Dietitian

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

Sacrificing Your Time to Serve the Lord: Lessons from a Collegiate Athlete Turned Missionary

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, I had the pleasure of speaking with McKinley Willardson, a collegiate basketball player from Brigham Young University who has chosen to put her athletic career on hold to serve an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

McKinley's story is truly inspiring. As a freshman on BYU's women's basketball team during their inaugural season in the Big 12 conference, she had a promising future ahead of her. However, she felt called to serve a mission and made the difficult decision to pause her collegiate athletic career. McKinley's choice to sacrifice her time and talents for the Lord's work is a powerful example of faith in action.

In our conversation, we explored the blessings that come from dedicating ourselves to God's service, the challenges of making such a significant decision, and the importance of trusting in the Lord's plan for our lives. McKinley's experiences offer valuable insights for anyone considering how they can best serve the Lord and make a difference in the world.

The Power of Personal Revelation

One of the most striking aspects of McKinley's decision to serve a mission was her reliance on personal revelation. As she faced the crossroads of continuing her basketball career or embarking on a mission, McKinley turned to prayer and scripture study for guidance. This process of seeking divine direction is a crucial element in making life-changing decisions.

McKinley shared how her experiences at youth camps, such as EFY (Especially for Youth) and FSY (For the Strength of Youth), helped strengthen her testimony and develop habits of regular scripture study and prayer. These practices laid the foundation for her ability to receive personal revelation when it mattered most.

By consistently nurturing her spiritual connection through these habits, McKinley was able to feel confident in her decision to serve a mission, even when it meant stepping away from her basketball career. Her experience reminds us of the importance of cultivating our own personal relationship with God through regular spiritual practices.

Overcoming Challenges and Doubts

Making the choice to serve a mission, especially as a collegiate athlete, is not without its challenges. McKinley candidly discussed the doubts and concerns she faced during the decision-making process. She had to grapple with questions about her future in basketball, her education, and the potential impact on her long-term goals.

Despite these uncertainties, McKinley found strength in her faith and the support of her family and spiritual mentors. She recognized that the temporary sacrifice of her athletic pursuits would yield eternal blessings and opportunities for growth. This perspective allowed her to move forward with confidence, knowing that she was following the path God had prepared for her.

McKinley's experience teaches us that it's normal to face doubts and challenges when making significant life decisions, especially those related to serving the Lord. However, by staying grounded in our faith and seeking guidance through prayer and scripture study, we can find the courage to overcome these obstacles and follow the promptings we receive.

The Ripple Effect of Service

As we discussed McKinley's upcoming mission to Independence, Missouri, it became clear that her decision to serve would have a far-reaching impact beyond her own life. She spoke about the people she would meet and teach, recognizing that her unique experiences and personality were specifically needed in that area.

This concept of being called to serve in a particular place at a particular time highlights the divine nature of missionary work. McKinley's willingness to put her own plans on hold opens up opportunities for others to hear the gospel message and experience the joy it brings.

Moreover, McKinley's example of faith and sacrifice serves as an inspiration to her teammates, fellow students, and others who may be considering how they can best serve the Lord. By choosing to dedicate this time to missionary service, she is creating a ripple effect that will likely influence many others to examine their own lives and seek ways to serve.

Finding Joy in Sacrifice

Throughout our conversation, one theme that consistently emerged was the joy that comes from serving the Lord. Despite the challenges and sacrifices involved, McKinley expressed genuine excitement and anticipation for her mission experience.

She shared an analogy from President Uchtdorf about the Wright brothers and their father experiencing the joy of flight. This story illustrates how the joy we find in following Christ and serving others far surpasses any worldly pleasures or accomplishments. McKinley's enthusiasm for her upcoming mission was a testament to this principle.

By choosing to serve, McKinley is embracing an opportunity for personal growth, spiritual development, and the chance to bring joy to others through sharing the gospel. Her experience reminds us that true happiness comes not from pursuing our own interests but from dedicating ourselves to a higher purpose and serving others.

The Blessings of Serving the Lord

As we reflect on McKinley's decision to serve a mission and the insights she shared, it's clear that there are numerous blessings that come from sacrificing our time and efforts for the Lord's work. Here are some key benefits we can expect when we choose to serve:

1. Spiritual Growth

Increased faith and testimony
A deeper understanding of gospel principles
Stronger personal relationship with God

2. Personal Development

Enhanced communication skills
Greater empathy and compassion for others
Improved ability to overcome challenges

3. Eternal Perspective

A clearer understanding of God's plan for us
Increased focus on what truly matters in life
Ability to see beyond temporary setbacks or sacrifices

4. Joy and Fulfillment

Sense of purpose and meaning in life
Happiness that comes from serving others
Satisfaction of contributing to God's work

These blessings, among many others, make the sacrifices required to serve the Lord more than worthwhile. As McKinley's experience demonstrates, when we put our trust in God and follow His guidance, we open ourselves up to experiences and growth opportunities that far exceed our own limited plans.

