I've been very impressed with the ideas and the quality of the writing of the young elders and sisters, and want to share one article posted in the March Tar Heel by Elder Hoggan, one of the Assistants to the President. I got permission from his father to share it, though it would probably be a surprise to Elder Hoggan himself. Yet, knowing his positive and forgiving nature, I think he'd be okay with it. Here it is.
"My family has a Hoggan motto. Faith, courage, and a good
attitude. I love my parents for establishing such a simple, but yet very
powerful motto throughout our household as I grew up. My dad would make
us say it back to him every single day, and I remember at times I would be so
bothered that he would make me say it so consistently. But, as I have
grown up, I have been so grateful for the commitment my father showed me in
having faith, taking courage, and always, always, having a good attitude.
"I feel these three things can enable us to do amazing
things. I shared in my instruction this past zone conference a quote by
Jimmy Valvano, a former head coach for North Carolina State, and icon for his
great attitude towards life, and his fight with cancer, which eventually took
his life. He said, “Every day ordinary people do extraordinary things.”
"I know at times I feel pretty ordinary. But I have seen in
my mission that Heavenly Father uses the weak and the simple, and seemingly
‘ordinary’ people to carry out His extraordinary work, this great work we are a
part of. In order to make a contribution to this extraordinary work, a
price has to be paid, Elders and Sisters. For all things worth fighting
for, there is a price to be paid. Whether that be with school, sports,
music, an occupation, or even our mission labors, we must understand that the
blessings we wish to receive can and only will be given unto us predicated upon
our obedience, and renewed commitment to the Lord. A price.
"As we stay committed, fight
hard to have faith, courage, and a good attitude, we can be key instruments in
the Lord’s hands in carrying out this extraordinary work. We can do hard
things. I promise to each of you that if you commit to the Lord to work
hard and be obedient, that you can and will baptize. You can find those
that God has waiting for you. So, take faith and do it. I know this
Gospel is true and that the Savior lives. He can lift, help, direct and
guide us if we let him. Hold to him as you press forward and don’t let
go. Let's commit to do hard things and pay the price that the Lord needs
us to. I promise to each of you if we do such, we will be able to look back one
day and say to each other, “It Was Worth It.” "
Here's a picture of Elder Hoggan:
And here's a picture of him at a younger age with his parents and siblings.
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| Elder Hoggan at age 10, manfully managing to forgive the way his younger brother upstaged the family picture |
Can you see that same cheerful, confident yet teachable attitude, that has made him such a great missionary and a rock-solid example of a disciple of Christ. And it all started with a faithful mom and dad who instilled in him values and attitude. The Assistants in this mission are so hard-working (those of you who know President James cannot doubt that he expects a great deal of them), yet they are unfailingly positive and resilient.
Faith, courage, and a good attitude have been Elder Hoggan's mantra from an early age. I encourage all you parents of young children to follow his parents' example in your own families and teach correct principles and attitudes in ways that make sense for you, through both your own example and your teaching in the home. It will pay dividends for eternity.
Sister Ambrose
Sister Ambrose
