How do you measure an influence?

A few years ago, I made a list of the ten men and women that I thought had been most influential in my life. I excluded family members and people I hadn't met (i.e. leaders of the church). On my list was a BYU professor of religious education, E. Dale LeBaron.

I read in this news that Brother LeBaron has passed away after being hit by a car. I am deeply saddened tonight over the loss of a truly wonderful person.

When I was in school, I was the sort of student that sat on the back row. I was happy as a lark if I never got any attention from my teachers. I took copious notes, studied on my own, and usually did pretty well. I only talked to teachers if I had to and even then, once the teacher had approved my subject for my term paper (or whatever the reason for conversing), I was out of there. I was not a memorable student to my teachers. (Except of course when they would look over the grades and say, "Who is this faceless name who scored so high on all tests that I have to discard her grade as an anomaly to make the curve fair?")

I attended BYU, where 14 hours of religious education courses are required for graduation. I so loved my freshman experience in religion that I went a little crazy. I took more religion than required, way more, and then some. I saw my religious education as the most beneficial education I could receive. BYU is a unique place and I am so grateful that I chose to take advantage of its uniqueness in a way that has benefitted me ever since. Even before I met Chris, I knew that my life's employ would be as a mother, and what would make me a better mother than understanding all I could about gospel doctrine? So, I took religion and more religion.

The semester before I paused my education to serve a mission, I took a class called Teachings of the Living Prophets. The subject matter was amazing in itself, but the teacher brought the subject to a higher level. I already had a testimony of the reality of a living prophet. After taking this class from Brother LeBaron, that testimony became deep and abiding. I don't like to use the word life-changing to describe small experiences because it seems a little too dramatic. I think a better word is life-shaping, and that is how I felt about learning from Brother LeBaron.

Brother LeBaron taught details of gospel doctrine as well as principles for application in a wide variety of circumstances. I am not exaggerating when I say his teachings influence my everyday decisions. He was a man of character and charisma. He was so humble and approachable. I found myself approaching him outside of the classroom when I had questions about church doctrine. (You will note that this was totally out of character for me.) It was very easy for me to talk to him and to listen to him. He was also available. Even when I was no longer a BYU student, he would find time to sit and explain to me things I needed to understand to confirm my own testimony. (He sincerely cared about my well-being and he remembered my name. No one remembers my name.) He would open file drawers and pull out doctrinal papers and other material to give to me. He was never selfish with his knowledge--some professors are--he was excited to teach and to share everything he knew. I owe a part of my testimony to his devoted teaching. I believe the Lord has received one of his own home this week and that Brother LeBaron's great work of sharing the gospel will continue in the spirit world.

Thanks for listening. :-)