What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Recently, I was asked to answer a series of questions to qualify for a scholarship. I'm sure many of you have gone through the same process at on point or another. You read the question, and spout off some answer about why you would be a good scholarship recipient. However, these questions were different. They required me to reflect upon my life. What WOULD I do, truly, if I weren't afraid? After thinking for a while I realized something: I am not afraid. Fear is not what holds me back from making a difference and changing the world. Oh, there are plenty of other complications that restrict me. One of the biggest is frustration. I see the world's many problems, such as innocent children starving because of war, and I get the overwhelming feeling that one teenage girl cannot make a difference. However, after I contemplate it for a while, I realize that no one has ever changed the world overnight. It takes a long time, and lots of patience, to really make a difference. I suppose that is another thing that holds me back from doing what I can to better the world: impatience. I see pictures of malnourished children and weeping adults, and I want to do something RIGHT THEN. I do not want those beautiful angels to have to suffer any more. It is almost too frustrating for words. However, I am almost one hundred percent positive that every person that has really made a difference in the world had the same feeling. I believe I can get past this impatience and do what I need to do to make the world a better place for these innocent people. I suppose the most important thing to remember is this: Fear should never hold anyone back from helping their fellow man, for if they truly wanted to serve them with all of their heart, fear would certainly not be an issue.

Another question perplexed me even further. I have always wanted to go to Africa to help the impovershed people there. However, I had never really contemplated how I would do this. Now, after answering this question, I am positive what I want to do. This life changing question was compacted into six simple words: How would you change the world? I have contemplated this question many times. I have finally decided upon what I can do to really make a difference. First and foremost, I am going to become a doctor. I am going to Africa to tend to the impoverished people there. I also hope to bring with me the knowledge of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a people who have never had the opportunity to listen to the exhilarating truth of His word. Some are skeptical about this plan, say that it’s a waste of time. But what better way to spend your time than saving lives? What greater calling is there than to teach people the word of peace and love? What better way to change the minds and hearts of the cruel people who are the source of all of this suffering? What better way to change the world? I tell you now, with a strong voice and an overflowing heart, that there is no better way. I cannot wait to hand a healthy child back to it's mother, to see the mother's tearful face contract with love and with gratitude that her baby is alive and back with her again. I am anxious to watch those humble people's eyes change when they realize that God loves them, and has always loved them more than they can ever imagine. I can honestly say that there is no better way to change the world than to save it's people, in both the physical and spiritual sense.

If we would only take the time to stop focusing on ourselves, how WE can get ahead, imagine how many people we could save.  How wonderful would that be if everyone truly cared, truly tried, truly served.

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

-John Lennon