Standing Up in a Sit-Down World: Making a difference is easier than you think

by Merrilee Browne Boyack

"It is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others."
—President Gordon B. Hinckley

Every single good thing you do can make a difference because the power of one person is immense. One person can change a home. One person can change a community. One person can even change the world.

Favorite author and speaker Merrilee Boyack explores the challenge of serve and of standing up for what you believe in. Drawing on personal experiences, real-life examples, truths from the scriptures, and prophetic counsel, Sister Boyack describes how we can be a beacon to those around us as we embrace good works, help those in need, and foster the courage to stand up and speak up for truth goodness, decency, and virtue—even when the whole world shouts at us to sit down.

The Lord is depending on us to stand for truth and righteousness. Will you answer His call?

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Book Club

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Lambknitj · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started out okay, but I thought it got a bit preachy at the end, especially when the author stated that we can all be leaders. Bzzzt. Sorry, but not everyone could or would be a leader, or the world would be in total chaos, all fighting to be the one on top. Being a follower in never a bad thing (coming from a very staunch follower), as sometimes the followers are the ones that make things happen at the sidelines. All leaders need people who will stand back and support the cause.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is so inspiring and motivational. The principles can be applied on so many levels.

[Kris Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short book - it's only 108 pages long. But it is packed with ideas about how to become better people and examples of the gospel of Christ.

I really liked Boyack's "Strangling Your Husband is Not an Option," but I haven't read anything else by her. After reading this one, I think I will have to seek out more of her books. She has a very fun, conversational, easy to read way of writing that I really enjoy. Her ideas on becoming more involved in the world around is are great and can apply to anyone from the working single mom of many children, to the widowed retiree, to the young single adult.

In addition to her great ideas, she has some excellent references to scriptural accounts and talks by Church authorities. I really loved one part in particular where she talks about how Christ could have waved his hand and healed everyone right then and there, but he chose to minister to crowds of people one at a time in order to better serve them. There were several parts where she changed my view of the scriptures and brought up stuff I'd never even considered before.

I would recommend this to anyone, but particularly to the audience it's intended for (LDS Females.) It's a quick read, so you can't say you're too busy to read it!

[Katy Westenskow · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some really great pointers here about being courageous and either speaking up for what you believe in a non threatening way or proving a point by listening to another's point of view and then speaking. I love her example of her mother who went to a church function where the pastor was going to prove that Mormons are wrong. She goes, sits in the middle, silently listens to everything the pastor says which is false, and then when the pastor asks if anyone has questions she stands up and tells everyone that 1) she is a Mormon 2) the pastor has been lying for an hour and 3) if they want to know more about being a Mormon, they can visit her in the church lobby after. Everyone in the congregation walks past her in shame and nobody asks any questions but she was defending her religion and that's admirable.
I also like her stories about 12 year old boys who go to city council meetings and state their opinion which ultimately helps the councilman choose the choice that is best for everyone not just the minority group who is offended.
Inspiring!!!

[Elizabeth Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book inspired me to find ways to make a difference in my community. I was impressed with the variety of possible charitable acts the author was able to list (and discuss) in order to inspire others to do good.

She clearly is very much a leader/organizer type, but I appreciated that she acknowledged that not all of her readers will want to be the head of every committee. She shares hundreds of ways to make a difference using a person's personal strengths.

The writing was very conversational, which I liked when it came to ease of reading, but didn't like when it came to information/statistics that I wasn't sure were factual. I also didn't always agree with the causes she chose to champion.

Still, the overall idea of speaking up, working hard, and helping others was terrific. I loved her quotes (particularly the Hinckley ones) and her huge volunteerism list on the final pages. I really think I'll refer to them often.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the information and suggestions offered. Mostly, I loved how she stressed doing things that speak to our own unique skills or personal experiences. I was reading through the list, I thought: "I could do that!" or "Hey, I've done that before!" Which made me feel really good. So a very uplifting and inspiring book!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic ideas and suggestions - I was so inspired! We used part of it for a family home evening, and the kids really enjoyed it as well. We are definitely going to do more as a result of this book!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gets a little preachy, but is empowering because it makes you realize that YOU CAN make a difference. Even by doing little things. Or maybe big things too. Sorry book club--it's your book this month.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This offered some good suggestions for making a difference in whatever your situation is. My favorite was the "5 Split Seconds." We all have time to do something small every day that can possibly make a difference to someone else. Very inspiring.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book, this book has inspired me to take a stand for what I believe in. So many ways you can make a difference.

[Brett Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and easy read that reminds us to Engage and offers some great examples of acting to make a difference (be it small or large)

[Jodee Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book about the good and the power one individual can have. I loved the ideas she gave and the suggestions for service. What a motivating book.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of great ideas for serving in the home and community. Also, inspirational advice on taking a stand for what is right even in the most difficult circumstances.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Her ideas make helping others very possible and not overwhelming.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to make your life better. Apply this book. And get up and do something today!

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring and practical examples of how to make a difference in the world. Gave me some good ideas to implement.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good message, but gets a bit “preachy” at times. It felt like an extended relief society lesson, but cause me think of things that I can do to make a difference.

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff. I love this woman I think she is amazing.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merrille Boyack has a fun way about her that is motivational and inspiring. This book helps me to know that I can and should make a difference in my world.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah someone who addresses one of my main gripes with people: apathy. Boyack explains why and how to let your voice be heard in some form. She teaches how to get involved in the world around you from your home, to your neighborhood, schools, church community, county, state, country even world. One person can make a difference, imagine a world where a thousand people were involved and making a difference, 5,000, 100,000 or more. It all begins with following in the footsteps of The Savior and His prophets.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world that is increasingly intolerant of dissenting opinions, I feel increasingly a desire to make sure that my POV is represented: courteously - I don't want to be strident, but neither do I want to be muzzled or steam-rolled in a wave of antipathy and animosity.

This book is inspiring me to find my voice and take action.

[Romney Andreasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring!!