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!

Related Blog

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.

The Art of Faith: Del Parson's Journey from Delinquent to Renowned Religious Artist

by Julia Denner
Oct 11, 2024

The Art of Faith: Del Parson's Journey from Delinquent to Renowned Religious Artist In the realm of religious art, few names resonate as deeply as Del Parson. Known for his iconic depictions of Jesus Christ, including the famous "red robe" painting, Parson has touched millions of lives through his masterful brushstrokes and profound spiritual insights. But the journey that led him to become one of the most influential Latter-day Saint artists of our time is as compelling as the artwork itself. In this week's episode of Why We Believe, we explore Del Parson's extraordinary life and career. From his humble beginnings as a self-described "juvenile delinquent" to his transformation into a beacon of faith and artistic excellence, Parson's story is one of resilience, divine inspiration, and the power of visual storytelling to fortify beliefs and touch hearts. Join us as we explore the intersection of art and faith, gaining exclusive insights into the creation of Parson's most famous works and the profound spiritual experiences that shaped both his life and his art. This powerful conversation offers a rare glimpse into what it truly takes to create art that resonates with millions of souls, demonstrating the transformative power of combining artistic talent with unwavering faith. The Roots of Artistic Inspiration: From Delinquent to Disciple Del Parson's journey into the world of religious art began in an unlikely place. Growing up in a large family of nine children, with a father who was an art professor at Brigham Young University-Idaho (then known as Ricks College), Parson was surrounded by creativity from an early age. However, he admits that he was far from the perfect Latter-day Saint boy, describing himself as a "juvenile delinquent" during his teenage years. It wasn't until his twenties that Parson experienced a pivotal moment that would set him on the path to becoming the renowned artist we know today. While working a job building fences in Southwest Idaho, he found himself with nothing to read but a Bible and a Reader's Digest. Over the course of that summer, Parson read the Bible from cover to cover, an experience that sparked a desire to truly give the church a try and turn his life around. This decision led him to apply to Brigham Young University, where he continued to develop his artistic skills. However, it was a chance encounter at a dance that would truly change the course of his life. Meeting a beautiful, spiritually grounded woman who would later become his wife, Parson was inspired to live up to higher standards and deepen his faith. This pivotal relationship, combined with a powerful patriarchal blessing that foretold his future as an artist, set Parson on the path to becoming one of the most influential religious artists of our time. Tragedy and Transformation: The Spiritual Crucible of Del Parson's Art While Parson's artistic journey was undoubtedly influenced by his early experiences and education, it was a series of profound personal tragedies that truly shaped his approach to religious art. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Parson lost both his wife and young daughter in a car accident. This devastating loss became a crucible for his faith and his art, leading to some of the most powerful spiritual experiences of his life. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Parson experienced what he describes as a visit from the Holy Ghost, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and comfort that he had never known before. This experience became a touchstone for his art, with Parson striving to capture and convey that same sense of divine love in his paintings. He shares that this moment of profound spiritual connection is what he aims to recreate in every brushstroke, though he admits it doesn't always come easily. These personal trials also led to remarkable spiritual manifestations that further solidified Parson's faith and influenced his art. He recounts powerful dreams and visitations from his late wife, bringing messages of comfort and doctrinal truths that align perfectly with church teachings. These experiences not only strengthened Parson's testimony but also deepened his commitment to creating art that could touch souls and strengthen the faith of others. The Creation of Iconic Images: Behind the Scenes of Parson's Most Famous Works Perhaps no painting has had a greater impact on Latter-day Saint visual culture than Parson's famous "red robe" depiction of Jesus Christ. The story behind this iconic