So this happened a while ago, but I forgot to blog about it.
On Father's Day, I had to give one of the sacrament meeting talks. My topic was obedience, which I was also supposed to tie into Fathers...
One of the experiences that I shared had to do with learning obedience by following our leaders. I told about how when I was fourteen I convinced Dad to let me get my ears pierced for a second time. Then a few months later we were told by the prophet that we should only have one set of earrrings. I told about how upset I was and that Dad told me "Kate, it doesn't matter if we understand why the prophet commands us to do something, we just do it." Russel M Nelson told a similar story of a girl and said that "Wearing two sets of earrings probably won't have eternal consequences for this girl, but her willingness to obey will."
So I finished my talk, and sacrament meeting, and then I had four different people come ask me if I "had seen what had happened." Since I hadn't, I got the full story (good ol' Relief Society sisters).
Apparently, after I had given my talk, one of our less active girls asked her mom if that meant that she should take out her second set of earrings. Her mom told her that we should obey, but that it was up to her to make the choice. So in the middle of sacrament meeting, she got up and went to the bathroom and took out her earrings. She came back and was so proud, holding them out for her mom and friends to see.
Later, she found me and showed me what she had done and thanked me for helping her decide to take them out (apparently her mom and her had been fighting about it).I was really touched because I had debated whether to share my story or not for fear of offending someone. I'm so grateful that it worked out and she took the initiative to obey. I love the Young Women's program...It has been an extremely fulfilling calling so far. I hope that I can make a difference in these girls lives, like my leaders did for me.
So although I dreaded the talk all week, and hope to not have to give another one anytime soon, I'm glad I was able to help one of my girls along.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Good for you! Sounds like you and Busy Bee are both in the right callings :)
I had a similar experience as you and stopped wearing my 2 pair of earrings at that same time, and haven't worn any since. I know that you are a positive role model for the girls and will greatly influence their lives for the better. Keep up the good work.
Oh. My. Gosh. You were only 14 yrs old when Pres. Hinckley made that statement? I'm feeling absolutely ANCIENT right now.
What a very, very cool experience! You've obviously already had a very positive influence on that girl. She wouldn't have felt the need to take her earrings out if she didn't respect and look up to you. Very cool.
How appropriate that you spoke about obedience on Father's Day. I remember dad saying all the time "Obedience is the first law of Heaven". I sometimes wondered if he meant "obedience is the first law of Evan".
Great talk! I appreciate so much the leaders who are good examples for Erika and will share their personal experiences because she admires them and listens to them. At a time in their lives when they clash a bit with their parents, the girls will follow and listen to their leaders.
We need more Kates!
Post a Comment