Becoming a Change-Maker

 This week's readings were very powerful and the most thought-provoking. Jeffrey R. Holland is my favorite apostle to listen to. He speaks with such power that his words sink way down into your soul. In his talk, Are We Not All Beggars, he pleads with us to help those in need. After all, we all need something. Holland says, " Don’t we all cry out for help and hope and answers to prayers? Don’t we all beg for forgiveness for mistakes we have made and troubles we have caused? Don’t we all implore that grace will compensate for our weaknesses, that mercy will triumph over justice at least in our case?" One of Jesus Christ's first messages was to take care of the poor. This admonishment wasn't just for his time, it applies to us now. We have been blessed to obtain an education through BYU-I, and now it is our duty to better our circumstances so that we can better society. It doesn't even have to be in a monetary way. I have also grown spiritually while attending BYU-I. We need to be willing to lift someone's burden whether it be physically, spiritually, temporally, or emotionally. 

I have never know what it is like to be poor, but once my husband unexpectedly and suddenly lost his job. We did have savings but it was a very trying time while he was looking for new employment. While our cupboards were full of food and our closest has plenty of clothes, my heart felt empty. Not one person stopped by to ask if there was anything that we needed. No visits from the bishop, the relief society, or ministering sisters or brothers. I didn't need money to pay our bills or food to put on the table, I just needed to know that I had people to lean on, even if it was just a listening ear to voice my concerns. I hope I remember this situation and that it reminds me to be more caring and in tune about the needs around me.

The videos we watched we also very powerful. I can’t get the story out of my mind about the girl whose father was shot and mother was raped and killed trying to defend their family. I can’t even fathom the suffering that some people have to endure. That little girl’s determination is inspiring.

Our contribution, whatever it may be, may seem small and insignificant, but it will make a difference. We have a duty and a privilege to make change it whatever little corner of the world that we live. We shouldn’t wait until we are wealthy or successful to start to act.