“My mom was a convert to the church and made a lot of hard decisions to follow her faith. We’re often told that when we come to Christ, we shouldn’t come alone. And my mom didn’t- she brought her future family with her. My dad grew up in the church, and he was able to serve as a missionary. I’ve known my whole life how special and life changing what I have is. I’ve seen the way it touches and changes people, even my own family.
One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to learn was to trust in the Lord’s timing and His plan. I’ve unfortunately found out that I can be very stubborn and strong-willed in what I think is best. My whole life has been learning this lesson over and over again.
My grandpa was sick when I was younger and I remember asking God to take it away. Since I was little I didn’t understand why bad things happen to good people, as cliche as that sounds. It just made me feel like I had missed out on so many things and it turned into something that was hard for me to understand. But he eventually ended up passing away and I got to be close to him during the last few years of his life. I admire my grandpa and his faith more than anything in this world. A trial that would have made me feel bitter and distant, did not dimish his joy. My last memories of him are ones of him laughing and smiling. I’m sure things frustrated him and were hard, but he kept his eyes on the Lord.
I still don’t understand why that happened to our family, but I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were there with us in every moment. He has been there my whole life even through my own personal trials. He has heard my prayers when I’ve pleaded for things to be taken away or for something to go right. And at those times, I felt I knew what was best for me and my family when I really didn’t. I know all the things I’ve experienced have given me a testimony and truly converted me.
It’s taken me a long time to trust that Heavenly Father really does have a plan for me and that His timing doesn’t have to be mine. I still don’t know where life will take me or what things lie ahead, but I can face them with confidence knowing that He will be with me. All I want is what God wants for me and building that desire and trust in Him has brought me the most peace I can ever hope to know. So here’s to the shredded up plans and unanswered prayers since I know my Savior and am converted because of them.”
I Am Converted 