image offers fascinating insights into the process of creating religious art that resonates with millions. Commissioned by the church to paint a "Mormon image of the Savior," Parson faced the daunting task of creating a more masculine, accessible representation of Christ. The process was far from smooth, involving multiple sketches, divine inspiration, and even a vivid dream foretelling challenges with the church's approval process. Parson's humility and dedication shine through as he recounts working tirelessly on the painting for nine days, only to feel he had failed completely. It was his wife's insistence on sending the painting to the church anyway that led to its eventual approval and widespread adoption. Another of Parson's most beloved works, "Perfect Love," depicting Christ with children, holds a special place in the artist's heart. Parson feels this painting comes closest to capturing the overwhelming sense of divine love he experienced during his moments of deepest trial. This commitment to conveying not just the physical likeness but the spiritual essence of Christ is what sets Parson's work apart and allows it to touch so many lives. The Impact of Visual Storytelling: Art as a Tool for Strengthening Faith Throughout the conversation, Parson reflects on the power of visual art to strengthen faith and convey spiritual truths. He shares how his paintings have been used in missionary work, church publications, and personal devotion, becoming a visual language through which people connect with their faith. Parson's approach to religious art goes beyond mere representation. He strives to capture the intangible qualities of love, divinity, and spiritual power in his work. This is evident in his recounting of a dream where he met the Savior, noting that it wasn't the physical appearance that mattered but the spirit and essence of Christ that left the lasting impression. The impact of Parson's work extends far beyond the Latter-day Saint community. He shares a touching anecdote about a nun requesting to use his "Perfect Love" painting in a book about Christian philosophies, demonstrating the universal appeal and spiritual power of his art. This broad reach underscores the potential of visual storytelling to bridge denominational divides and touch hearts across diverse faith traditions. Key Elements of Creating Soul-Touching Religious Art: Personal spiritual experiences: Draw inspiration from profound moments of divine connection. Unwavering faith: Maintain a strong testimony to infuse authenticity into the artwork. Technical skill: Develop and refine artistic abilities to effectively convey spiritual concepts. Humility: Remain open to guidance and feedback throughout the creative process. Persistence: Push through challenges and setbacks to achieve the desired spiritual impact. Focus on essence over appearance: Strive to capture the spirit and feeling of religious subjects. Universal themes: Create art that resonates across denominational lines. Prayer and inspiration: Seek divine guidance throughout the artistic process. The Continuing Legacy of Del Parson's Artistic Ministry Del Parson's journey from a self-described juvenile delinquent to one of the most influential religious artists of our time is a testament to the transformative power of faith and artistic expression. His story reminds us that creating art that touches millions of souls requires more than just technical skill – it demands a deep well of personal spiritual experiences, unwavering faith, and a commitment to conveying the intangible qualities of divine love and spiritual truth. As we reflect on Parson's incredible journey and the impact of his work, we are called to consider how we might use our own talents and experiences to strengthen faith and touch lives. Whether through art, music, writing, or any other form of expression, we all have the potential to create something that resonates with others on a spiritual level. Let us take inspiration from Del Parson's example and seek to infuse our own creative endeavors with the same depth of spiritual meaning and authenticity. By doing so, we can contribute to a rich tapestry of faith-affirming expressions that have the power to uplift, inspire, and strengthen souls across the world. As we conclude, consider how you might use your own unique gifts to create something that touches the hearts of others. Whether it's through visual art, music, writing, or simply living a life of faith and kindness, remember that each of us has the potential to make a profound impact on those around us. Let Del Parson's journey inspire you to explore the intersection of your talents and your faith and see where that path might lead you. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes here.

Constructing a Life Closer to Christ

by Julia Denner
Aug 01, 2024

This week, on the Why We Believe show, I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Anurat Kaeocha. Anurat was the architect in charge of constructing the Bangkok Thailand Temple. He was able to share his story with us as he told us about his experience converting to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout the whole experience, he witnessed various miracles and times when God really made Himself known as a presence in Anurat’s life. Today we will be going over the most important parts of what it is like to come closer to Christ and to really let Him into our lives. Through having faith, choosing to repent, deciding to get baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and continuing in faith as you embrace the gospel in your life. Faith in Christ Choosing to have faith in Christ is the first step in constructing a Christ-centered life because He is the foundation of all we do in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Not only is it His church, but following His example will help us as we choose to invite Him into our lives. To have faith is more than just something you say. It is shown and utilized through our actions. When you have faith that the weatherman was right and that it is going to rain tomorrow, you take an umbrella. Likewise, when you hear the teachings of Christ and choose to have faith in Him, you make changes in your life that align with what He teaches. This could look like anything from stopping smoking, choosing to do the dishes for your spouse, or taking the time to study your scriptures every day or more often than you had the day before. Christ teaches us a higher law that we can live by. He holds His followers to a higher standard. As a result, we can choose to rise to the occasion and live our lives in a way that exemplifies a follower of Jesus Christ. The Process of Repentance The scriptures teach that repentance is asking forgiveness from God for our sins. Because of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we can have this divine gift as an active part of our lives. Christ suffered for our sins on the cross and in the Garden of Gethsemane. In doing so, we can become clean and free from our sins. Repentance is both an act of faith and something God, through His holy prophets, has commanded us to do. It all starts with understanding what you have done is wrong and asking God to be forgiven. After that, you work in doing everything within your power to make reparations and not to do those things again. One of the most beautiful things about repentance is that you can always try again. We are all human and, thus, prone to failure and accidents. Christ, as the one who has already suffered and atoned for our sins, understands exactly how hard or how long it takes for us to overcome these things. So, no matter what, he completely understands who you are, where you’re at, what you can do, and how you can grow. The Choice to be Baptized As you read, study, ponder, and apply Christ's teachings as you live your life and actively choose to follow Him, the decision to be baptized as a member of His church helps us build our spiritual foundation on Him. When you choose to be baptized, you choose to take upon yourself the name of Christ, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end. When you are baptized, all your sins are washed away. You are cleansed from all your past sins. As we live life, we continue to make mistakes and slip up sometimes, but each week, as we take the sacrament, we can renew our covenants and try to do better than the week before. As we continue on our path to discipleship, you may only get baptized once, but the covenant you make will last your whole life and beyond. The Gift of the Holy Ghost After we have been baptized, we are blessed to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to be with us as our constant companion, guide, comforter, and protector. The Holy Ghost is a guide who will never lead us astray. He communicates with us through a still, small voice, and it is up to us to choose to follow it or not. We also need to learn for ourselves what actions we take to invite the Holy Ghost or drive him away. As you choose to live in a way that invites the Holy Ghost, you will feel peace and joy. Life will still be hard and, at times, complicated. People in your life will still pass away, and people will still get sick. But your life experiences are for you. No one else can live your life or progress in life for you. And having the Holy Ghost by your side can make all the difference in the world when you choose to let him be your guide. Don't Stop There Coming closer to Christ and constructing your foundation in Him is only the beginning. Whatever you do, always start with faith in Christ, look for ways you can improve, and choose to let Christ lead you and understand how His Atonement works for you in your life. This week, I invite you to ponder ways you can revisit these four principles. See what the Spirit is trying to communicate with you and act on it. Nothing can bring you closer to Christ than actively choosing to reach out to Him because He is reaching right back. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blogs and episodes here.

