I had a troubling conversation recently with a young man who had just graduated from high school. We discussed a few things, and then I asked him who in his high school stood out as a role model for living the gospel. He thought for a moment and said, “I can’t think of anyone.” The Lord desperately needs saints, young and old, willing to stand for righteousness. This world needs more righteous heroes. 

President Nelson recently invited youth “to stand out; be different from the world. You and I know that you are to be a light to the world.” He also added, “if you are sometimes called ‘weird,’ wear that distinction as a badge of honor and be happy that your light is shining brightly in this ever-darkening world!”

When Samuel the Lamanite powerfully stood upon the Nephite walls in Zarahemla he testified of truths. He stood boldly and powerfully. When Samuel stood with power, Samuel had no idea of the miracles, blessings, experiences or the results of what his stand would bring. Consider this part of his story:

"And now, it came to pass that there were many who heard the words of Samuel, the Lamanite, which he spake upon the walls of the city. And as many as believed on his word went forth and sought for Nephi; and when they had come forth and found him they confessed unto him their sins and denied not, desiring that they might be baptized unto the Lord."

"But as many as there were who did not believe in the words of Samuel were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall, and also many shot arrows at him as he stood upon the wall; but the Spirit of the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones neither with their arrows. (Helaman 16:1-2)."

In the end, because Samuel courageously stood with power, his life and many other lives were never the same again. Powerful stands result in powerful experiences. One righteous Lamanite missionaries example changed hearts and lives because he had the courage to stand.