FORTY

“As a 17 year old senior in high school, I wondered, as many 17 year old’s must, about the deeper meanings of life. I was raised as a Protestant and over the years had a couple of experiences that confirmed to me that Jesus Christ was real and that he loved me.

On one occasion the youth of our congregation were invited to meet with a small group that visited our church. In that small meeting the leaders asked us to imagine Christ and commit our lives to Him. Attending this meeting I felt a great warmth and love that connected me to Christ.

Even though, I didn’t take any further action on my feelings, I never forgot the reality of that feeling and the connection stayed with me. I promised myself to one day seek it out again.

A girl sitting next to me in our government class always carried a bible. She was kind, mature and seemed different than the other girls I knew. The bible worried me and I thought her some kind of a fanatic. She told me she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The only thing I knew of this religion was the “strange” young men that rode around on bikes in white shirts and ties in the hot, Florida summer sun. They were not
allowed in our home.
She invited me to a few church activities and family events. I really enjoyed them. The missionaries offered to share the truths about the gospel of Jesus Christ that they held to be true. I learned of the Book of Mormon, prophets, the Plan of Salvation and about how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were real, distinct personages who love and care for us.
While meeting with these folks, it occurred to me, I knew all this. I had not heard it before, but I knew it was true. They answered some of those deeper questions that lingered in my mind.
The feeling, the connection I had felt with Christ was clear and present in their message.

A year passed as I learned, researched and prayed for clarity in understanding God’s will. My mind was wracked with turmoil and indecision. It culminated when I determined to find out for myself if this truly was, as they had said, the “True church of Jesus Christ” on the earth. I knelt alone and pleaded for peace and direction. It came just as it had a number of years
previous. I felt Christ’s love and my connection to Him. God answered my prayers and clearly directed me to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I was baptized and have learned of the joy that awaits those who wait on the Lord. Though I have had trials, questions and doubts over my life, God has been kind and answered those questions and doubts. He is generous with me and my family and attends to us when we face Him. From the restoration of Gospel truths through the Prophet Joseph Smith and modern day prophets, my connection to Heavenly Father and Christ has grown stronger. A connection that gives us all meaning and purpose.”