REVIEW: One Drop at a Time by M. Russell Ballard

ONE DROP AT A TIME
A Message for Women
by M. Russell Ballard
Deseret Book, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-60907-522-4
LDS Nonfiction/Inspirational
Review copy provided by publisher in return for honest review.
All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Do you sometimes wonder if your little efforts could possibly make any difference at all? Consider a simple example from nature.

Honey is “one of the foods that includes all the substances— enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and water—necessary to sustain life,” writes Elder M. Russell Ballard. And yet, “Over its short lifetime of just a few weeks to four months, a single honeybee’s contribution of honey to its hive is a mere one-twelfth of one teaspoon. Though seemingly insignificant when compared to the total, each bee’s one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey is vital to the life of the hive.”

Your simple, daily acts of service matter, and this charmingly illustrated little book will lift your heart as it demonstrates the power of many righteous people working together to fill the world, one drop at a time, with the sweet truths of the gospel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elder M. Russell Ballard was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in October 1985. Prior to that, he served in the first Quorum of the Seventy and in the presidency of that quorum. A successful businessman, he has engaged in various enterprises, including automotive, real estate, and investments. He has also served as a bishop twice and as president of the Canada Toronto Mission. Elder Ballard and his wife, Barbara Bowen Ballard, are the parents of seven children and grandparents of forty-three. (Deseret Book website)

REVIEW

A beautifully-illustrated book that is full of wisdom and counsel. This book would make a great gift for any woman who struggles to feel like her efforts to make a difference mean anything. Elder Ballard points out that just as each honeybee contributes to the whole each woman's efforts to serve are invaluable and priceless. While those efforts seem small and puny, in the end many lives can be touched by the service rendered by a righteous woman, whether at home, work, or in the community.  I have seen this often in my own life. I have been blessed to have many such women in my life and my life is the richer for it.

Elder Ballard goes on to point out that the best way to make a difference is to pray and look for opportunities to serve those around us.  He recommends that as women we fill our hearts with the gospel of Christ and extend that faith, hope, and charity to those around us. Many lives will be changed and uplifted if we do so.  A short book to be sure, but the message is priceless. Highly recommended.