Prez Says: Be Yourself

The Prez Says… Marjorie Hinckley once presented a fireside at BYU where she captivated and delighted an audience of 12,000. At the conclusion of her remarks the audience jumped to their feet and gave her a standing ovation. She later remarked how surprised she was by the audience’s responsiveness. A friend told her, “Marge, they loved you because you were so relaxed and just yourself.” Sister Hinckley replied, “I couldn’t think of anyone else to be!”

Just being ourselves and honestly sharing the stories and lessons of our lives builds meaningful connections and true friendships. “When we risk sharing our real feelings, we develop relationships of understanding and trust. For we cannot really care or be cared for, love or be loved, understand or be understood, unless we are willing to open our treasures of time, substances, and self.” (Lloyd Newell, “May Peace Be With You”)

When we share how our lives really are, rather than trying to look like we always have it all together, it’s affirming and encouraging to others. When speakers tell personal stories the audience’s attention is riveted because honest stories and life lessons are meaningful gifts that can help everyone feel braver, stronger, less alone, and more capable of making it through life’s challenges.

This time of year brings many hellos and goodbyes in our ward. Let’s be as genuine, as relaxed, as open, as honest, and as real as Sister Hinckley was at the BYU fireside, and just be ourselves. By doing this we will build bridges of friendship and love that help us with our lives and that can span eternity.