Lesson for August 6, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp on the Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley chapter 14 "Losing Ourselves in the Service of Others." Maggie started by reminding us of what she taught us a couple of weeks ago. She appreciates his optimism and how he encouraged us to make the world a little better. In a Presidency message in 1986, he told of Jesus Christ serving others. Andrea told of how Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood. If you make your life a life of service, it will start ripping outward and others will be blessed whom you did not even know you did. Maggie told of Jesus healing the woman who was bent over and He healed her on the Sabbath. Vira told of Jesus who brought to life the son of the Widow of Nain. Another example was the woman who was taken in adultery and Christ showed compassion to her. Ultimately all of us are sinners, so we should e treating others compassionately. Heather Cantrell told of how Christ was chastised, but said he had to go about his Father's business. Paige Gibson said she remembered how Jesus washed the feet of his apostles. He descended below all things to lift us above all things. The story of Lazarus is memorable for his healing in the name of the Father. President Hinckley established the Perpetual Education Fund and other things that blessed those who didn't have much or who was struggling. Lisa Anderson told of how the door into the bride room was altered when President Hinckley said it was too narrow for bride's dresses. We're doing service as mothers and friends. It's not something we wouldn't do. What we do is serve each other. President Hinckley said to map out some of our lives to serve others without recompense. If not now, when? If not you, who? Lana Horrocks said that she is still being blessed for something that happened 40 years ago. Two women talking in the chapel were talking about problems. One said, "I don't know what you need, but I want to help you" and she didn't leave her friend, but helped the woman figure things out. Maggie said at work she is the go-to person who helps students understand about her profession. Maggie said she used to suffer from anxiety and depression and her second semester at BYU. The girl next door to her struggled even more and caused issues. Maggie didn't want to be that way, so she didn't have someone to talk to. So she thinks that when people struggle, we shouldn't push people away. You never know that someone you will be kind to years ago will remember you years later. Several sisters told of the kindnesses done for their loved ones. If we are willing, we can do wonderful things. Looking at those things gives us the motivation to serve others. It's a good idea to ask in morning prayers to help others. Andrea had a paradigm shift when she learned to trust the Lord, but then she wondered if the Lord could trust her, which is more important. Listening to the Spirit can help us know when others need help. President Hinckley said that when we help others, we find our true selves. Mary Ellen Smoot said when we are united in helping others, we can succor those in need. If you feel to help others, take advantage of all the opportunities to help others.