What is one principle of Dean Cox’s lecture that you
plan to incorporate in your life? How do you plan to do this and why did you
choose this principle?
Dean Cox told the story of when his son met President
Monson in between sessions at General Conference, and even with everything the
prophet had going on, he made time to see Brother Cox’s son. President Monson
took the time to “focus on individuals and give adequate attention to serve”
even though his time was so precious. This made an impression on me because it
is so easy to get incredibly busy, especially in college, but I know I will be
blessed if I follow the example of the prophet and take time to serve. This
part of Brother Cox’s lecture inspired me to take time for people when they
need me, to stop for ten seconds and hold the door for someone, to stay up ten
minutes later to listen to my roommate, to slow down enough to see outside my
hectic world. The happiness that comes from even small acts of service and
looking outside myself will be well worth whatever homework, sleep, or other
sacrifice I may make. I chose this principle because I have been completely
overwhelmed with classes, living away from home, and balancing my life. I didn’t
take the time to serve because I have been so wrapped up in my own problems. But
as I’ve looked for opportunities to reach out, I have been blessed with greater
peace of mind and happiness!
Based on what you learned from Brother Cox’s lecture,
what is your definition of servant leadership?
I had the example of the Savior as the ultimate example
of a servant leader before Brother Cox’s lecture, but the things he said solidified
that knowledge and gave me even more examples of a servant leader. My
definition of servant leadership would be a leader who leads not to gain honor,
respect, or leadership opportunities, but one who serves simply because he or
she loves the people and wants to make a difference in individual lives. A true
servant leader works just as hard away from the public eye as he does in the
spotlight. I think servant leadership is more of an attitude and a motive that
comes from within rather than actions that can be measured. Emulating Christ’s
example of pure love and a deep desire to serve are the ultimate
characteristics of a servant leader. The discussion about Dr. Jonas Salk comes
to mind. He found the vaccine for polio and when given the opportunity to paten
the vaccine and become wealthy, he declined and said, “The paten belongs to the
people.” He genuinely wanted to improve lives and the fame and money didn’t
matter to him at all.
Brother Cox talked about many servant leader heroes from
his life. Who is a servant leader hero in your life? Why?
I have been greatly blessed to see many great examples of
servant leadership in my life, and it was difficult to pick only one to write
about. I chose to write about Tiffany Mohler, the Young Women’s President in my
home ward. Sister Mohler is the picture-perfect Young Woman leader: she happily
got married young, has four cute kids, appreciates crafty stuff, and has the
best activity ideas. More than this, however, are her truly important
characteristics. She has a strong testimony of the Atonement, the Book of
Mormon, and the gospel in general and she can share her testimony simply and
powerfully. Never does she push her ideas on anyone; she quietly gives inspired
suggestions and lets the recipient choose to take her advice or not. I know
from personal experience that she does countless acts of meaningful service
that no one ever hears about. Sister
Mohler does not pray for, serve, or love her Young Women because she is
supposed to or because she has to report to the bishop. She serves because she
loves her girls and wants to better their lives by sharing her testimony of the
Savior. Simply doing her calling isn’t her objective, her goal is to spread the
joy and light of the gospel through her service. I know that I have been blessed to be one of her Young Women and observe her example of being a servant leader!
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