Serving in Secret

There was an article posted in the Church News at the end of January

encouraging the Youth of the church to give service secretly.

It was written by Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, the YW General President, and she tied it in with the 2015 Mutual theme of how to "Embark in the service of God."

We wanted to share some of our favorite highlights from the article (and encourage you to go read it as well)

because we felt like this was a perfect match up with the Acts of Love

that we shared during the first two weeks of this month.

Sister Oscarson talks about listening for "SOS" signals from those around us.

Many times you will notice that someone seems sad or lonely, or perhaps you don't notice anything different at all but the Spirit prompts you to reach out to them.

You have SO much power to do good, to help these individuals who need a friend.

A simple hug, a note to say hello, an unexpected visit or phone call.

These things and many more can help lift their spirit and help them feel Heavenly Father's love.

And these things can (and should) be done in quiet, without fanfare. Sister Oscarson said, "There is much to be said for the quiet acts of service of which no one ever knows except the one being served and the server." She shares the scripture Matthew 6:1&3 that reads, "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven...But when thou doest alms, let not they left hand know what thy right hand doeth."

We have many opportunities to quietly serve inside and outside of our homes.

You can observe your family members and look for needs they might have - helping a younger sibling with homework, quietly cleaning up a mess you didn't make, or being a positive influence in your words and actions.

Outside of your family, you can take notice of friends or neighbors who may need a hand or just a friend to sit by.

One of my favorite scriptures and one that Sister Oscarson shares is D&C 81:5 where we are asked to "be faithful...succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."

I promise that when you pay attention to these "SOS" signals from others, when you take time to reach out and lift them up, that good things happen. They will feel your love and in kind the love of God. They will have an added support and strength and perhaps even an answer to prayer. You will begin to feel more confident in your ability to help others and be an influence for good. You will feel the joy that comes in serving God's children and you will begin to see how you can change things for the better instead of being pulled down by problems or negativity.

So take a look around. Keep close to the Spirit.

Who can you help and how can you quietly serve them?

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Good Works Value Experience #3: Read Mosiah 18:7-10, and in your journal list three ways you can comfort others or help them bear their burdens. Do the things on your list, and tell a family member or leader about the experience and how your attitude and understanding have changed.