Am I My Sister’s Keeper? Yes!
Story #1
Some time ago, a friend told me that once she put her missionary badge on, she felt empowered to speak up boldly. This was something she hadn’t ever been able to do before. One day, while checking out at the store, she decided to visit with the clerk. He was a refugee and was still somewhat shy about speaking English. She began explaining her badge and offered a brief testimony. (She said wearing that badge freed up a host of opportunities for her in all kinds of situations!) Walking to her car with her bags, a man ran up to her. He explained he was standing behind her in line and was interested in learning more about what she was saying.
Story #2
Recently, I heard a friend share an experience she had. While skating with her family, she happened to notice another family where the father was teasing his little girls. This teasing was just a little too rough and inappropriate: having the girls lay on top of him, tickling their inner thighs, etc. She could see the ten-year-old girl, in particular, was uncomfortable and embarrassed. Anyway, being a strong advocate of protecting the home, she bravely went over to address this father’s behavior. A moment like this can easily backfire, but luckily, she was able to say her “peace,” smile reassuringly at the girls, and walk away.
Story #3
Sitting in a Relief Society meeting, I quietly listened as the discussion centered on the value Relief Society in our lives. The teacher seemed to be encouraging the sisters to recognize that Relief Society rarely offered us anything, except for the possibility of shame at not measuring up. My heart was pounding, and I knew the Lord wanted me to say something, but I was scared. Brushing aside my fears, I spoke up to bear testimony that Relief Society is an organization to help us do the work of the Lord.
We are all in this together
All three of these stories have one thing in common. We are truly our sisters’ keepers. We want the best for other people, and even when it puts us in a scary position to speak up, boldly, and the Lord is prompting us to do so, we need to act on it.
It also helps to have a firm conviction of what it is we’re defending.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks’ talk, in October 1986, “Brother’s Keeper,” gives us direction to act in situations like these. “To follow in the footsteps of the only perfect person who ever lived, we must expect to stretch our souls.” He also talks about the courage to speak up, but to speak up with compassion. Sometimes, in a scary situation, you just don’t know how your voice is going to come across, but if your heart is in the right place, the Lord will surely know it.
While having a firm conviction of right over wrong; truth over hypocrisy; love over ignorance, hate, and evil, I liked these words from Elder Oaks: “Most people would rather see a sermon than hear one.”
Yes, I am my sister’s keeper. Are you?