“I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for my whole life; my parents raised me in the church, and I got baptized when I was eight years old, like many other members of our congregation. My testimony is built on years and years of growth and development. It is constantly evolving and I am so grateful for a God who works with us individually throughout the many ebbs and flows of our spirituality.
My dad is in the Air Force so there were really only three things that were constant in my childhood; change, family, and church. Although I enjoyed moving around and exploring new places, there were many challenges and difficulties with each move. However, no matter what I was going through with each move, I knew that the church would be the same. I knew there was a ward family that would graciously accept my family with open arms no matter where we moved to. The church provided such a clear sense of home for me. I came to realize that the Savior was truly aware of each one of us individually and He knew exactly what I needed with each move; through other members of His church, He provided me with love and support no matter where I went.
Up until I was about 16 years old, my testimony strongly relied on those around me. I leaned on my parents and leaders, trusting them and their guidance over the years. Throughout my later teenage years, I was provided with several opportunities that required me to begin relying on my own testimony, instead of the testimony of others. I gained a personal testimony of a loving Father in Heaven, who gave His Son to guide us and atone for our sins. I also gained personal revelation of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, the events surrounding the restoration of the church, and the importance of living prophets on our earth today. These religious concepts provided a solid base for my testimony to continue to grow and include the various gospel principles.
Throughout my adult life, my relationship with my Heavenly Father has evolved and changed to fit my personal needs. Throughout these changes, I have gained such a firm knowledge of the love that Christ has for each and every one of His children. A love so strong that He willingly sacrificed His life for each one of us. A love that defies all of our weaknesses and failures. A love that reaches those that feel like outcasts. A love that forgives our wrong doings and gives us chance after chance. A love that all other gospel principles are driven by. A love so pure that it could only come from the Savior Himself.”
I Am Converted 