The associate athletic director for BYU challenged students to let their light shine in a campus Devotional address given on March 25.
Chad Lewis, associate athletic director for development at BYU, shared personal stories from his professional NFL career to inspire BYU students to shine their light.
Lewis played football during his time at BYU. His football career continued as he played the tight end position for the Philadelphia Eagles football team.
“I had come to Philly with a deep desire to let my light shine, and what I found was the bright sunshine of others was brilliant,” Lewis said. “I knew that as a member of the Lord’s church that we hadn’t cornered the market on goodness, and what I found was that goodness in others was exactly the light I needed.”
Lewis received light from his associates of many faiths in the NFL world. Some characters were a little rough around the edges; however, Lewis was continually moved by their goodness.
“The people you work with and associate with out in the world will be drawn to you because of your desire to be like the Savior,” Lewis said. “Let your love for him shine from your eyes.”
Jeff Thomas, a fellow tight end for the Eagles and good friend of Lewis, was a great example to Lewis. Lewis admired Thomas’s ability to smile and laugh to lift others no matter the situation.
Lewis recounted a time during training camp with the Eagles when Thomas reached for the ball and jammed his left pinky finger. Thomas dropped the ball, and the injury resulted in a “boutonniere deformity.” Lewis explained the injury by saying “the pinky remains bent down until the resurrection.” Thomas laughed off the pain and went back to work.
Jacob Clark, a freshman, appreciated Thomas’s positive attitude.
“I liked the story about the friend that hurt his pinky, because I want to smile and laugh more when things are hard,” Clark said. “A good attitude is how I would show my light.”
Thomas helped Lewis improve his physical technique and encouraged him often. In return, Lewis shared stories of his mission to Taiwan with Thomas and his wife.
Lewis encouraged the audience to share stories with people, to be positive and uplifting and to build friendships. He said that is a great way to share one’s light with others.
“Be willing to give back and to let your light shine so that the people around you will see and feel the light of the Savior,” Lewis said.
Taione Militoni, a campus visitor who came to attend the Devotional, said he realized his light can make a difference in the world after hearing Lewis’ message.
“Our light matters; it makes a difference, and people notice,” Militoni said. “I guess I want to be a better saint because of it.”
Lewis concluded with his testimony of the Savior and the light and love he has received from the Redeemer.
“Let’s do our best to help people see and feel his light,” Lewis said.
Next week’s Devotional address will be given by Larry Walters of the Romney Institute of Public Management on April 1 in the Marriott Center at 11:05 a.m.
