
Part of Series
President David O. McKay said, “Always be yourself, your best self, in no matter whose company you may find yourself.” Hank Smith adds that “believing your best self isn't always popular. It might mean you have to drop some friends.” Using examples from the scriptures, enlightening stories, and hilarious experiences from his own life, Brother Smith illustrates the importance of being true to who you really are and what you believe. “Before you can even begin to make a difference in the lives of other people, you have to know who you are,” says Brother Smith. “People will respect you more if they see you are the same person in church as you are at school or at home. You are the same person—the best person you can possibly be. You'll have more friends that way because you are trustworthy.” Brother Smith teaches what it means to be a believer; it isn't enough just to say we believe—we have to act. “Believing in Christ is good, but it really doesn't do anything for you until you act on your belief. That's when you can truly make a difference in the lives of your family and your friends.”
Author

Hank Smith enjoys teaching in the Religious Education Department at BYU and is a favorite speaker for Especially for Youth, Best of Especially for Youth, and BYU Education Week. Hank and his wife, Sara, were both born and raised in St. George, Utah. They are the parents of one daughter and four sons. Brother Smith enjoys running marathons and eating lots and lots of ice cream (which is why he runs marathons). More than anything else, he loves being at home spending all day with his wife and children. You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hanksmithcds