THIS TALK CHANGED MY LIFE:
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/02/gifts-of-the-spirit?lang=eng
"The world needs people who can keep their word, who have a code of honor, and who can finish a task and endure to the end.
As Latter-day Saints, we need not look like the world. We need not entertain like the world. Our personal habits should be different. Our recreation should be different. Our concern for family will be different. As we establish this distinctiveness firmly in our life’s pattern, the blessings of heaven await to assist us."
-Elder Robert D Hales
We all have gifts, not wordly gifts, but spiritual gifts, talents from the heart and soul. When I was younger I had friends who could dance, who could play piano, who could sing, draw, read, write, work with numbers, all things that I struggled with that I didn't feel that I was good at. As a young girl this would get me discouraged I would often ask my mom why I couldn't do those things or why I didn't have any talents. But my mom would always reassure me with "you are a good friend to people, that is a talent, you are kind, you make people smile, you are genuine, you are you" and As a kid those all seemed like funny things to be considered a talent. I was always discouraged about not having something to show for what I was good at, I couldn't put in hours of musical practice and recite beautiful songs, I hated to read, and numbers made my head spin, Rhythm... I am lacking. I wanted a talent I could share and show people. As all talents are unique and special, we all have them, musical, intellectual, and my newly found spiritual. ALL OF WHICH CHANGE THE WORLD.
BUT the one I want to expand on is those which are spiritual. God gave us ALL spiritual gifts, each are unique to who we are. Each soul has great worth to God. He desires for each of us to strive to become like him, so he gives us these gifts. For some it is natural to have the gift of charity, others it is knowing right from wrong, or having unshakeable faith in knowing that Jesus is the Lord and the Redeemer of the world. All people are diverse and each gift is needed. How do we know which gifts we hold in our hearts? how do we know how to develop these gifts? It is the same as any other talent or gift. We must study it out, ask god, and practice, you want to have the gift of charity, pray with whole heart and in sincere intent then act.
Spiritual talents like any other talent will fade if we dont use them. God gives us talents and gifts so that we can benefit man kind, to enlighten the world. It is so important that we share these divine christ like attriubutes and qualities to help uplift and brighten the day of others. To assist in bringing others to christ and simply making the world a better place, when we hide our talents when we don't use them, they fade. These talents are a gift from God that he expects us to use and develop each day, when we don't do so we lose those abilities.
Let your light shine, don't be afraid of who you are.
My biggest struggle as a missionary is being a visitor center sister. I am terrified of speaking infront of large groups, at the centers we often get tours that are pretty large in size. My first few weeks here The thought of giving a tour made me want to throw up. I would be in a tizzy, sweaty palms, shakey knees and a loss for words. I would pass on all opportunities telling other sisters they could take it, but when it finally came down to just me I had to go, I gave it to heavenly father. I told him of the anxieties of my heart, i told him my fears, and i asked him for help. God call me to a visitor center for a reason and I was NOT living up to what i expected. So I went for it. I have my tour and I know that when I did so, when I stepped out of my comfort zone my father in heaven was proud of me. He helped me through each step. At times our spiritual gifts might be hidden beneath fears, because satan wants to distract us, he wants to keep us from reaching our greatest potential, he wants those talents to be hidden so we wont be able to reach others. In those moments it's important to just push through. Fight for what we deserve and don't let him win. Rely on god and he will show you what He expects, ask, receive, and act. You never know who's life you will impact :)
15 Neither do men light a acandle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your alight so shine before men, that they may see your good bworks, and cglorify your Father which is in heaven. "
Matthew 5:14-16
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