Ellen S. Knell, associate director at the Center for Language Studies, talks about finding light in small spiritual experiences, her language learning journey, embracing incremental progress, finding comfort in grief, and the value of personal growth.
Small, incremental moments of inspiration contribute to faith and understanding
Learning diverse languages and fostering cultural understanding through immersion experiences
Deep dives
Discovering Rays of Light in Life's Journey
In recounting her experiences, the speaker reflects on the significance of small, incremental moments of inspiration and learning, likening them to rays of light that gradually contribute to the growth of faith and understanding. She shares a personal narrative of receiving a spiritual prompting to serve a mission, initially met with uncertainty, which ultimately led to a transformative mission experience in Taiwan. Through perseverance and faith, she navigated challenges, including learning a new language, and recognized how seemingly small moments contributed to her spiritual development.
Language Learning and Cultural Engagement
Transitioning to a discussion on language learning and cultural exchange, the speaker highlights her career in language research and teaching at BYU's Language Sciences Lab. She emphasizes the importance of immersion programs and dual-language education, drawing from her experiences in Hong Kong and Africa. The speaker's passion for teaching diverse languages and fostering cultural understanding exemplifies the impact of incremental learning and the value of embracing opportunities for growth.
Embracing Small Learning for Personal Growth
In a poignant reflection on personal loss and resilience, the speaker recalls the profound grief of losing her daughter and the journey of finding solace and spiritual light in the aftermath. Through the support of others and a commitment to seeking tender mercies and incremental growth, she discovered the transformative power of faith and perseverance. The speaker's poignant story underscores the enduring nature of small learning moments in navigating life's challenges and finding strength in the midst of trials.
While we may not have instant pillar-of-light experiences, many rays of light fill our lives, and as we gather them, our testimonies grow. Ellen S. Knell, associate director of curriculum and instruction at the Center for Language Studies, delivered this devotional address on July 2, 2024. You can access the talk here.