The Influence of Generous Hearts and Noble Minds

When I was a six-year-old growing up in Colombia, violence was rampant. During the 1960s and 1970s, guerilla forces in Colombia created chaos everywhere, tearing families apart and leaving homes desolate. Colombians lived in fear and poverty.

But then there were those who came to serve. They provided defense, relief, faith, education, hope and food. They were soldiers, missionaries, reporters, educators and medical staff from the American Red Cross, U.S. Army, the Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I clearly remember their kind acts of service even now. American volunteers brought bushels of wheat, sugar, rice, beans, dry milk and other goods to an institution called CARITAS, a Catholic charity, where the goods were distributed. That is my first recollection of the American flag, stamped on every arriving bushel of food and proudly displayed on the arm of every American soldier. American soldiers trained the national militia in defense tactics and fought side by side with Colombian forces; many even gave their lives for our freedom.

In the midst of such conditions, I could only observe and learn from the courageous and unselfish examples of those serving. I will never forget the overwhelming feeling of relief I had upon their arrival. I wondered, “Can I ever repay them? Can I ever serve as they did? Can I learn to care as they did?” My life was changed forever, shaped by their kindness and profoundly touched by their unselfish service.

Often when we think of service, our thoughts drift to donating service hours to charities. But service to others also includes giving them a chance, showing them the way, encouraging them and helping them find the will to move forward. Service translates to generosity of spirit — a quality I have always admired in those that served in Colombia. Their service, guided by generosity of heart and nobility of mind, blessed my life for the better.

More than 40 years after seeing those volunteers, I am grateful for the opportunity I have to give back. As an international business leader, I strive to serve like those people in Colombia who made my life better. Serving must be the primary focus of those who seek to have a generous heart and a blessed life, and our service must be guided by a nobility of mind. My life has been a collection of blessings from the service of others. I am thankful for the honor and privilege that I have to serve.

Sonia Clayton is the president & CEO of Virtual Intelligence Providers, an information systems consulting firm. She is also a member of the information systems department advisory board at the Marriott School at Brigham Young University. Prior to her work at VIP, Clayton held management positions in several Fortune 500 Corporations in the Houston, Texas area. In 2007 Texas governor Rick Perry recognized Clayton as a top woman in technology, and in 2008 the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named her the Female Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year.