THE CONQUEST OF A KISS

Dennis W. Fisher
High Council Speaking Assignment
Spanish Ridge Ward
16 Aug 98
As a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, I have been trained to follow the orders
of my commanding officers and fight. Whether engaged in a conflict during peacetime or declared war, I
am bound by their orders and moral and ethical laws. When it comes to potential or actual conflict, there
are different sets of rules called rules of engagement (ROE) I must follow.
All of these rules or ROE deal with a foe that is tangible. A potential enemy that can be seen. One
that, if given the opportunity, might be persuaded not to commit a hostile act which would hurl us into
battle. A battle that can only destroy the beauty of creation, causing nothing but sorrow, heartache, and
misery.
However, an adversary that can be seen, one that can be reasoned with, is much different than one
that is invisible. As in all contests, there is a set of ROE that must be adhered to in order to emerge the
victor. Whether it is a conflict resulting in life or death, or a contest of skill on the field of play, if we dont
follow the rules we are subject to penalties and/or possible forfeit.
Forfeit is defined as, Something surrendered as punishment; penalty or fine; and/or something
placed in escrow and then redeemed after payment of a fine (The American Heritage Dictionary).
Interesting, how this sounds very much like, and could refer to, free agency and repentance.
As a leader and strategist on assignment from my commander, the stake president, I am here to
declare that we are at war. We are at war against the most ferocious, cunning, ruthless, cruel, dishonest,
guile, and merciless adversary known to man, Satan.
As members of a society almost completely under Satans influence, we must understand and
adhere to the ROE and protect ourselves with armor if we are to win the many battles and eventually the
war.
Being engaged in combat with an adversary who has no sense of fair play and can not be seen is a
soldiers greatest fear. We are up against just such a foe. He is waging open war with truth and all who
obey its principles. He is a master tactician and has targeted the youth as one of his primary objectives.
Although he is bound by rules and can not change them, he is a veteran of many battles with
unlimited experience, and uses every trick in the book. He knows the rules so well that he uses them against
us to his advantage. He knows our strengths and weakness and will exploit them at every opportunity.
The Lord has said It must be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be
agents unto themselves (D&C 29:39).
President Spencer W. Kimball explained, Lucifer and his followers know the habits, weaknesses,
and vulnerable spots of everyone and take advantage of them to lead us to spiritual destruction (The
Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 218-19).
Dating is one area where this General of Darkness is winning most of his battles with the youth of
the world. He has engaged his strategy so cunningly that most youth are unaware they are marching into an
ambush.
One tactic a military strategist uses to his utmost advantage is that of getting his opponent to feel
that all is well and that the threat has diminished. When we feel the threat no longer exists or is reduced, we
relax our security, put down our arms, and take off our armor. Unfortunately, sometimes leaders give
orders to subordinates who feel they are invincible, or that their tactics and methods are better than those
who are seasoned veterans.
While traveling abroad, either on R-and-R (rest and relaxation) or official business, I am
encouraged to be as inconspicuous as possible. I am cautioned not to stand out, to blend in and look like
one of the tourists or locals. The reason for this is because military members are prime targets for terrorists.
By following these simple suggestions and rules I stand a far better chance of avoiding trouble and placing
innocent people in jeopardy.
Church leaders have developed tactics for the youth to keep them safe and free from Satans
terrorism. The youth have been cautioned, In dating, treat your date with respect, and expect your date to
show that same respect to you. Never treat your date as an object to be used for you own lustful desires or
ego. Always stay in control of yourself and your physical feelings (For the Strength of Youth, p. 15).

There are some, perhaps many, young men and women who believe that the whole purpose of a
date is to get a kiss or even more.
That reminds me of a story told during a magical, romantic period of time on earth. A time when
chivalry was commonplace and the passions of a certain young knight and the innocence of a young
princess were not much different than those of the youth today.
Not even in Camelot were there evenings such as thisevenings undoubtedly created for the
fireflies to do their magic. Like tiny candles, a trillion little flecks of light danced in the fragrant darkness of
the palace garden.
A soft hand reached gently into the night and with a velvet grasp held captive a single and
frightened flicker.
