Finding Center

A daily hour of spiritual focus and re-centering.

 Dr. Benjamin Bikman

"Why Giving Matters" by Arthur C. Brooks

Brooks’s academic career began with studies on arts funding and orchestra operations, but he soon found his niche studying culture, politics, and economics. His research on behavioral economics catapulted him to fame as he specialized in studying philanthropy and nonprofit organizations. Brooks’s research finds that those who give are happier and more economically prosperous than those who don’t.

Perhaps the most profound influence that Brooks’s research has had on him personally is his family’s decision to adopt a daughter from China. After reading Brooks’ research on how giving increases happiness, his wife, Ester, suggested that they adopt a child. Despite his initial trepidations, Brooks says, “And what about our giving experiment? In truth, I don’t know or care what my daughter has done for my income or health. But my happiness? It spikes every time she looks at me and I remember the magic day we met.” Brooks lives in Maryland with his wife and three children.

Arthur C. Brooks' forum address at Brigham Young University explains the principle of charitable giving. He challenges students and faculty to "discover more creative solutions to working these concepts \[of giving] into our everyday life."

This address was given February 24, 2009. For the full text, audio, and video of this speech, visit:

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/arthur-c-brooks/giving-matters-2/

Arthur C. Brooks

"Empty Centers and the Fire of the Lord" by Michelle Stott James.

"...As a high school student, I had the opportunity to become acquainted with several Catholic nuns who lived in a convent in my hometown and worked in the nearby Catholic hospital. 

...Sister Columba...was a tiny, elderly woman who had been a member of the Irish Army before she became a nun. That day she was sharing with me the profound love that she had for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and as she spoke, tears were streaming down her face. It was a powerful spiritual moment that touched me in the deepest center of my being...

That afternoon with this frail nun in the quiet parlor of the convent became the definitive moment of my spiritual growth, as it launched a quest to know my Savior that has shaped my entire life. The most critical point, which I have at last come to comprehend, is the absolute centrality of Jesus Christ and His Atonement to every aspect of our lives. Because of that centrality, the most significant challenge for us is to learn to grasp this center and to build our lives upon this secure foundation."

This address was given June 21, 2016. For the full text, audio, and video of the speech, visit:

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/michelle-stott-james/empty-centers-fire-of-the-lord/

Michelle Stott James

“Lay Hold upon the Word: The Power of Wholehearted Living"

Dr. McKay Christensen was born on Luke Air Force base in Arizona. His father was a fighter pilot and he grew up in a family of seven children who learned to work hard on a sod farm. When he was 15 years old, he was run over and crushed by a 14-ton harvester. His recovery, lasting almost a year, was miraculous; he not only learned to walk again, but became an avid runner and has completed the Boston marathon multiple times.

In his devotional at BYU, McKay Christensen shares the principle of “laying hold” upon the word—whether that word is found in the scriptures, the advice of a teacher, the pronouncement of a blessing, or the tender expression of a loved one. He shares how his experiences have taught him that when we truly commit ourselves to a principle inspired by the Lord, nothing is impossible.

McKay Christensen gave this address on May 9, 2017. Find the full text, audio, and video of the speech at:

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/mckay-christensen/lay-hold-upon-word/

McKay Christensen