Posted on Jun 07, 2024

Finding God in the Details of Our Lives With Donald Kelly

Finding God in the Details of Our Lives With Donald Kelly

In a recent episode of Why We Believe, I sat down with our guest for this week, Donald Kelly. Donald is a renowned sales and podcasting expert. He founded The Sales Evangelist, a company dedicated to helping B2B salespeople reach their full potential. Donald has been a keynote speaker at numerous events and has received multiple awards for his work in the sales industry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Donald is a man of faith who has served in various roles within the Church. This week, Donald shares the story of why he believes. Finding God in the details of our lives, even amidst adversity, is one of the focuses of Donald’s life. As we explore Donald's story, we'll see how his experiences have shaped his belief that God is intimately involved in our lives and that with Him, every problem has a solution. Though our lives are busy and complicated, in the end, nothing is impossible with God.


Finding God 

We are all in different places in our lives. God will reveal himself in the lives of those who seek him. Donald has seen this throughout his life. Family, friends, and miracles that have helped his family stay together through the trials have been a huge testament to this. God has an active role in his life.

Donald learned about the Church because of the scouting program. He was too old to participate, but his friend then told him about the Church’s Young Men’s program, and he was excited to be a part of that. Around that time, he felt a need to start going to church again. It made sense to him to start going with his friend, who had invited him to those activities.

As Donald began learning about the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith's First Vision, and the restored gospel, he felt the spirit as he applied what he had learned. Studying the scriptures and pondering them each day, he saw the difference in his life and in his relationships with his loved ones.


Acting in Faith


When we choose to live our lives in a way that will bring us closer to God, we choose to live our lives differently. Acting in faith is hard. It requires sacrifice and commitment of time and effort on our part. As we make decisions that bring us closer to Christ, going to church, taking the sacrament, and participating in saving ordinances, all help us grow in faith.

Donald’s faith was tested again when he felt a strong prompting to serve a mission. His mother, who had sacrificed so much to bring their family to the U.S. for better opportunities, insisted that Donald pursue his education first. In the midst of the unknown, he chose to act in faith. He continued to make choices that would help him accomplish both goals. He applied to Brigham Young University-Idaho, and he began working on his mission papers. Towards the end of this process, his mother simply wanted him to do what would make him happy. And he was prepared for two very important parts of his future. 


Letting God Lead the Way


Acting in faith is sometimes the best way to receive revelation. God guides us as we go, sometimes only with little lights to guide us along our way. The paths God will take us on will help us make changes and grow as we prepare ourselves to face them.

Donald's experiences on his mission further reinforced the principle that with God, every problem has a solution. God may not be the answer, but He will help you find it. He gives comfort when we need it most. He helps us understand our divine identities and potential. Missions are an amazing place to grow, develop a personal testimony of what you have experienced, and see God’s direct influence in our lives. 

Donald witnessed the Lord guiding him to solutions. These mission experiences laid a foundation for Donald to trust God's guidance in future challenges.


Fortifying Our Faith


Any good thing must be maintained and taken care of. If you want something to last and work well in life, you do not leave it to gather dust. Our faith is the same way. You cannot build it up only to leave it idle and unused. 

Donald recognized the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual foundation through daily scripture study, prayer, and temple attendance. He also learned that when one member of a family is called to serve, the whole family serves and sacrifices together. 

Donald has continued to see the Lord's hand guiding him and his family in ways that can build up their faith together. Time and again, he has learned that what may seem like coincidences are actually evidence of God's involvement in the details of our lives.


Seeking God's Will and Trusting His Path


Donald’s story helps us see how, no matter where we are in life, letting God be the guiding force in your life will help you become more than you thought you could be. Here are some things to keep in mind as you continue on your path of faith:

  • God is intimately involved in the details of your lives
  • With God, every problem has a solution
  • As we serve faithfully, God provides for our needs
  • What may seem like coincidences are often evidence of God's hand

If you find yourself struggling with doubts or facing challenges, remember that you are not facing your trials alone. Seek God's will for your life, trust in the path He leads you down, and have faith that He will guide you to solutions. Even if your faith is the size of a mustard seed, God will multiply it when you act on it. So, continue in faith, do what you can, and trust that God will make up the rest. 

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5 Lessons of Faith from Down Syndrome Advocate Brady Murray
5 Lessons of Faith from Down Syndrome Advocate Brady Murray
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 07, 2024

This week on the Why We Believe show, I had the privilege of interviewing Brady Murray. Brady is an inspiring individual who has dedicated his life to serving others and living his faith. As the founder and president of Rod's Heroes, a non-profit organization that helps special needs kids get adopted, Brady has helped over 100 children with Down syndrome find loving homes. In addition to his work with Rod's Heroes, Brady is also an Ironman triathlete, a three-time Boston Marathon finisher, a certified financial planner, and a chartered special needs consultant. Brady's passion for helping children with Down syndrome stems from his personal experience. His second child, Nash, was born with Down syndrome, and Brady and his wife Andrea have since adopted another child with Down syndrome, Cooper, from China. The Murrays have a total of 11 children, seven of whom are adopted from three different countries. Brady's journey with Down syndrome and fatherhood has been the subject of his podcast, Conquering Your Clownfish, a podcast dedicated to sharing the inspiring stories of parents and caretakers empowering their loved ones to sing the song they were meant to sing. During our interview together, I was fortunate enough to learn some very powerful and important things about faith that I think we all could learn from. So here are 5 powerful lessons I learned from our interview. Lesson 1: Listen to the Promptings of the Spirit Brady's journey of faith began when, despite his inactivity in the Church, his friend Melissa challenged him to pray about serving a mission. Despite his initial reluctance, Brady accepted the challenge and felt the undeniable promptings of the Spirit telling him that God wanted him to serve. This experience taught Brady the importance of listening to the Spirit and acting on its promptings, even when it means making significant changes in our lives. By following the Spirit's guidance, Brady embarked on a life-changing mission to Peru, where he not only learned the gospel of Jesus Christ but also developed a deep love for the Latino culture. This love later influenced his family's decision to later adopt 4 children from Colombia. Lesson 2: Serve the Pain You Know Best When Brady's son Nash was born with Down syndrome, it was a challenging and emotional experience. However, Brady felt in his heart that he was meant to lean into this experience and serve the pain he knew best. Together with his wife Andrea, Brady created Rod's Heroes to inspire families to adopt children with Down syndrome. Through this service, Brady has witnessed the incredible impact that adoption can have on the lives of these children. By giving them a chance to have a family, these children are able to unlock their divine potential and become the superheroes they were meant to be. Lesson 3: Allow Yourself to be Caught Up in a Cause Bigger Than Yourself Brady has learned that when we allow ourselves to be caught up in a cause bigger than ourselves, we witness miracles. His work with Rod's Heroes and his family's adoption journey are testaments to this principle. By dedicating himself to serving others and living his faith, Brady has seen countless miracles unfold in his life and the lives of those around him. When we focus on serving others and living our faith, we open ourselves up to experiences and blessings that we could never have imagined. You can't script it. You can't say if we do X, Y will be the result. Let's go ahead and go do X. You just can't make this stuff up. Lesson 4: Eternal Marriage and Family Are Central to God's Plan Brady's faith in Jesus Christ and His restored church has been the foundation for his life and his family. He knows that when we make and keep sacred covenants in LDS temples, including the covenant of eternal marriage, we are blessed with divine guidance and strength. Through his own eternal marriage to Andrea and their experiences in raising their 11 children, Brady has seen firsthand the importance of family in God's plan. He knows that by putting faith in Christ and striving to live the gospel, families can overcome challenges and grow together in love. Lesson 5: Consecrate Your Life to the Lord For Brady, the law of consecration is a gospel principle that resonates deeply. He believes that everything we have – our time, talents, and resources – are temporary stewardships that we will one day give an accounting for. By consecrating our lives to the Lord and striving to use our blessings to serve others, we can return to Him with a pure heart, knowing we did our best. Brady's life is an example of consecration in action. From his missionary service to his work with Rod's Heroes and his dedication to his family, Brady has consistently put the Lord first and sought to use his blessings to bless the lives of others. Putting Our Faith in the Hands of the Savior Brady Murray's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. Through his experiences, we learn the importance of listening to the Spirit, serving others, allowing ourselves to be caught up in a cause bigger than ourselves, building eternal families, and consecrating our lives to the Lord. As we strive to follow Brady's example and trust in the path that God has for us, we can be confident that Christ will be our guide. By putting our faith in Him and dedicating ourselves to serving others, we open ourselves up to a life filled with miracles, love, and purpose. Let us all strive to live our faith with the same courage, compassion, and conviction that Brady Murray exemplifies. Key Takeaways: 1. Life often entrusts us with experiences we don't choose, but how we respond to those experiences can dictate the course of our lives. 2. Brady's life has been significantly impacted by two experiences he didn't choose: being adopted and having a child with Down syndrome. 3. A pivotal moment in Brady's faith journey came when he felt prompted to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leading him to put his baseball dreams aside and serve in Peru. 4. Brady gained his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ while serving his mission and teaching others in Spanish. 5. After his son Nash was born with Down syndrome, Brady felt inspired to serve the Down syndrome community, which led to the creation of Rod's Heroes, an organization that helps children with Down syndrome find adoptive families. 6. Brady and his wife Andrea have witnessed miracles as they've opened their hearts to adoption, welcoming 11 children into their family, including a sibling group of four from Colombia. 7. Brady believes that when we allow ourselves to get caught up in a cause bigger than ourselves, we will witness miracles time and time again. 8. The gospel principle of consecration resonates deeply with Brady as he strives to use his time, talents, and resources to serve others and further God's work. Thank you for joining us for this episode. I pray Brady’s message of trusting in God to lead you to experiences that will strengthen your testimony to do the same. If you would like to learn more about the Why We Believe show, please visit WhyWeBelieve.com.

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Never Let a Faith Crisis Go to Waste
Never Let a Faith Crisis Go to Waste
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 07, 2024

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, Stuart Draper, a successful entrepreneur and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared his inspiring story of faith and conversion. From a young age, Stuart's parents and church leaders played a significant role in helping him develop a strong testimony of the gospel. Despite the challenges he has faced throughout his life, including his daughter's ongoing health issues and his brother's temporary inactivity from the church, Stuart's faith has remained unshakable. In the episode, Stuart mentions a thought-provoking idea shared by Jared Halverson on the Unshaken Saints podcast: "Never let a good faith crisis go to waste." This concept encourages individuals to view their faith crises as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding rather than as obstacles that threaten to destroy their beliefs. By embracing this mindset, we can navigate through our doubts and emerge with a stronger, more resilient faith. The Power of Scripture Study and Prayer One key factor that has helped Stu maintain his testimony is his dedication to daily scripture study and prayer. He credits his deacon's quorum leader, Scott Sauners, with instilling in him the importance of this habit at a young age. By consistently engaging with the scriptures and communicating with God, Stu has found answers to his questions and strengthened his faith. Stu's experience highlights the transformative power of regular scripture study and prayer. When we prioritize these practices in our lives, we open ourselves up to receiving personal revelation and guidance from the Holy Ghost. During times of doubt or uncertainty, turning to the scriptures and prayer can provide the comfort, clarity, and direction we need to press forward in faith. The Influence of Family and Church Leaders Throughout my interview with him, Stu emphasized the crucial role that his parents and various church leaders played in his spiritual development. From his parents' unwavering example of faithfulness to the countless Sunday School teachers, seminary instructors, and home teachers who invested in his spiritual growth, Stu recognizes these individuals' impact on his testimony. This serves as a reminder of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who can support and encourage us in our faith journey. When facing a faith crisis, isolating ourselves or seeking out those who share our doubts can be tempting. However, by staying connected to family members, friends, and church leaders who are strong in the gospel, we can find the strength and guidance we need to navigate our challenges and come out stronger on the other side. Eternal Families and the Plan of Salvation Another central theme in Stu's story is his testimony of eternal families and the Plan of Salvation. Having witnessed the challenges faced by his niece with severe disabilities and the tragic loss of his young nephew to cancer, Stu finds comfort in the knowledge that families can be together forever through the sealing power of the temple. When confronted with a faith crisis, losing sight of the bigger picture and the eternal truths that anchor our beliefs can be easy. We can find hope and perspective amidst our struggles by holding fast to our testimony of the Plan of Salvation and the promise of eternal families. Remembering that this life is just a small part of our eternal journey can help us approach our doubts and questions with patience, humility, and trust in God's divine plan. Navigating Faith a Faith Crisis Stuart Draper's story is a powerful reminder that faith crises while challenging, can ultimately lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. By following his example of consistent scripture study, prayer, and reliance on the support of family and church leaders, we can face our doubts head-on and emerge with a stronger, more resilient testimony. As you navigate your own faith journey, always remember to: Hold fast to the truths you already know Seek answers through daily scripture study and prayer Surround yourself with people who can support and encourage you in the gospel Keep an eternal perspective and trust in God's plan for you and your family By embracing the idea of never letting a faith crisis go to waste, you can view your challenges as opportunities for growth and allow them to refine and strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Key Takeaways 1. Stuart Draper's faith journey began with the examples set by his faithful parents and ancestors, who paved the way for him to develop a strong testimony at a young age. 2. Stu's personal conversion came through powerful spiritual experiences, such as feeling the Spirit during testimony meetings and learning to repent and seek forgiveness. 3. Consistent scripture study, a habit Stu developed at age 12, has been instrumental in his spiritual growth and helped him make better choices throughout his life. 4. Serving a mission in Argentina provided Stu with numerous experiences where he felt he was exactly where God wanted him to be, doing what God wanted him to do. 5. Stu's faith has carried him through difficult trials, such as his daughter's ongoing health struggles and watching his brother briefly step away from the Church. 6. A vivid dream and a powerful spiritual impression led Stu to recognize his wife, Lindsay, as his eternal companion shortly after they first met. 7. Stu's testimony of eternal families has been strengthened by the challenges faced by his niece with severe disabilities and the passing of his young nephew. 8. When struggling with faith, Stu advises holding fast to the principles and truths one already knows, recognizing that faith is a work in progress and that doubts can lead to spiritual growth. 9. The intricacies of the Earth, human body, and universe are evidence to Stu of a divine creator and a master plan for all of God's children. 10. Living the teachings of Jesus Christ and striving to be more like Him has brought true happiness and blessings to Stu's life and family. Thank you for joining us for this episode. I pray Stu’s message of never letting a faith crisis go to waste that will strengthen your testimony to do the same. If you would like to learn more about the Why We Believe show, please visit WhyWeBelieve.com.