Would you like a glimpse into another world? asked the princess as she brought her hands close
to his eyes. The young knight, Sir Jason of Lockton, peered into the darkness of her cupped hands, his eyes
chasing every zigzag of the captive dancing flicker. Suddenly, without warning the princess released her
lighted prisoner, and the little creature darted heavenward to conceal itself in the pattern of glittering stars.
Father always used to call me his little firefly, said the princess as she stared into the darkness.
Jenny the Firefly, quipped Jason. I like it. I really like it.
Oh, I can tell, laughed Jenny. You mock my father.
On the contrary, said Jason. :I judge your father correct. Why else is he the king? His wisdom
is much greater than his years, and his daughter much more fair to look upon than the clouds at sunrise.
Jenny the Cloud, smiled the princess. I like that. I really like that. IT has a kind of billowy ring
to it, doesnt it?
Now you mock me, said Jason. Ive looked forward to this evening for many months and
finally it is my turn.
Turn? questioned Jenny.
The knights of the kingdom, Jenny. You know they stand in line to be your escort. I may not get another
turn until the March winds blow.
I see, said the princess. But, if you are different from the, might I invite you back on the
morrow?
Oh, if only you would, Jenny. If only you would, pleaded the young knight.
The reflecting pond shimmered as the soft evening breeze wended its way through the palace
garden. For the young knight this hour had been a long time coming, and his wait had seemed eternal. With
excitement he had anticipated this special moment. The setting was right==a palace garden, fragrant night
air, twinkling stars, flickering fireflies, a young knight, and a not so typical run-of-the-palace princess. She
controlled not only her own destiny but the destiny also of this young knight. They grew silent as they
stood beside the statue of El Tibaar, a monument to the kings faithful and proven steed.
His heart was pounding as he closed his eyes and leaned forward to kiss the object of his desire,
anticipating the feel of her lips. But the princess closed not her eyes, and dipping her head gracefully to the
side, she watched as the knight laid his lips squarely on the nose of El Tibaar. Feeling the cold, lifeless
rock, Jason instantly opened his eyes to find himself staring at the nose of an ungiving and stone-cold
horse.
Do you have no regard for my feelings? the princess gently chided. That which you want you
cannot take, nor can I give to all. The days of our acquaintance are but few and this our first night. Is there
not more for us than the conquest of a kiss?
A look of despair and defeat came over Jason, and the young warrior and future king retreated,
vanishing into the night with heavy thought as his only companion.
For several moments Jenny stared into the night and at a trillion fireflies. Suddenly all was blurry
as tears welled to overflowing. She bolted toward the privacy of her chamber, running to beat the flood of
emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. As she approached the sloping stairs that would deliver her to
the comfort of the castle, a strong pair of hands suddenly reached out from the darkness, and she was held
captive.
She cried out in fear.
Princess, Princess, tis I, said the king. Be not afraid.
Oh, Father, you startled me so, said Jenny as she relaxed into his protective arms and buried her
face deep in his kingly robe, hoping to hide the moist evidence of a miserable night.
What are you doing out here? she asked.

Thats the question Im supposed to ask, countered King Rourke, good-naturedly. I suppose it
is permissible for the king to walk in his own garden, is it not? I was merely standing here when I was
nearly trampled by a certain young knight heading somewhere in great haste. I didnt know that you were
that ferocious, my little
Oh, Father, Jenny blurted out, How do you know when its right to kiss someone, and why is it
that almost every young knight who takes my hand thinks that a kiss is his just reward for an evening of
gallantry?
Ah, sighed the king. Two very large questions, very large indeed. Perhaps the answer to your
first question will allow you to control the second
Is there an answer, Father? asked Jenny.
There is, my princess, there is. I remember the first time my eyes beheld your mother. Ah, she
was as pure as she was beautiful. Not even the first snows of winter were purer than she. Oh, how I longed
to kiss her, to take her in my arms and hold her close. But somewhere, I know not where, I had learned that
when a kiss is given, it must be not only mine but ours. There is an eternal meaning attached to a kiss,
Jenny, and there are precious few who understand the real meaning.
But how did you know that Mother felt the same way? How did you know that it was right to
give it, and how many times do you give it, and to how many people? Im so confused.
Welcome to the world, Princess. Confusion reigns. But it need not. There are answers.
Somewhere in this old kings study is the answer to your question.
You mean you have a book on kissing?
