the fellowship of the unashamed

I absolutely love Elder Holland. Tonight he gave a fireside address to the young single adults. It was incredible. If you have the opportunity, you should take the 45 minutes or so to watch it. Or wait for it to be available by text, but you'll miss a lot without seeing or hearing Elder Holland's expression.

Two things that stood out to me:
NEVER check your religion at the door! 
"When He comes, I so want to be caught living the gospel. I want to be surprised right in the act..."

Simon Dewey: The Lord is My Shepherd

The fireside reminded a friend of this short passage entitled "The Fellowship of the Unashamed" that I just love. I believe it is by President Henry B. Eyring, but I'm not positive.

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.

The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.

I'm finished with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, or dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.

I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven.

My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission clear. 

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. 

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ.

I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He stops me.

And when He returns for His own, He'll have no problem recognizing me. 

My banner will be clear.

I will not be ashamed.