Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Flying fast while standing tall




I have enjoyed watching the Olympics this year.  There are so many inspiring stories and amazing people that I have watched over the last two weeks.  However, my favorite Olympic moment came in a short interview with Noelle Pikus-Pace right after she won the silver medal in Women's Skeleton.

Noelle's Interview

http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/noelle-pikus-pace-speaks-after-silver-medal-performance?ctx=olympic-journey 

There are many reasons I admire Noelle.  Her commitment to her family, the support she gives to others, her joyful nature, and many more.  However, as I watched this video, it wasn't those attributes that had me looking for the rewind button on my remote.  What made me admire her even more was her message to the youth as she spoke in front of an international audience, "Remember who you are and what you stand for." 

Within our church, that is something the youth are taught often.  It is something they have heard from parents and leaders for most of their lives.  So, why did that phrase impress me this time?  I think that standing up for what we believe is easy when we are in our usual surroundings.  When we are around those we love and those who share our same values it is easy to discuss those those values and share what we believe.  However, put us in different surroundings (or on a world stage) and sharing our faith becomes scary.  It doesn't matter what you believe in. . . do you live it or do you hide it?  Noelle not only chose to live it, she chose to share her message with the world. 

Thank you, Noelle, for the reminder.  Thank you for being an example to not only the youth, but for those of us that needed the reminder that we can be who we are, no matter where we are. 

On a side note.  Did you ever notice that Noelle is always wearing a necklace when she races and in interviews?  I have noticed two different necklaces.  The one you see her wearing in the video is her Young Women's Medallion which she earned by completing Personal Progress (a program for young women in the LDS church).  The second is the LDS Young Women pendant that features the young women logo.

Congratulations, Noelle, and thank you for being a true role model. 

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