Reflection #6

1. Mayor Winder talked about the challenge of balancing career and church assignments with the need to be involved in serving in your community and government. Describe how you will go about including community and government service in your life.

Members in my home ward have been wonderful examples to me of involving themselves in their community. The city I still live in, Alpharetta, was recently split a year ago to create the new city of Johns Creek. The families who were districted to be in this new city made sure their voice was heard by attending various city councils and by becoming board members for various school and new city councils. They were able to share their voice and opinions on how they wanted the new schools in the city to be funded and how they should be districted. I think it goes back to the saying of being in the world, but not of the world. You can't pretend that your community and government won't affect your church membership and life, but if you are apart of those institutions you can better share the gospel with others and make sure that the values you hold dear are upholded.

1. In Mayor Winders research on the history of church leaders interactions with Presidents of the Untied States, one conclusion that has been apparent is the importance of good people serving in and around government. Identify ways that you can have that type of positive influence in both your community and nationally. Please include various ways in which you see yourself being able to lead.

I think you don't necessarily have to be in a titled position to lead by example. I think it is important, however, to be a light unto others and make sure your example is seen and heard. In my home community, I was semi-involved with the North Fulton Community Charities organization and while I only had the title of volunteer, I found myself leading others in small ways. Such as teaching someone the system of sorting the various items that came through the thrift store donations or by being a mediator between Spanish and non-Spanish speakers. As long as you are living your life as you know you should be, you will be presented with small and large opportunities to serve and lead in your community.

1. As you evaluate your experience this year in a leadership role, describe what motivated you to make the commitment you have made in your year of service with BYUSA.

I have felt the spirit while serving with BYUSA and I have seen how it has impacted my life, and the lives of others. I felt the vision come to life and to literally see those I served with being spiritually fed and cared for by doing simple and large acts of service. I know that this is the Lord's university and that He has provided an organization that will prepare the youth to become the future leaders of the church. Seeing those I would not have considered leaders become leaders centered on Jesus Christ and how it provided them with confidence and self worth is what thrills me. People are my motivation for serving here in BYUSA and in other areas of my life as well.