It is sometimes supposed that men must organize in order to affect their plans. It is sometimes said or organizations that the development must come from the top down. These ideas have their worth, but they lay too little weight on the role of the individual. Strong leadership will always be needed and prized, but it cannot be responsible for all growth. It is not generally responsible for the most important growth. Trees and children do not grow from the top down. Men do not construct buildings from the top down. The growth that counts is based on roots and foundations and organic processes that are hidden from view. What is exposed is less important than what is not. So it is with people. I cannot look to others or to outside circumstances to provide the basis for my work. The vital strength lies within my own will and the grace of God. The most important struggles and achievements in life are not in society but in the human heart.
The Lord’s Question: Thoughts on the Life of Response. Brigham Young University Press. April 1985. Chapter Four, “Whom Shall I Send?” p.40
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