If No One Sees You...Then Nobody Knows

What is so shameful about being good? Why does it feel like one must throw him/herself out on a line to be friendly? Isn't there a sense of power in being liked, in showing love? Why is it easier to look at the ground as the world passes you by?
Last semester I met an amazing new friend in my biology class. She spent her summers serving at a Lutheran Youth Camp, and was very interested in cultures and exploring new religions. In fact, last Christmas she celebrated Hanukkah (even though she isn't Jewish). I found her to be such an interesting person, and looked forward to becoming her friend.
We often rode the bus home together, because she lived in the dorms on the same route. One bus ride I asked my new friend how she was liking the dorms...she told me she wasn't too happy there. I wasn't surprised, since dorms tend to be a little cramped and lacking personal space, but when she told me her reasoning for disappointment I was heartbroken.
She proceeded to tell me that all her room mates were "Mormon" and that the moment they found out she was not like them, they didn't seem interested in becoming her friend. She told me that they always seemed to be going to such fun activities for their church, but never invited her. She felt so out of place and uncomfortable.
I let her know that I am a Mormon as well. And I promised her, that as I was raised in the church, our teachings are emphasized on love and kindness...that each soul is great in the sight of God, who loves all his children. But I could tell that she would have a bad taste in her mouth because of her negative experience.
I was listening to this song by Josh Groban, and the phrase hit me "If No One Sees You...Then Nobody Knows" and thinking about how much we as members treat our organization as a "club". We have cultured ourselves to feel so tight-knit inside this bubble, interacting only with those who understand our life-style. Forgetting that the very REASON why we are here is to help bring souls unto Christ.
I was caused to wonder...how many people watched me attend institute and church activities. I thought about some of my room mates that I just ASSUMED had better things to do, so I never invited them along. Our activities and meetings aren't a secret. They are a blessing, organized by God to help all of his children grow and learn. So here's to reaching out, sometimes being an example is just not good enough. Sometimes we must get out of our comfort zones, and give people the opportunities we have been blessed with most of our lives.
Don't keep your love hidden away...