Don't Be Afraid to be Different

My daughter gave a presentation to her homeschool class today on the life of Joan of Arc, and how Joan has inspired her.  Olivia decided to dress up (ok - I actually came up with a costume and convinced her that it would be a fun way to do the project.)  She spoke as though she were Joan.  She spent a lot of time learning about Joan of Arc to prepare.  She read a book, watched a dvd and read a talk by James E. Faust (April 2006 General Conference) that referred to Joan of Arc.  In that talk he called on young women to live by the light of Christ that they have been given and to have the courage to follow his promptings. 
 
He said,
"To other girls in the fifteenth century, Joan of Arc seemed to be very different.  Sisters, don't be afraid to be different in our century.  Sometimes we have to be different in order to maintain Church standards.  So I repeat, don't be afraid to be different, but be as good as you can be.  Many girls are concerned about their friends' conduct and style of dress.  Such conduct may be motivated by a desire to be accepted by the peer group.  Joan of Arc did not worry about what her friends did, but rather about what she knew she should do."

This really sums up what I want to teach and exemplify to my daughters.  Living the gospel of Jesus Christ does mean that we will sometimes stick out and look different from many of those around us.  But we can "stick out" in a good way.  When we let the light and love of Jesus Christ show in our countenances we can influence those around us for the better and help them want to know more about Jesus Christ and his gospel.