Sort of, smiled the king. And besides, Ive been doing it for years .Im pretty good, you know.
Really, Father? IT seems so funny to hear you talk this way. I cant imagine you ever kissing or
even being young enough to feel what Im feeling. The way Im going, I may be the only maiden in the
kingdom never to have kissed.
Well, theres one thing that Im pretty sure of, my little firefly: if you save all of your kisses for
the one youre going to marry, you probably will never find one to marry, knowing young men as I do,
mind you.
Jenny opened her eyes wide, and she smiled thinly, puzzled by her fathers statement. Then, arm
in arm, the princess and her father ascended the steps to the kings library.
That room had always been a little frightening to Jenny. IT was there that many great decisions
were made concerning the kingdom. Jenny had sometimes peeked in and had overheard the solemn
conversations between powerful people. But tonight it was quiet in the study, and there was an almost
spiritual feeling in the room.
Somewhere, up there, Jenny, is a book, a special book.
Jenny peered above the kings head at the rows of bound volumes, their titles illuminated by the
dim light cast by a single candle.
Ah, there it is. I think I see it, Jenny. Thats got to be it.
Jenny watched with interest as her father drew from the topmost shelf an old, tattered, large,
leather-bound book. Though the volume had obviously once been well used, it was now covered with dust.
Holding it reverently, the king gently brushed away the evidence of a dozen years of neglect.
Laying the huge volume on his marble-topped desk, Rourke opened the heavy book and began to
search its pages.
Jennys eyes registered great surprise. Father? That is holy writ you touch. Is not the vicar the
only one authorized to read the words of life? You stand condemned by your own decree.
Shhhh, quieted the king. A foolish tradition, Jenny, started ages ago by some foolish prince of
darkness. I am bound by senseless law to abide the decree, but someday, when light fills the earth, all will
have the words of life and answers to questions.
Finally the kings eyes rested on a single page. Then, looking up, he said, Long ago, the greatest
of kings stood in the midst of rabble as the events of a very sacred evening were intruded upon. The traitor
came in the company of evil men and made his way hesitantly toward the king. There, with a kiss, he
betrayed him.
Do you know who I am talking about? Rourke asked his daughter.
Yes, smiled Jenny. Tis our Lord and Savior.
Thats right, Jenny. Now listen to his response to the treachery and try to imagine the pain he
must have felt.

Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? It was not the betrayal that hurt the Savior
that night, Jenny. He knew that was going to happen. It was the symbol of affection Judas chose to work his
evil that hurt the great King so. IT was the kissa symbol of love, devotion, caring, loyalty, protection,
and commitment. Perhaps, Jen, if you think about the meaning of a kiss and what it should represent, it will
help you know who to kiss and when. To distribute or collect kisses for mere physical pleasure betrays the
true and total meaning of what a kiss is meant to be. The kiss is yours, Princess. IT cannot be taken; it can
only be given.
Rourke gently closed the sacred volume and looked into the eyes of his precious daughter.
You know what, Jen? There are few knights in the kingdom who would understand what we have
just talked about. To a true knight that understanding will come, but for now he is mostly enthralled with
the beauty that he sees and with how it makes him feel.
Jenny gazed silently at the volume on the desk.
Does that book always have answers like that, Father?
Most of the time, Princess, if you are willing to search them out. Now, run along. The hour is
late. Just remember that there is precious more to a kiss than kindling a fire within you, although thats an
important part too. Keep in mind the beautiful and sacred things a kiss symbolizes, and youll know when
and with whom to share it.
Jenny threw her arms around her father and gave him a hug fit for a king.
Thank you for being here and listening. Are you always this wise, Father?
Always, said Rourke, winking affectionately at his beautiful daughter and holding the book next
to his heart. Always.
The most critical battle in this war is the one waged on the dating battlefield over sexual purity and
that first hostile act almost always starts with a kiss. The Lord has made it absolutely clear that we must be
pure in our relationships with one another. IF we are to emerge victorious, we must follow the orders of our
seasoned commanding officers.
I hope and pray that you young warriors of righteousness will heed and follow the orders and ROE
established in the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth and, Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may
be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against power, against the General of Darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil
day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on
the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;; Above all,
taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take
the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all
prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints (Ephesians 6:11-18) in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.