A Call to Action: Seeking Your Own Path of Service

I want to encourage each of you to prayerfully consider how you can best serve in your own life. While not everyone is called to serve a full-time mission like McKinley, there are countless ways we can dedicate our time and talents to the Lord's work.

I invite you to take the following steps:

1. Pray for guidance: Ask Heavenly Father to help you understand how you can best serve Him and others. Be open to receiving answers in unexpected ways.

2. Study the scriptures: Look for examples of service in the scriptures and pay attention to any verses or stories that particularly resonate with you.

3. Reflect on your talents and circumstances: Consider your unique skills, experiences, and current situation. How might these be used to bless others and further the Lord's work?

4. Seek counsel from spiritual leaders: Discuss your desires to serve with your bishop, quorum and Relief Society leaders, or other trusted spiritual mentors. They may have insights or opportunities you haven't considered.

5. Start small: Remember that service doesn't always have to involve grand gestures. Look for simple ways to serve in your family, ward, or community.

6. Be willing to sacrifice: As you identify opportunities to serve, be prepared to make sacrifices of your time, comfort, or personal interests. Trust that the blessings will outweigh any temporary discomfort.

7. Act on promptings: When you feel inspired to serve in a particular way, have the courage to act on those promptings, even if they seem challenging or unconventional.

Remember, as we learned from McKinley's experience, the Lord has a unique plan for each of us. By sacrificing our time and efforts to serve Him, we open ourselves up to incredible blessings, personal growth, and the joy that comes from participating in His work.

As you embark on your own journey of service, trust in the Lord's guidance and be open to the transformative power of dedicating yourself to His purposes. Whether through formal missionary service, volunteer work, ministering to others, or finding unique ways to share your talents, your willingness to serve will not only bless others but will also bring you closer to God and help you discover your true potential as His child.

May we all find the courage and faith to follow McKinley's example and seek out ways to sacrifice our time in service to the Lord. As we do so, we'll discover that the blessings we receive far outweigh any temporary sacrifices we make, and we'll experience the deep joy and fulfillment that comes from aligning our lives with God's will.

Tags:

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints LDS missionary testimony mission called to serve

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.

Beacons of Light Throughout a Bobsledding Career

by Julia Denner
Aug 16, 2024

In this week's inspiring episode of Why We Believe, I had the privilege of speaking with Jeremy Holm, an author, youth speaker, and former Olympic bobsledder. Jeremy's unique experiences, from racing dragsters to serving a mission in Honduras and Belize, have shaped his profound faith and understanding of God's love for His children. In this blog post, we'll explore Jeremy's experiences and the valuable lessons he's learned about recognizing God's presence in our lives, overcoming doubt, and finding strength in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Recognizing God's Light in Everyday Moments Jeremy's small, everyday experiences helped him recognize God's presence in his life. There is a sense of an almost divine fulfillment that comes when we strive to make the most of our God-given talents and abilities. Unexpected spiritual experiences solidified Jeremy’s testimony of Joseph Smith and the restored gospel. They remind us that God's light can shine through in the most ordinary of moments if we're open to recognizing it. Jeremy's experiences on the bobsled track have become unexpected sources of spiritual growth. He often found himself kneeling on the cold Olympic ice before a race, not praying for victory but for guidance and safety. Taking time to focus on God in the midst of our experiences brings us closer to Him and can show God we choose to put him first. Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Faith Even though Jeremy has had strong spiritual experiences, he isn’t immune to struggles with doubt and anxiety. We are all human; the earth has fallen, and it was never meant to be easy. Understanding that the gospel teaches the principle of perseverance will really help us understand why we choose to be patient and long-suffering. Jeremy's struggles with anxiety have happened throughout his life. Eventually, becoming what he describes as his "thorn in the flesh." However, he learned to view this challenge not as a failure of faith but as an opportunity for growth and reliance on the Savior. He emphasizes that it's okay to struggle and that these challenges are part of our mortal experience. Jeremy’s bishop once said, "You're not failing, you're human." This helps us realize that God loves us for our efforts, not our perfection and that even in our struggles, we are still valued children of God. A Lifeline in Times of Struggle After experiencing a bobsled crash, Jeremy was racked with guilt, blaming himself for what happened. As his father helped him repair the bobsled, Jeremy realized that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there to help us repair the damage in our lives. The Atonement isn't just about forgiveness but about restoration and getting us "back out there" on the track of life. This experience deepened Jeremy's understanding of the Savior's role in our lives. He learned that Christ is always there, ready to help us when we feel overwhelmed, when we've made mistakes, or when we simply need support. It's a powerful reminder that no matter how badly we may have crashed, there's always a loving hand reaching out to lift us up. Faith is Not a Slippery Slope Jeremy Holm's story and experiences remind us that God's light can be found in the most unexpected places - whether it's on a bobsled track, in a quiet bedroom, or in the midst of our deepest struggles. As we reflect on Jeremy's story, we're invited to consider our own spiritual journeys. By incorporating God’s principles into our lives, we can, like Jeremy, find God's light guiding us through both the triumphs and challenges of our mortal journey. God is aware of you individually. He's cheering you on, proud of your accomplishments, and ready to embrace you with His love at every stage of your life. 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.

