If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world.” – Elaine S. Dalton

Think about all the amazing people that you know – people that have made a difference in the world – people who stepped outside the norm and accomplished amazing things against all odds. What do they have?

• courage
• faith
• strength
• determination
• motivation

…and they are different in some way. They stand out and they let their light shine, even if the darkness surrounding them is oh, so very dark.

It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to stand out and to follow your heart. If you desire to bless, then bless. If you desire to live your beliefs, then do it – and do it with courage. If you desire to serve, then serve. It shouldn’t matter what other’s think – it DOESN’T matter what other’s think (truth!) – for we are each on our own path and all have contributions to make in this world. The Lord expects us to make a difference, and we should expect it of ourselves.

“Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. … Neglect not the gift that is in thee. … Meditate upon these things.” 1 Timothy 4:12, 14, 15

 

“The call to “arise and shine forth” is a call to each of you to lead the world in a mighty cause—to raise the standard—and lead this generation in virtue, purity, and temple worthiness. If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world.” – Elaine S. Dalton

The world needs goodness. If we desire to shine – and then shine – of course we will be noticed! A light is always noticed in the dark! Of course there will be nay-sayers, critics, and “crabs in the bucket”, but we must not let that deter us from being who God intended us to be. Focusing on on our own path is so liberating – and so necessary.

If you are a member of the LDS faith, this is what we covenant to do at baptism. We covenant to follow Christ and serve Him – no matter the cost.  When we keep our covenants,  we will always stand out. We are different. And that’s okay, because  as we increase in faith, what the world thinks matters less and less.

One Who Believes

Like a light shining in the distance
I will live with a glow
Showing all the world what I believe
That the truth I live and know.

Chorus

I will stand and be counted as one who believes
An example of faith will be what they see
I will walk as my Savior defending the right
As one who believes, I will lead with His light.

I will live by my Savior’s standards
For His strength can be mine
I will fill my soul with purity
And remember I am divine.

Repeat chorus

I will be an example
In word and deed
Serve with all my might
The Lord needs me!

Repeat chorus

As one who believes, I will lead with His light.

© Sara Lyn Baril