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Let the Gospel Guide All Things With Lamont Leavitt
Let the Gospel Guide All Things With Lamont Leavitt
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jul 05, 2024

Let the Gospel Guide All Things With Lamont Leavitt I had the chance to speak with LaMont Leavitt this week. Leavitt has carved out a unique path in the business world that intertwines entrepreneurship with strong spiritual convictions. In this post, we'll explore his perspective on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how he's managed to keep faith at the forefront of his business decisions. Leavitt's insights offer valuable lessons on letting God guide your path in both personal and professional spheres. 1. The Power of Divine Partnerships in Business In the world of entrepreneurship, we often hear about the importance of business partners, investors, and mentors. But for Lamont Leavitt, there's one partner that stands above all others: God. Throughout his work in building Lenovi Health, Leavitt has consistently turned to his faith as a source of guidance, strength, and even business strategy. Leavitt's approach to business is deeply rooted in the belief that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, including our professional endeavors. He views his relationship with God as a true partnership, where he puts in the work and effort while trusting in divine guidance and intervention. This perspective has shaped his decision-making process and given him the courage to take risks that others might shy away from. One example of this divine partnership was when Leavitt's company was facing a tight payroll situation. Instead of panicking or resorting to desperate measures, Leavitt chose to put his faith into practice. He decided to attend to his church responsibilities as a Scout Master, trusting that God would take care of his business while he took care of God's work. By the next day, unexpected online sales had come through, covering the payroll with $25 to spare. This experience reinforced Leavitt's belief that when we prioritize our spiritual commitments, God will help us manage our worldly responsibilities. 2. Faith Inspires Innovation and Growth For many, faith and business might seem like separate realms. Faith can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and growth in the business world. Your spiritual beliefs not only provide comfort during challenging times but also inspire creative solutions and bold business moves. One of the most significant ways Leavitt's faith has influenced his business approach is through his commitment to helping others. His father always taught him to focus on helping the most people rather than chasing money. Leavitt's faith has given him the courage to take calculated risks and venture into uncharted territory. When faced with the decision to leave a stable corporate job to start his own business, his confidence in God’s plan for him helped him take his first steps towards development. This transition was not just a business decision but an opportunity to seek God’s will, trusting that God would guide him through the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. 3. The Atonement and Entrepreneurship The Atonement is not just a religious concept but a powerful force that can be applied to all aspects of life, including entrepreneurship. Leavitt sees it as an infinite source of mercy and strength, capable of balancing out any shortcomings or challenges we might face. This understanding has given him the confidence to persevere through difficult times in his business, knowing that with faith and effort, even seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. Leavitt's analogy of the Atonement as a "capital A" in a spiritual equation is particularly poignant. Just as in mathematics, where both sides of an equation must balance, Leavitt believes that the Atonement (the capital A) is what makes our spiritual equations balance out, regardless of our imperfections or the challenges we face. This perspective has allowed him to approach business challenges with a sense of hope and resilience, knowing that with faith and hard work, things will ultimately work out. Let Christ Guide Your Path Leavitt's experiences demonstrate that far from being a hindrance to success, faith can be a driving force for innovation, growth, and fulfillment in the business world. As you navigate your own path in business and life, remember Leavitt's example of letting Christ be the guide. Integrating your faith with your professional pursuits may lead to not only success but also a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply someone striving to balance faith and career, the lessons from Lamont Leavitt's experiences offer valuable insights. They remind us that success in business doesn't have to come at the expense of our values or spiritual well-being. By aligning our professional endeavors with our faith, we can create a harmonious blend of purpose, prosperity, and personal growth. How might letting Christ guide your path change your approach to work and life? The answers may surprise you, leading to innovations, opportunities, and a sense of fulfillment you never thought possible. When we partner with God in our endeavors, extraordinary things can happen. Thank you for joining us for this week's episode of Why We Believe! For more stories like this one, you can find more here!

