*note: this post is much more personal and serious than usual. Don’t worry, I’m okay. Just wanted to say some things…Recently, I have been thinking more introspectively, and reflecting on the miracles that are prevalent in my life—the greatest of which, I often take advantage of. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are many people in the world who know what that means (many of my 3 fans/blog readers!!!), but there are also many who have no idea and probably don’t really care.
When I was young, my family took a trip to California and were staying in a hotel. I remember sitting in the hot tub with my mom and we were soon accompanied by a few fellow hotel stayers. They started light conversation, and after asking where we were from, asked my mom if we were "Mormon". She acknowledged this proudly. Then, they asked how many wives she was sharing my dad with. Despite my young age, I found the whole encounter rather amusing. (Not that my dad couldn't get another wife, but just that he would need to! My mom is amazing!) It is my earliest memory of meeting someone who didn't belong to the same religion that I do, and at the time, I wondered if I would've been brave enough to stand up for what I believed.
Well, time passed and one day I found myself talking to another man who once again, was contesting my beliefs. He wondered how I could believe something that was so ridiculous to him, and I remembered that this man was my brother and I wanted so badly for him to feel as happy as I felt. At this moment, I realized that this was a chance for me to stand up for my beliefs--not because I was right and he was wrong, but because I knew that he needed what I had.
And now, I have another opportunity. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that He bled and died so that I have to opportunity to be cleansed from sin. I know that God is my father and that he loves me. I know that he knows my name and my heart. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same that Christ himself organized when he was on the earth, and it is true. When I think that I have the truth, it makes me want to cry and yell and thank my Father that I have been given such an incredible gift. I can call the sky purple or yellow or green, and I can really believe it, but it doesn't make it true. In the same way, what God says is true and right. It doesn't matter what I think or say or even believe, the truth is still the truth and I am so happy to have it. I wouldn't be anything without the light and joy that fills me because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is why I live. That is why I smile.
If anyone reading this post has a desire to learn more about this life-giving truth, go to: lds.org or mormon.org
Thanks for reading.
11 comments:
Cool post, Mary.
This is Barney: Thanks for sharing, Mary. Does this have anything to do with Family History class two Sundays ago?
Either way, I loved reading your testimony.
This is Diane:
:D Ha ha... anyway, I loved your post. And that's a very cute picture as well. You live your testimony and you have so much enthusiasm. Thank you for being a fabulous example of what missionary work is all about.
You through me off for a half a second - ok, it was a whole second when you said that the guy you were defending your beliefs to was your brother. I was like, no way was that Mike or Jason... Couldn't of been Steve so... John E? Then I understood. I get that same feeling a lot when I see people begging for money/food. It's a unique experience to understand that Dad in Heaven loves them just as much as you. Thanks for taking the time to share.
This is Sara by the way. I felt like I needed to join the trend!
PS. Eliza made your cookies too and she posted a picture on her blog.
Threw me off, threw me off. ack! I hate that my lack of spelling talent will be forever immortalized here in my comments. I should embrace it rite? Week things becom strong rite?
Thanks, Mary! It was just what I needed after hearing so much criticism and negative talk about the Church and their stand on Prop 8.
Sorry, I originally posted as Dan so I deleted and posted as myself :).
I really needed to hear/read that just now. Thanks.
ok, I haven't updated new links on my blog so I keep forgetting to check yours! I will do it soon though. I love your background, by the way, it is adorable.
Hey I had a quick question for you. On December 7th I was wondering if you would play something short on your violin (or piano) for Relief Society. It would be for the musical moment/opening hymn and can be ANYTHING you want. If not it's totally fine, I just wanted to run it by you and see how you feel. I'm still unsure about this whole new set up with the music so we'll see how it goes. Hope your day is going well.
you're awesome, mary! if only my brother knew what we know too. :)
and how did your pizza turn out?
I've been feeling the same way lately! Good job putting in words what I know so many of the rest of us are feeling right now. Anyway--hi! I found your blog. I hope you're excited about that. :) It's very cute!
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