Blog #8: Why Don't People Care?

In my high school psychology class, we talked about the fact that many people act out of their own best interests, and relatively few are able to reach the stage of cognitive development where actions are done out of interest for what is right or what is good. That is not to say that most people are bad, but they are focused on themselves rather than on the "greater good". At the time I found this to be a rather cynical way of looking at the world. Surely people would not be so selfish as to act only in accordance to their own will. Unfortunately, I have come to see that, although people may think they want to act for the good of others, when push comes to shove they will better themselves, even at the expense of others. Perhaps that is why those who put their best interests aside to help someone else are considered heroes. They have deviated from the norm in a way that people admire. However, that admiration is rarely exemplified through actions. People are more content to look out for themselves than for others. I have noticed that with efforts to raise awareness for the Invisible Children Organization and the issues of child soldiers in Africa. While people think they want to help, when given the opportunity they often will decline. Some even consider it a waste of time, and very bluntly tell me they do not care. I simply do not understand why people would do this. Why are people so short-sighted that they refuse to see past themselves. Honestly I find it disgusting. It comes as a newsflash to a lot of people, but the world is not all about you! The faster you figure that out, the better off you will be. Because until you get out of yourself and reach to others, no one will want to reach out to you.

Blog #7: Helping the Poor

Today in my Doctrine and Covenants class we talked about giving to the poor and those in need. We mentioned people in the United States who live in a small home with four or five other families. For much of the world, these are considered the lucky ones. It made me feel terrible, because I oftentimes am so ungrateful for what I have. Almost anyone else in the world would love to be in our shoes, because no matter how poor or underprivileged we may feel, we have life much better off than almost anyone else. I think it is a good lesson for all of us. We should think of all the good things we do have, and then imagine life without them. No home, no clothes, no food, no fresh water, no family. That is reality for so many people in this world. Hopefully coming to this realization will help us all become more charitable. We can all donate our time, talents, and resources to help make life better for others. I know that I will not take what I have for granted like I have in the past, because I need to be extremely grateful to be so privileged.

Blog #6: My Sister's Mission Call

Last week my sister got her mission call. She will be serving in the Russia, Moscow West Mission. That means that she and my brother will both be going to Russia on their missions! And they go into the MTC on the same day, February 10. I can't believe that both my older siblings will be leaving the same day to go serve the Lord. It is definitely a great example for me to follow. I love both of them so much, and I am excited that they have decided to serve missions. I watch them getting excited and ready to go, and I realize how important this work really is. There is really nothing better than to bring the gospel to those who are in need. I look forward to when I will be able to serve a mission. The whole idea of being able to give selfless service and help people come to Christ and learn of Him is amazing to me. I am so grateful for the examples that I have from my brother and sister to go do the Lord's work, and I hope to become like them.