Standing Out

And not like when I was locked out of the car in full cosplay some two years back.

At Church on Sunday, our Elders Quorum President went up to give his talk. He spoke about real-life examples of Latter-day Saints standing out. He addressed a very real fear members have of being different. Standing out. Being peculiar.

In his own personal experience, colleagues at a previous company he worked for questioned his standards. He said he had two choices: tell them he doesn't want to, or tell them he's made covenants with God - that he's a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He chose the latter. Many years later he met a colleague from that company. That colleague said they missed him being around. There was a distinct difference in the atmosphere of the company when he was around.

We are meant to be a peculiar people (Titus 2:14). We are meant to stand out. Remember, others are meant to see that light Christ has given us (Matthew 5:15).

While working in our area, an investigator expressed that it was the example of a recent convert that motivated and inspired her to learn more. She wanted to be around her. She looked up to her. Her standards stood out, and she was not afraid to be the daughter of God she is, or to let people know.

On Saturday, we had a lesson with a lady who asked the hard questions. At first it seemed she wouldn't go anywhere. However, we were patient. We listened. We did our very best to answer her questions. We bore testimony. When we remember that we're speaking to a child of God, it's easy to understand where they're coming from. In the end, she expressed that she'd been praying to know more about God. She expressed feeling that she needs to be baptised again - that the first one was not enough. She expressed feeling that we were that answer. She committed to pray and know if what we shared was true.

It's about us and Him - always. It's not about what he says or what she says. It's about what He wants for us - and He knows best. Who better to ask than Him?

Too often I've found people more interested in believing what suits them. Yes, it may bring you happiness - for now. However, only when we allow ourselves to turn to Him and allow Him to direct our paths do we find lasting peace. He's there. He loves us, and wants us to return to him.​​

On Friday I turned 22. I'm getting old. My companion and I worked. We were able to add one more name to our long list of people desiring to be baptised.

We were also able to end the day at a member's house; with dinner, a lesson, and some cake! Yes, they bought cake for my birthday. My companion, Elder Harp, also decided that weekly planning needed to be combined with brunch at Wimpy - where we met a man wanting to know more.

Oh, and for the fun part. Elder Harp and I are both geeks. We talk about anime, cartoons, games, series, and movies as we go. However, eighteen months without has left my memory wanting. I can barely remember names of some o my favourite characters. Sigh.