In today's world, violence and hostility make up the majority of the evening news. Bomb scares, death threats, brutality and destruction can be found in every newspaper. With so much darkness in the world, where can people go for a source of light?
Neil Andersen, religious leader, and Harvard graduate said, "With the confusion and commotion of today's world, it's not surprising that fewer people are attending their places of worship. Although many want to be closer to God and to better understand the purpose of life, they have unanswered questions"¦You can help answer their questions. In your everyday conversations, you can add to their faith in Christ. The Savior said: 'Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up.'"
There are many of us who carry light in a darkened world. We know joy in a world of sorrow and peace in a time of storms. We have the ability to lift heavy burdens, heal wounded hearts, and bless weary souls. We even have the ability to bring light to a darkened world, changing the world each time we share that light with others, lighting one heart, one candle at a time.
Here are 10 ways to let your light shine.
Create a blog
Use your writing ability to share your light and your testimony. Share with readers how God has helped you in your own life and help people understand who they can look to for their own light.
Use Social Media
Share links on Facebook and Twitter that lead to articles or stories that are uplifting and share the light of the Savior with others. Post scripture passages that you have been reading, enlightening thoughts, or lessons you have learned from your own experiences.
Be neighborly
Get to know your neighbors and learn to love them. Invite them to your home and let them feel of the spirit that resides there. Be kind and respectful and help them feel loved.
Invite
Don't be afraid to invite your friends to church or church activities. If they know how important your religion is to you, they may already want to be a part of it.
Smile
Wherever you go, look people in the eyes, and smile. It seems so simple, but a smile can bring light into a person's life quicker than anything else you can do.
Serve
If you see someone struggling with groceries, help them to their car. If you see a mother with a baby carrier, hold the door for her. Look for opportunities to serve. They are all around you. One small act of service can change someone's day, and possibly their life. Everything good comes from God, and your service will allow God's spirit to touch their heart.
Give compliments
There are always opportunities to compliment others, and every compliment you give is another way for the spirit to touch someone's heart. Spread goodness, and you are spreading the spirit of God.
Bare testimony
No matter who I am talking to, I bring God into the conversation. For example, when the conversation is on anything that can be considered a blessing, I express my gratitude to Heavenly Father for giving it to me. When the conversation is on my children, I explain how Heavenly Father helps me on a daily basis. When the conversation is on trials, I explain how I trust Heavenly Father's plan for me. My life is centered on God, and because of that, he is also a part of every conversation. Those who know me have no doubt what I believe in because I tell them. I don't do it in a preachy way, and I don't force my beliefs on anyone else, but I am not afraid to let people know what I believe in because it is central to who I am.
Use your talents
Whatever your talents, you can use them to bless the lives of others and help spread light. Whether it's through music, writing, art, photography, digital imaging, computer programming, or any number of other talents, you can use your talent for good and spread the light of the Savior to others. Think of the talents you have and how you can use them to change the world.
Fear not
Don't be afraid to talk to strangers, in the supermarket, on the airplane, at the park. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation and let your voice be heard. In his address, Andersen promised, "Words to speak will be given in the very moment you need them. Opportunities will open to you. Faith will overcome doubt, and the Lord will bless you with your very own miracles." Let his promise work for you. Open your mouth and fear not. If you carry the light of the Savior, he really will bless you with miracles to share his light with others.
Whatever your faith or religion, when you share your truth, you have the ability to add light to a darkened world. So shine on. Let your light shine. Sharing your truth just might change the world.