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Having the Faith to Go, See, and Change with Sean Luangrath
Having the Faith to Go, See, and Change with Sean Luangrath
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 21, 2024

Having the Faith to Go, See, and Change with Sean Luangrath In this week's episode of the Why We Believe show, we are joined by Sean Luangrath. Sean is the CEO of a portable solar generator company. Sean and his family came to the United States as refugees from Laos when he was just six years old. Growing up, Buddhism was their family's religion and cultural tradition. However, while in refugee camps, Sean's parents were introduced to Christianity and were baptized. Later, after settling in California, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began teaching Sean's family, leading to powerful experiences that would shape the course of Sean's life. Sean's story beautifully illustrates the profound impact the gospel can have when individuals and families embrace its teachings. His experiences demonstrate the transformative power of faith, not only in his own life but in the lives of all who earnestly seek truth. In the rest of this post, we'll explore four key parts of Sean's journey and the powerful lessons we can learn as a result of acting in faith. The Gospel Brings Love Sean shared that one of his earliest testimonies of the gospel came from witnessing the changes in his own family, especially his father after they joined the Church. Sean's dad, who was previously not very expressive or affectionate, quit smoking and drinking and became a more loving, involved father and husband as he lived gospel principles. Through the Church, Sean's parents learned more ways to teach and guide their children. Rather than cultural traditions of harsh discipline, they began showing increased love and using positive reinforcement. Sean felt that the gospel helped his father become a better man because it helped him choose to be a better man. These changes had a profound impact on young Sean. Seeing the love the gospel fostered in his family was his first powerful witness that the Church was a good influence and that living its teachings led to peace and joy. Transforming his home environment through gospel living became fundamental to Sean's faith. The Gospel is Meant to be Shared At age 19, was called to the Australia Melbourne Mission Mandarin-speaking. Sean was assigned to work with the Chinese community there, largely made up of immigrants and refugees. As a missionary, Sean focused on helping people come to Christ. Coming from a Buddhist background, Sean could relate to those who believed differently. He found joy in teaching, and as he did so, he recognized God’s love and felt the peace the gospel brought. Daily sharing his beliefs as a missionary strengthened Sean's own testimony. Teaching others inspired Sean to ponder how he knew God was there and that Jesus Christ was his Savior. Sean's mission gave him spiritual experiences that solidified his witness of gospel truths. The Gospel Teaches the Atonement Recently, Sean had the opportunity to serve in the leadership of a young single adult ward. As Sean served, he had powerful spiritual witnesses of God's love for His children and the reality of Christ's Atonement. In counseling with ward members going through challenges, Sean often felt he was a conduit for Heavenly Father's love to these young adults. He was sometimes overcome with emotion as he experienced God's care for them. Sean's heart expanded as he conveyed God's love and saw it uplift and heal others. He developed an unshakable testimony of the power of the Savior's Atonement as he saw it transform people’s lives. Working with individuals striving to change and come unto Christ, Sean witnessed the complete "180-degree" turnarounds people could make through repentance and coming to feel God's love and forgiveness. Come and See Sean's experiences show us that a testimony of the gospel is built line upon line as we live its teachings and open our hearts to God's love. Whether we see the impact of gospel principles on our families, share our beliefs with others, rely on the Lord in trials, or witness His love and the Atonement's power, each of us can come to know the joy and peace the gospel brings. As Sean points out, all people are children of God, regardless of their background or circumstances. God wants us each to feel His love and experience the happiness that comes from living the gospel. Sean's invitation to "come and see" and learn of Christ is extended to all. How have your experiences with “come and see” inspired your own testimony? And how could your experiences maybe help others? Take a moment to ponder and perhaps write down some of these faith-building moments in your life. Consider sharing them with a family member or friend to lift them up and strengthen your own testimony. As we each live and share our faith, we will gain a deeper understanding of the power of the gospel and the impact it can make in our lives. Thank you for joining us for this week's episode of Why We Believe! For more stories like this one, you can find more here!

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