Preparing to Make a Difference | Elaine A. Cannon | November 1981
Aug 23, 2023
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Elaine A. Cannon, known for her emphasis on spiritual preparation, discusses how to genuinely make a difference in the world. She shares personal testimonies emphasizing gratitude and readiness for service. A poignant story about an elderly woman named Phoenix illustrates resilience in challenging situations. Cannon highlights the importance of small acts of kindness and Christlike service, encouraging listeners to nurture their spiritual gifts and foster a community spirit in uplifting others. This enlightening conversation inspires a deeper commitment to making a positive impact.
Preparation, both spiritually and intellectually, is crucial for making a significant positive impact in the world.
Understanding and addressing the true needs of others is essential for effective service, emphasizing the importance of empathy and communication.
Deep dives
The Call to Gratitude
The speaker emphasizes the importance of gratitude during the Thanksgiving season, noting that individuals must recognize the blessings they possess while also reflecting on the responsibility to contribute positively to the lives of others. She highlights that true appreciation stems from understanding the gifts provided by God and emphasizes that expressing gratitude is a commandment, as seen in the Doctrine and Covenants. This recognition of one's blessings should motivate individuals to share their gifts with others, thus fostering a spirit of giving. Moreover, she articulates that a lack of gratitude could lead to offending God, underscoring the spiritual significance of being thankful.
Preparation for Service
The idea of being a 'prepared army' is central to the discussion, where the speaker encourages listeners to equip themselves spiritually and intellectually to make a difference in the world. She draws a parallel between personal preparation and the story of Phoenix Jackson, a character who undertakes a challenging journey to help her ailing grandson, showing dedication and compassion. This analogy serves to illustrate the need for individuals to be proactive and ready to act when called upon, highlighting that preparation enables effective service. The speaker also cites her own experiences and teachings of Christ as a model for retreating and seeking guidance before engaging in significant tasks.
Understanding Others' Needs
The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding others' needs in service efforts, stressing that effective assistance goes beyond mere charity to address what individuals truly require. She shares a personal anecdote about neighbors attempting to help a struggling family but ultimately misunderstanding their true needs, which led to unintended negative consequences. This illustrates the idea that service should be customized to the recipient's situation rather than based on assumptions. By highlighting the necessity of treating people according to their wants, she reinforces the value of empathy and communication in building meaningful support systems within communities.
We are often filled with the desire to make a difference in the world. In order to have the impact we want, however, we must prepare spiritually. Click here to view the speech page.