The Parable of Two Oysters

To all Young Women, Have you already read the Parable of the Two Oyster?

The Story of the Two Oysters

There were two oysters sitting at the water’s edge.

As the waves rolled in they were tossed about,

Each getting a little bit of sand inside of their hard shells.

The first oyster didn't like being out in the open and

Vulnerable to the dangers of the beach so she quickly found a

Safe place nestled in the sand and the rocks.

The other oyster was curious and wanted to see what

Was on the beach.

She knew of the dangers, but chose to go anyway.

It didn't take long for a passer-by to pick her up and attempt

To open her shell. Her shell was pretty thick,

So it didn't really bother her.

Or so she thought . . .

After several unsuccessful attempts, the passer-by

Gave up and threw the chipped and damaged

Oyster back onto the beach.

The oyster noticed that she couldn't close her shell

As tightly as she could before and that it was

Harder for her to keep the sand from getting into her shell.

The more time she spent on the shore, the more

Damaged and hurt she became.

She had forgotten to follow the rules.

Meanwhile . . .

The other oyster was staying close to the safety of the rocks,

Working hard to soften the edges of the rough piece

of sand hidden inside . . .

Which proved to be a little bit of a challenge.

Sometimes she thought it would just be easier to go

To the shore and open herself up to get rid of the piece of sand,

After all that's what the other oysters were doing . . .

But then she remembered the rules and guidelines

She had been taught from the time she was little.

She knew that the best way to stay healthy and happy would be

To keep herself as pure as possible.

She worked very hard to keep her shell clean and pure.

Sadly, the first oyster could no longer keep the dirt and debris

From coming into her shell.

She became so full of sand, that she dried right up.

The second oyster enjoyed the blessing of following the rules.

She was careful in her choices and made sure to never open

Herself up to the heartache of impurity.

She kept the rules and enjoyed the blessings of being obedient.

Because this oyster chose to keep to her standards

And to remain pure

She was blessed with the greatest and most beautiful gift.

A Pearl.

Both of the oysters had gotten a piece of sand in their shell.

Both had the opportunity to be blessed with the gift of a beautiful pearl.

Questions:

What was the difference?

So how does this story apply to us?

What standards do we need to follow in order to be healthy and happy?

How can we make sure that we end up with a "Pearl" or the blessings that

Living a virtuous life can bring?

How do we know what parts of our bodies are off limits to others?

(Use the swimsuit guide.)

Our swimming suits help us to know what areas of our bodies

Are off limits to others. These areas are sacred.

Our Heavenly Father has made our bodies different for a special purpose.

At the right time, after we have been married in the right place . . .

This sacred gift is shared only with our husband or wife.

THAT'S WHAT MAKES THIS GIFT SO SPECIAL!

Make a list of "Rules for Dating" to add to your

Family Home Evening Journal.

End with your Testimony!

Game:

Red Light . . . Green Light!

(If you can't tell, it's a favorite of ours.)

Remind them that we can choose to STOP impure thoughts and actions

When we GO with the counsel of the Prophet and choose high standards.