Finding Yourself by Losing Yourself: A Missionary Mindset

Hey brothers and sisters! It's good to be here with you, and I’ve been thinking a lot lately about that feeling of being overwhelmed, of chasing after something that just feels… elusive. We all experience it, don’t we? Especially those of us who’ve served, who know the weight and wonder of the work.

I recently heard a powerful podcast episode from Bonnie Landry, and it struck a chord with me – particularly her realization that her life wasn't about her, but about knowing, loving, and serving God. She shares her journey into Catholicism and how teaching her daughter about her faith revealed gaps in her own understanding, and ultimately, a deeper purpose.

That sentiment—that our lives are a service—resonates deeply with the missionary experience. Think about it: the MTC, the early days in the field, the constant striving to share the gospel—it's a stripping away of the self. It’s a process of realizing you're part of something so much bigger than your own ambitions, your own comfort zone.

How many of us felt a little lost before our missions? Chasing degrees, careers, relationships… feeling like something was missing? The mission—the willingness to set aside those things—often provides the clarity we’ve been searching for. It's a beautiful, if sometimes challenging, lesson.

I remember one time in my mission, I was feeling particularly discouraged. I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted, and I started to question my effectiveness. My companion, Elder Johnson, pulled me aside and reminded me that it wasn’t about *my* success, but about being faithful to the call. He said, “Your job isn’t to make them believe, Brother. Your job is to plant the seed and let the Spirit do the rest.” That simple reminder shifted my perspective entirely.

This isn't just for those preparing to serve a traditional mission either. The principle – that our lives are not our own – applies to *every* Latter-day Saint, all the time. Whether you're an internet missionary, a Relief Society leader, or simply striving to be more Christlike in your daily interactions, it’s about recognizing that your purpose is to serve.

And what a privilege that is! To be an instrument in the Lord's hands, to participate in the gathering of Israel, to help others find their way back to Him—that's a responsibility and a joy unlike any other.

Bonnie’s episode really highlights the importance of foundational knowledge. She realized her own catechesis was lacking, and that spurred her on to deeper understanding. This is something we all need to strive for – a solid foundation in the gospel. Make time for daily scripture study, participate in Book Clubs in HolyPlaces, and engage in Social Scripture Study within LivingBook – especially the Isaiah Studies.

Davee, our AI Investigator, has been helping a lot of pre-missionaries lately work through some tough questions about faith and doubt. If you're struggling with anything, don’t hesitate to reach out – he's a fantastic resource. (And if you're a returned missionary, he can help you articulate your testimony in a way that's clear and compelling.)

Let's all commit to seeking that deeper understanding, to losing ourselves in service, and to embracing the joy of being a disciple of Christ. And, by the way, I strongly recommend listening to the full episode – it’s truly inspiring.

Next up, we’re having a Disciple Challenge get-together this Thursday at 7 PM Mountain time. Join us for a chance to connect with other like-minded individuals and sharpen our skills in sharing the gospel online. See you there!

Until then, keep striving, keep serving, and keep the faith!

– Brother [Your Name]