The Last Safe Place: Seven Principles for Standing with the Prophets in Troubled Times

A central feature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is its pronouncement that there are living prophets. Though a central doctrine, it is nevertheless not unusual for people— including people we know and love—to have questions. After all, to some, Church leaders’ decisions do not always seem correct, and this raises issues of trust. Can we trust these leaders to guide correctly—or can’t we?

The authors of this book—the father-daughter team of Duane Boyce and Kimberly White—answer with a resounding YES! We can trust them. But they also understand why some, including those we love, sometimes doubt this. They also understand that such trust is not a trivial issue. To appreciate just how crucial it is, consider this true story. It was shared with the authors by their friend, whose father—a devoted Latter-day Saint—served as a military commander during wartime.

“On one occasion, this commander’s unit found itself isolated and under significant jeopardy from the enemy, which was located north of their position. In considering the best course to follow, this leader gathered advice from his lieutenants in command, all of whom urged immediately heading in one direction or another as long as it was not north. This leader then went to the Lord in prayer and received the inspiration that he actually should head north to escape the enemy. This was completely counterintuitive and surprising, flying in the face of everything he knew. What he did not know, however, was that (1) a journalist had actually written an article describing the circumstances and jeopardy of this unit, (2) the enemy had read this article, and (3), as a result, enemy troops had moved from their locations in the north to take up positions in the south in order to prevent these troops’ escape. This military leader knew none of this, of course, but the point is, the Lord knew it and thus gave him the inspiration to head north. Much to the consternation of his lieutenants, that is what this leader did, allowing his unit to eventually circle around the enemy’s new positions and head south safely.

“Nothing could have been more surprising to this military leader than the direction he received—and yet it was precisely the direction that ended up saving his life and the lives of his men. And it all occurred for a very simple reason: This leader trusted the Lord––and his men trusted him. And all of them exercised this trust against all mortal reason.”


This story illustrates the importance of trust because it demonstrates how puzzling the right answer can be sometimes. After all, even though it was completely baffling to do so, going north was exactly the right thing to do.

The authors say that because some Church decisions are baffling in the same way, it is perfectly understandable that some of those we love have questions. Typically, however, those problems are rooted in misconceptions about prophets. When we get past those misconceptions, people can actually find themselves open to the idea of prophets and of their role in representing the Lord––including in cases where the prophetic direction, against all mortal reason, is that we should go north.

Packed with stories, explanations, important statements, and sacred experiences, The Last Safe Place shares seven core principles that correct misconceptions about prophets. Understanding these, we are in a better position than ever to teach our children or grandchildren about prophets and why they can trust them. We also find ourselves in a position to address every question that might be raised about living prophets by those who are struggling. We can help them understand that they truly can trust these servants––including on the topics that are most controversial and that trouble them the most. In short, through our greatly increased understanding of prophets, we are in an improved position to help those we love.