Shooting with Lexi Lagan: A Journey of Faith, Joy, and Perseverance

by Julia Denner
Sep 13, 2024

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, Lexi Lagan, a two-time Olympian, shared her incredible journey from a small-town Nevada girl to an internationally recognized Olympic shooter. Having competed in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Lexi has risen to prominence in the shooting sports world, but her journey hasn’t been solely about medals and accolades. She speaks candidly about how her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ has guided her through life's trials and triumphs. Born in Boulder City, Nevada, Lexi came from a close-knit family and pursued a physics and political science degree at the University of Utah. While her academic journey was impressive, her athletic career soon took center stage, leading her to Colorado Springs, where she began training as a professional shooter. But Lexi’s story is not just about athletic prowess—it’s about how faith and perseverance have shaped her into the resilient, driven woman she is today. This blog post will explore four core areas of Lexi’s faith journey: finding strength in Jesus Christ, leaning on prayer in difficult moments, understanding the role of divine timing, and experiencing joy through adversity. Each section will explore how her faith has intertwined with her Olympic career and personal life, inspiring readers to incorporate faith into their own daily experiences. 1. Finding Strength in Jesus Christ Lexi’s journey as an Olympic athlete has been deeply intertwined with her faith in Jesus Christ. From a young age, she recognized that her athletic abilities were gifts that needed to be nurtured, not just for personal success, but as a way to glorify God. Through her many achievements, Lexi credits her strength, perseverance, and resilience to her reliance on Jesus Christ. Throughout her training and competitions, Lexi found that whenever she strengthened her spiritual relationship, her shooting performances would improve as well. She realized that the more she leaned into her faith and sought strength from Jesus, the easier it became to face challenges in her sport. Whether it was a tough training day or a high-pressure competition, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and capability when she centered her thoughts on Christ. Her time competing on the world stage wasn’t always smooth sailing. One particularly challenging moment occurred during her trip to New Delhi for a World Cup competition when she was stuck in a potentially dangerous situation due to political unrest. Despite the chaos, Lexi turned to prayer, finding solace in her unshakable belief that God was watching over her. This profound trust in Jesus Christ provided her with the calm and strength to navigate uncertainty with grace. 2. Leaning on Prayer in Difficult Moments For Lexi, prayer has been an essential part of her daily routine, especially during moments of uncertainty or fear. In her Olympic journey, Lexi frequently encountered situations where the stakes were high, and the pressure was overwhelming. However, she consistently turned to prayer as a way to find peace and connect with God in those critical moments. One of the most viral moments of her career came from a photograph of her praying before stepping onto the shooting line at the Tokyo Olympics. This image captured the essence of Lexi’s reliance on God—before competing, she doesn’t pray to win, but rather for comfort, guidance, and the reminder that He is always with her, regardless of the outcome. Her prayer was a moment of grounding and reflection, helping her stay focused on what truly mattered: her relationship with Christ. During the interview, Lexi also recounted a terrifying experience while stranded in New Delhi amidst escalating political tension. Rather than succumbing to fear, she prayed for comfort and protection. Lexi’s faith assured her that she was being watched over and that her Heavenly Father was with her every step of the way. It was through prayer that she found the strength to face each challenge with a calm and steadfast heart. 3. Understanding the Role of Divine Timing Lexi’s life is a testament to divine timing—how every event, no matter how unexpected, aligns with God’s plan. One of the most significant instances of this was how she met her husband during a simple mini-golf outing with friends. At the time, Lexi had no idea that this casual event would lead her to the love of her life. Yet, as she looked back, she saw that everything happened according to God’s perfect timing. Even in moments of professional uncertainty, Lexi trusted that God had a plan for her. She shared a story of how her funding was unexpectedly cut just two weeks before Christmas, leaving her with the prospect of homelessness. Instead of despairing, Lexi leaned on her faith, trusting that God would provide. Through the support of friends and her own resourcefulness, she found a way forward, and the experience only strengthened her resolve. Lexi encourages listeners to trust in the process, even when the road seems difficult. She emphasizes that God’s plan may not always align with our personal expectations, but it is always for our greater good. By focusing on the bigger picture and trusting in divine timing, Lexi was able to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth, both in her personal life and career. 4. Experiencing Joy Through Adversity A common misconception is that faith in Jesus Christ eliminates the challenges and hardships of life. Lexi’s story shows that while challenges are inevitable, faith offers a path to experience joy even amidst adversity. Despite facing numerous personal and professional struggles, Lexi has always found joy in her relationship with Christ. Lexi speaks openly about how the church has been a guiding light in her life, teaching her the difference between happiness and joy. While happiness is often fleeting, tied to circumstances, joy is a deep, abiding feeling rooted in faith and the knowledge of God’s love. This joy has carried her through some of the most difficult moments of her life, including the pressures of competing on the world stage, financial struggles, and moments of fear. Reflecting on her journey, Lexi emphasizes that joy comes from recognizing how deeply God loves each individual. Despite the millions of people on Earth, she feels a personal connection with her Heavenly Father, who knows her by name and has guided her steps every day of her life. This recognition fuels the joy that she carries with her, even during the toughest times. Conclusion: A Call to Action Lexi Lagan’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith, prayer, and trust in God’s plan can shape a life filled with joy, perseverance, and purpose. Her journey from a small-town girl to an Olympic athlete is not just a tale of athletic achievement but of spiritual growth and reliance on Christ. Lexi’s ability to turn to Jesus in times of triumph and trial has enabled her to navigate life’s challenges with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith. If you feel inspired by Lexi’s story, consider taking steps to invite Christ into your daily life. Here are some simple ways to start: Dedicate a few minutes each day to prayer, asking for guidance and strength in your personal journey. Reflect on moments of hardship and look for how God’s hand has guided you, even when the outcome wasn’t what you expected. Share your faith with others, just as Lexi did with her husband, and encourage those around you to seek a relationship with Christ. As Lexi’s story shows, finding strength in Christ can transform every aspect of your life—whether you’re striving for an Olympic gold or simply navigating the challenges of daily life.