Week 72: 2 Ears, 1 Mouth

As many of you know, I love the human body!! It is so complex and detailed. However, each person is a lot more than a body. On the inside we all have thoughts, feelings, and experiences that shape who we are and what we believe in.

This week we sat down to teach a boy named Ozzie for the first time, and he told us he was interested in knowing what Mormons believed. We could've thrown information at his face for an hour, but we decided to ask him questions first, then listen. As we did so, we learned he is a spiritual agnostic. He possibly believes in something bigger, just can't figure it out. He is super compassionate and believes in being a good person.

As we sought to understand him first, the words we said were guided by God. We showed him a video entitled "lessons I learned as a boy", which is about 2 young kids putting silver coins in an old farmers shoes. This touched Ozzie and he began to tear up. We told Ozzie he was feeling the spirit, which is manifest through love, peace, joy, warmth, confidence, assurance. The spirit comes from God and teaches us truth, exactly what he is seeking.

It was so cool to see Ozzie completely change. At the beginning he didn't know if he believed in God. And if he were to, how would he know? As we listened and testified and helped him FEEL the presence of God, his outlook changed. He learned God is real. We learned the importance of listening!!!

A few quotes about LISTENING that have really helped me:

"Before I walk in another's shoes, I must first remove my own."

We often enter conversations with preconceived notions or judgments. We must humbly see where others are coming from without assuming we are right.

"Do we have the solution before we hear the problem?"

When someone is expressing concern, we jump to conclusions and try to solve everything as quickly as possible. We would think a doctor was crazy for giving a prescription before diagnosing the problem, thus we should listen and learn before we give our 2 cents.

"Listening is never about you."

I enjoy talking and sharing what I know, especially as a missionary. However, this work isn't about me. It's about helping my brothers and sisters find truth-an identity as a child of God, purpose, peace, joy. We have to get rid of our selfish tendencies and focus on the other person! 

I am far from perfect, but listening is something I'm working on. I know God gave me 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason. So let's all take a step back and listen. The person in front of you needs to be heard!!! And when people really feel and see your genuine attentiveness, they are more likely to share their personal feelings. You will be able to help others deal with their challenges and find answers. I know this is true and am so thankful for this learning!!!!

Sister Madsen

I am in love with UA!!!! Such a wonderful place!!!!!!

some classic bbq with the sisters!!! their "chips and salsa" was white bread and bbq sauce! hhaha

exchange with sister barton!

oh yessss I love my southern ladies!! those froes are rockin!

we really wanted chocolate chip cookies....then this member randomly made us some....such a tender mercy!

Pai!!! our lovely friend we are teaching from China!!!!!!!! she's the cutest and smartest little thing!

eating dinner on our porch in this gorgeous southern weather!!! loving it!