Former ‘Silver Spoons’ star, current Mormon, Ricky Shroder reflects on religion 

By Molly Farmer
MormonTimes.com writer

Published: Sunday, May 18, 2008 12:48 a.m. MDT  

Throughout his childhood and adolescence, actor Ricky Schroder thought religion was for others, not for a person like himself.

Now a recently called assistant executive secretary in his ward, Schroder, who converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2000, said he can see the influence divinity has had throughout his life.

''As I reflect on my youth and childhood, I can see God had his eye on me,'' Schroder said. ''Whenever I was struggling ... it seemed a hand was given to me to help lift me up. And eventually I would take it ... sooner or later.''

Schroder and his wife, Andrea Schroder, were the keynote speakers at Saturday's session of the second annual Single Adult Conference for Salt Lake area singles 31 years and older. An event organizer, Duane Millard, estimated 1,000 people attended the Schroders' addresses, during which both got teary-eyed.

In each of their speeches, the Schroders, who have four children, spoke in part about inherent talents children of God are given, and how those can be developed.

Ricky Schroder said that despite his limited formal education, he wrote the screenplay for a film titled ''Black Cloud,'' which he also directed.

''It took an enormous amount of effort, but I was able to discover a talent I didn't know I had,'' he said. In doing so, he overcame fears of inadequacy concerning his writing and grammar ability, and it was a growing experience that took initiative on his part.

Schroder is probably best know for his role in the TV series "Silver Spoons."

''We are teachable -- all of us,'' he said. ''I believe we're extremely changeable and moldable creatures.''

Andrea Schroder, who spoke first, said every individual has a purpose in God's plan, and it's their responsibility to find out who they are and what their role is.

''God has (made) us with this infinite potential ... it's beyond our comprehension,'' she said.

Instead of comparing their abilities to others', people need to see ''God as our gauge ... because we're all created as unique individuals,'' she said.

Citing examples from her own life, Andrea said the plans and goals people have don't always come to fruition, which was a sentiment Ricky also mentioned.

''We can make the right choices and not have the desired results,'' he said. ''But if you've tried, if you've grown, if you've experienced, then (life) was a success.''

Ricky closed by saying people have the power to bring into their lives the things they desire and think about.

''I learned that as a young boy, that I could think about things and make them happen. I think we all have that kind of gift. If we can look for things and make them come into our lives, we better look for good things.''

Tags: Converts Religion Faith Testimony