SEVENTY THREE

“Growing up we went to church every Sunday, and my family was very active in the church. Around 14 we stopped going.

Throughout the years my girls and I have attended other churches, but something was always missing. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has truly changed my life. Without a doubt this church is the true church of Jesus Christ. The peace and love that I’ve felt since I started attending Sacrament meetings in February 2021 is undeniable. I’ve always felt close to our Heavenly Father, but never truly let him in.

As a child my home life was not the best and to this day I don’t have a real relationship with my parents. I’ve struggled through mental, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as addiction, anxiety, depression and PTSD. In my darkest times alone and often crying; often I would ask God, why me? If you love me so much why would you allow this to happen? I often have felt alone, unloved, worthless and thought everyone would be better without me around. The members in my Ward have welcomed me as family and made me feel loved and wanted. I truly believe our Heavenly father was preparing me for this moment in my life. I can look back and truly see that he was always there with me, even when I was angry with him and felt alone and forgetten. He created me strong enough to withstand all of the storms in my life.

Over this past year, it hasn’t been easy. It has gotten even harder as I prepared to go to the Temple. However, the more I do my best to give all my problems to Heavenly Father and do what he asks of me; the easier it gets to deal with whatever comes my way. The adversary will always try his best to bring me down and right when I feel like giving up, our Heavenly Father lifts me right back up and reminds me that he loves me and he is right there with me and that I am worthy and he is proud of me.

Nothing on this Earth will bring you the comfort and peace that you want, you will only find it in our Heavenly Father. Sister Laina Taylor once said to never pass up your blessings, I’m learning to not pass up my blessings and say Why Not Me?

If you are wondering why you’re reading this right now…..it’s because Heavenly Father led you here, it’s not a mistake that you’re reading my story of all things. Please know that Heavenly Father loves you more than you can ever imagine and will never leave you. I leave you with my testimony that this church is true! Our prophet Russel M. Nelson is a true prophet of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father has called the people in our Stakes and Wards to help lead us closer to him so that we can live forever with our families for all of eternity.”