Changing the world one tweet at a time! A little dramatic? Elder Bednar doesn't think so. I just watched his BYU devotional address and I'm excited. It's all about the way we can use social media to share 'the hope that is in [us]' (1 Peter 3:15). How something as simple as a social media post can help combat negative messages with edifying truth. The Church has already run some brilliant social media campaigns (i.e. #BecauseofHim) inspiring positive online conversations around the world. Here are some excerpts from Elder Bednar's address.
"Social media channels are global tools that can personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families. And I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work.
Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood."So go on, share the goodness!
Hello internet! It's been what, 18 months?
I just returned from the greatest experience of my life and I don't really know what to say.. How on earth do you sum up something that has literally changed your life forever? I don't know but I'll give it a try.
First off here's an intro to what a missionary does.
First off here's an intro to what a missionary does.
I grew up in the church with a big supportive family. For me living my faith was like breathing. I couldn't see any other way of life that felt right or that would bring me as much happiness. That's why I decided to serve a mission in the first place; to bring that happiness to others.
When I landed in England and put on the shiny, black badge I could feel the weight of my calling - the responsibility and privilege I now had, to honour Jesus Christ's name. It was scary/daunting/exciting! But now all of a sudden my support network was gone and it was just me and my beliefs; me and God. I was confronted every day by people who questioned and often belittled my beliefs. For once I really had to stand on my own two feet and see if my faith was strong enough to endure some serious opposition. In the process I built this relationship of trust between me and Heavenly Father. I learned that working and losing yourself in the service of others when you would much rather be curled up on the couch, out of the rain, gives you a unique insight into God's character. I came to realise through countless miracles that God is keenly aware of us. He is in the details of our lives. I got to experience being guided to people at the right place at the right time, and having incredible conversations where we would be on a busy street but completely oblivious to the noise (I call it 'spirit bubble'). You would see their eyes light up and you both knew that it wasn't a coincidence that you had met. That God had something (or everything) to do with it. This happened to me at least once a day. It's the most incredible feeling to know you're able to help God do His work. I think that's what got me through the damp, bone-chilling cold, the rejection, the long, sometimes lonely days. I felt in my own small way like Christ's first apostles, like a true disciple of Christ. It was necessary to go through the refiner's fire a little bit. But I grew a heck of a lot and witnessed so many lives change because of it. So no regrets, only gratitude :)
So basically I know God and Jesus Christ better, I know myself better and I have a greater understanding of what life is all about and what I can do with mine. I will always be grateful for that.
A bit of my heart will always be in the England. Thank heaven for the internet or I'd be seriously homesick. A scripture from the Book of Mormon pretty much sums up my feelings:
"And now it came to pass that all this was done in [England]... how beautiful [is it] to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever." (Mosiah 18:30)
I feel like one of our Prophet's Gordon B. Hinckley who served a mission in England, when he said,
"I love the English people. No one can sell the English short in my mind because I labored with them, I lived with them, I was in their homes at their firesides, I learned to know their hearts, and I learned to love them." (x)
I'm starting my 'return to the motherland' fund. But it's good to be back! I've missed Australia and these guys.
