“As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I had been raised to believe that God answers prayers. I had also been told that everyone needs to find out for themselves that the church is true. My initial conversion story may seem very typical. I prayed at a young age to know if what my parents were teaching me was true and I received a confirmation from the spirit that it was. Check. However, though the standard equation (prayer + faith = answers) seems very generic, I can promise you that my testimony of the gospel, and especially my relationship with my Heavenly Father, is unique and personalized to me. Throughout my life I have had special experiences where God has re-testified to me of His existence and the existence of His true church.
One such occasion was when I was 15 years old. I decided to receive my patriarchal blessing. A patriarchal blessing is special instruction given to an individual to help govern or guide their life. This blessing is given by a priesthood holder that has been set apart with authority to do so. This Patriarch lived over an hour away from my home. I didn’t know him personally and really didn’t know what to expect in my blessing.
As he begun, I felt the spirit and appreciated what he was saying, but most of the instruction could have been applicable to any number of people. However, at one point, he paused, and then said something that pierced my heart and flooded me goosebumps. He had brought up something that no stranger could have known about me. It was specific enough that I knew the words he spoke were not his own. They were from my loving Heavenly Father. He knew me. He loved me. And He knew the potential I had. And because of that blessing, my testimony in Him, the restored priesthood power, and His church had been strengthened.
Since that time I have continued to receive personalized instruction as I have reviewed that blessing. And every time I do, I walk away with those same feelings. I know God lives. We are His children. And this IS His true church. I am converted. “
I Am Converted 