BEAUTIFUL FACES
- Elder Denny Blodgett
- May 3
- 5 min read
The gospel of Jesus Christ invites us to see beauty differently. For example, when we think of beautiful faces, it is easy to picture what the world often celebrates as beauty….clear skin, perfect smile, “movie-star” types of faces. In Samuel 16:7, the Lord reminds us, “man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart”. This tells me that the most beautiful faces are not defined by physical features, but by what shines through those faces…..their smiles and their ability to make others feel good inside. We have all seen someone or know someone whose face lights up a room…..I know someone like that….. and I have been married to her for over 50 years.
Dolly Parton is credited for the quote, "If you see someone without a smile, give 'em one of yours".
I have really reflected on the thought here in Ghana that these beautiful faces I see everyday have nothing to do with their physical appearance. These people are beautiful because of their kindness, their warmth, their ability to make you feel important, and their desire to love and serve. A face becomes even more beautiful when it reflects Christlike attributes. When someone is forgiving, patient, or full of charity….you can actually see it in their expression. Think of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The scriptures don’t give us details about His physical appearance, but people were drawn to Him. Why? Because of who He was…..His compassion, His mercy, His perfect love…..those are the things that made Him truly beautiful.
In the Book of Mormon, it teaches us that when people are filled with the love of God, their countenance changes. That word “countenance” is important…..it means the way we look and the expressions we carry. Our faces reflect what’s inside each of us. The Savior and all of our prophets have taught about the importance of letting our light shine, just like it says in the book of Matthew…..”that people may see your good works”. That light doesn’t come from makeup, fashion, or outward appearance…..it comes from living the gospel. When we pray, serve others, and follow Jesus Christ…..something changes within us. And over time…..that inner change becomes visible. Our faces soften. Our eyes brighten. We become more approachable, more loving, more like Him.
I posted a lot of pictures this week of the faces and smiles of our missionaries. If you look at their smiles, you see something different about each one of them. We are around these people every week…..they always have a smile and a kind gesture to give us. This was the week of our last transfer.....the last time we will be taking missionaries to the airport to see them off. I love the picture of Sister Malama and Sister Lesa. They were both awesome missionaries and you can see it in their smiles. I love all the young missionaries who have dedicated 18-24 months of their lives to come and serve the Lord and find others to “bring unto Christ”. We only want them to be happy and to be successful in all that they do. And we are praying that all of their futures will be bright because of the good work they did here in Ghana.
As we go forward in our daily activities, maybe we could worry a little less about how we appear to the world, and a little more about how we appear to God. Because when our hearts are right, our faces will naturally reflect a beauty that never fades. This week I am going to try and look beyond the appearance in others..... and I am going to try and see if I can reflect on my own face and smile more kindness, patience, and love. If I do this, I know that it will not only change how I see others…..it will change how they feel and how the Savior’s love reaches them. I testify that each of us is known and loved perfectly by our Heavenly Father…..not for how we appear, but of who we are.....and who we can become.
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put in under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. Matthew 5:14-16
Sister Malama and Sister Lesa on their way home to Tonga. I love their smiles and their dedication to the work.
The beautiful smiles are just incredible. Nothing better than a great smile, Dolly Parton is credited with the quote, "If you see someone without a smile, give 'em yours".
With this Blog.....I will never forget these wonderful missionaries and their smiles.
This good man comes in every month to get a verification form signed by me so that he can get paid by the church for taking care of the grounds around the Mission Home and Mission Office. I love his smile.
Sister Kaaen and Jill are "sporting" skirts given to them by one of our sister missionaries as a good-bye gift. We will miss the Kaaen's.....we basically lived with them for the past 11 months as they worked with us in the Mission Office.
I had to post a picture of Gilbert....are one and only convert.....who gives us one of his beautiful smiles several times each day. We are hoping and praying he will be on a mission a year from now.
The Mission Office is the "hub"....and they love coming for breakfast, for training meetings, and just hanging out and visiting with their friendships from other parts of the Mission.
They are loading up and leaving with the brand new missionaries.
I'm more careful around the "ministry of defence". Ha Ha And we love the Tro signs.....they remind us daily of God and being a good person. This is a Christian nation and they are proud of it and want to show everyone who they are and what they believe.
Probably my last trip to the airport until we leave. I wanted this video to remind me of what I did for 12 months taking missionaries home and picking up the new ones.
I must be saying something Jill did not approve of....something terrible like how much I love her.
Elder Udy's last day in Ghana.
I had to take this picture as Elder Udy is in line to go home and still proselytizing to the very end.
Elder Osobi, on the right, is on his way home this day. He will be missed for his absolute obedience and dedication to the work.
This is my favorite of all smiles.....I've enjoyed this beautiful face for over 50 years.
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