Drew Mail 1-13-2020: "Bold as a Lion"

 Hey everyone!! How are you doing? It's crazy to think that I now have 6 months as a missionary!! I am eternally grateful for the lessons that I have learned and the person that I am becoming. I know that Heavenly Father truly has a plan for each one of us, and that He will help each of us reach our divine potential to become like Him as we put our faith in Him and fear not. Often times when we go through life we can have fear of acting or doing the things we know we ought to do. It can be hard to move forward when the way isn't clear, but as we act in faith and choose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ we can have our path lit step by step and eventually return to our Heavenly Home safe and sound. 

As I have spent time here in Uruguay serving as a missionary I have had moments where I have felt doubt and uncertainty of how to help others learn and come closer to Christ, but as I have been able to just open my mouth and try, I have seen Heavenly help and guidance. So many times when I have been on a bus, passed someone in the street I have felt the desire to help them and said a silent prayer that Heavenly Father would help me help them if I just open my mouth. I have had many times when I have been given what to say, and have been directed what to focus on with this individual person. On the other hand I have had times when I have not actively listened to what someone is saying or what the Holy Ghost is trying to tell me, and have missed opportunities to help in the best way. But I know that as we truly try, Heavenly Father will lead us and make up the difference.  

The other thing I have been able to learn is the importance of standing for the truth. When someone says something that is not true, or when others are acting in a way that isn't right we need to stand up and not be afraid to speak up. I have struggled with this as I do not like to offend others, but I know that we have a responsibility to defend the truth and act as Christ would. We can have the confidence that he will help and support us as we put our faith in Him and boldly give our all to Him. He has a purpose for all things and as we truly do the best we can, He will bless us and we will be led safely through back home to him. 

Quiero testificar que yo sé que al ser leales a Jesucristo, podemos ver milagros. Podemos superar desafíos, aprender y progresar. Testifico que no importa lo que pasa si tenemos Jesucristo al lado. Testifico que todas personas pueden cambiar y llegar a ser más cerca de Dios. Testifico que él nos ama y que va a ayudarnos en todas las cosas a medida que pongamos nuestra confianza en él.  (I testify that I know that by being loyal to Jesus Christ, we can see miracles.  We can overcome trials, learn and progress.  I testify that it doesn't matter what happens if we have Jesus Christ by our side.   I testify that all people can change and become closer to God.  I testify that he love us and that He will help us in all things as long as we put our confidence in Him.)

~ Elder McDonald