Though from November 2013, I've seen this video circulating Facebook quite a bit recently. Every time I scroll through my feed, another friend has uploaded it. I guess I don't always get the messages God is trying to put into my life the first time around.
This speech, given by Angelina Jolie when she accepted The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2013 Governors Awards, speaks to something Latter-day Saints have been hearing quite frequently, ever since the April Women's Conference.
"It is our hope that you will prayerfully determine what you can do—according to your own time and circumstance—to serve the refugees living in your neighborhoods and communities," Sister Linda K. Burton said. "As we consider the 'pressing calls' of those who need our help, let’s ask ourselves, 'What if their story were my story?' May we then seek inspiration, act on impressions we receive, and reach out in unity to help those in need as we are able and inspired to do so."
And, as Latter-day Saints, we are not alone in our efforts. We have an opportunity to unite with people around the world to participate in religion in its truest form, and that's charity and service. And in that way, we can stand with people like Angelina Jolie and say, "I don't understand why this is my life and that is hers . . . but I will do the best I can with this life to be of use."
Here's the full version of the speech, where Angelina Jolie shares the joy that comes from motherhood and family: