, but this time was actually worth it.