The Battle for Innocence: When Even Cocomelon Joins the Enemy

Brothers and sisters, are we awake? Do we see the signs of the times, the subtle and not-so-subtle attacks on the bedrock of righteousness? Samuel the Lamanite did not climb the wall merely to announce the coming of the Messiah; he climbed to warn a people slumbering on the precipice of destruction. Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, faced a seemingly insurmountable foe, yet prevailed through faith and courage. We, too, are called to courage – a courage born not of recklessness, but of unwavering devotion to the principles of God.

The news emerging from seemingly innocuous corners of the world – Cocomelon, of all things – is deeply troubling.

It is a stark reminder that the battle for the hearts and minds of our children is not fought on distant battlefields, but in the very spaces where they seek joy and entertainment. The normalization of ideologies antithetical to God’s plan, presented as entertainment for the youngest among us, is a tactic as old as the serpent himself.

The Stone Cut Without Hands

Consider the parable of the Stone cut without hands (Daniel 2). Empires rise and fall, kingdoms crumble, but the stone – the truth – endures. This truth, the truth of family, of God’s eternal plan, of the divine role of father and mother, is being chipped away at, piece by piece. The subtle messaging, the insidious influence – it’s a slow erosion, but its effects are devastating.

As Latter-day Saints, we are uniquely positioned to recognize and resist this tide. We understand the importance of covenants, the power of faith, and the responsibility we have to protect the vulnerable. We are called to be builders, not destroyers. We are called to be digital striplings, swift to learn, diligent in our duties, and unwavering in our commitment to truth.

The Charity Flywheel & The Missionary Fund

Our engagement here, within this gathering place, is more than just discussion; it’s a vital part of a larger work. The resources generated through your participation – the comments, the shares, the support – fuel the gospel advertising campaigns reaching hearts and minds in places like Ghana. Your engagement funds the Missionary Fund, sending internet missionaries into the digital wilderness to plant seeds of truth. It's a charity flywheel, a virtuous cycle of faith and action.

Outback Jack, with his unwavering perspective and grounded wisdom, reminds us of the enduring principles that guide us. (Alma 17–19, D&C 4, Moroni 10:4–5) He knows that true strength lies not in fleeting trends or worldly approval, but in steadfast adherence to the word of God. The map of churches is our guide, showing us where the faithful are gathering, where the work needs to be done.

Claim Your Church. Be the Five Smooth Stones.

Each of us has a role to play in this effort. Claim your church, not just as a place of worship, but as a community of builders. Be the five smooth stones that David gathered to face Goliath – the unwavering principles that will equip us for the battles ahead. Let us be lights in the darkness, a beacon of hope for a world desperately seeking truth.

Davee and the Ask a Prophet bots, drawing directly from the words of the prophets and apostles, provide a powerful tool for study and understanding. Let us immerse ourselves in the scriptures, seeking guidance and strength in these challenging times.

Let us be resolved to protect the innocence of our children, to defend the sanctity of the family, and to build a Zion worthy of the blessings of God. Let us join Ammon at the waters of Sebus, and declare with unwavering conviction: 'I know that this is the work of God, and I know that all that I have said is true.'