Growing Faith Through Life's Challenges with Cheryl Conner

by Julia Denner
Jun 28, 2024

Growing Faith Through Life's Challenges with Cheryl Conner This week on Why We Believe, I had the privilege of sitting down with Cheryl Conner, a remarkable woman whose experiences are just as inspiring as she is. Cheryl is the founder of SnappConner PR and the author of the Forbes ebook Beyond PR: Communication Like a Champ in the Digital Age. Her expertise in public relations and communications has earned her a spot among the top 20 business influencers to follow, as recognized by Clear Points. Cheryl's story is a testament to the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges and finding purpose in our experiences. From childhood miracles to navigating personal struggles, her life experiences illustrate how faith is a guiding light through both triumphs and tribulations. We'll explore insights on growing faith through repentance, scripture study, and meaningful interactions with others. Growing Faith Through Repentance Repentance is fundamental in our faith, and Cheryl's experiences highlight its transformative power. Understanding the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the gift of forgiveness. When genuine repentance occurs, the sin is truly forgiven and is not held against the individual. It allows us to move past our sins and overcome them in ways we didn’t think we could. Understanding forgiveness and repentance helps grow our faith. Actively participating in the Atonement can bring so much more peace and happiness than any of us can imagine. It is never our job to be the judge of others, and the Atonement helps anyone come closer to Christ regardless of their past. The Power of Scripture in Strengthening Faith The Bible and the Book of Mormon, demonstrate how the study of scripture can profoundly impact the growth rate of faith. For Cheryl an intensive study allows her to approach each day with new eyes. Each day brings new blessings and new challenges and she is able to face it all when she has scripture and prayer to fall back on. Regular scripture study can provide anyone with strength and perspective during difficult times. It has helped Cheryl maintain focus on her beliefs and values, even when faced with personal and professional challenges. The scriptures became a source of comfort, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment that sustained her faith. Learning Faith Through Others' Examples Interactions with others can significantly influence the growth of our faith. It all comes down to how we choose to react and what we choose to do as we talk to others about our faith and in turn, listen to them and foster communication and understanding. Cheryl's mother, a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has demonstrated unwavering faith throughout her life. Even in the face of losing her husband, Cheryl's mother maintained her faith and chose to see the positive side of things. This example of steadfast faith has been a constant source of inspiration for Cheryl, influencing her own approach to life's challenges. Putting Faith to Action Cheryl's experiences demonstrate that faith is not merely a set of beliefs, but a guide for how to approach different aspects of life. She has found numerous ways to put her faith into action, strengthening it in the process. One of the key ways Cheryl has lived her faith is through service. During particularly challenging times in her life, Cheryl found that as she focused on serving others her own worries dissipated. She discovered that by losing herself in service, she often found the peace and happiness she was seeking. Some ways to work on your faith include: Regular scripture study Serving others, especially during personal challenges Standing firm in your beliefs in all aspects of life Seeking opportunities to share your faith with others Practicing forgiveness and repentance with others and yourself Conclusion: A Call to Action Faith is not static. It grows and deepens through our life experiences, challenges, and interactions with others. Consider how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. Are there opportunities for us to deepen our understanding of forgiveness and repentance? Can we commit to more meaningful engagement with our spiritual texts? How can we learn from the faithful examples of those around us? Let's challenge ourselves to put our faith into action. Whether it's through service, standing firm in our beliefs, or seeking opportunities to share our faith with others, each action we take can strengthen our convictions and potentially impact others. Our words and actions can have far-reaching effects that we may never fully comprehend. By living our faith authentically and courageously, we not only strengthen our own beliefs but also have the potential to positively influence others, creating a ripple effect of faith and goodness in the world. Let us take inspiration from Cheryl's journey and commit to nurturing our faith, not just in times of ease, but especially in the face of challenges. For it is often through these trials that our faith grows strongest, shaping us into individuals of deep conviction and positive influence. 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!

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!