Testimony-a new series

Don't argue

from JoeUser Forums

I'm starting a series of articles for an indefinite period of time here.  Every time I turn around, I'm told to keep a journal.  Since I hate writing, I've been avoiding it like the plague.  This way, I'm not actually writing, and if anything ever happens to my computer, these will be saved in cyberspace forever.

Starting today, I will write a regular article about how my testimony of this gospel has been strengthened.  Hopefully making my blessing tangible will help me to know how very many I have.

The articles that I am going to write are for my own, personal edification, not to start huge debates about religion.  Feel free to leave your opinion, but know that if I feel attacked or if I believe you are trying to start an argument or debate I will warn you once, then delete any more antagonistic comments.

Thank you.

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General Conference was this weekend.  Since the passing of President Hinckley, I've been looking forward to the events of this weekend with ambivalence.  I've been excited to hear the words of the Lord, but I thought it'd be quite strange without President Hinckley there.  He's the only prophet I remember, so while I like President Monson, it'd be quite a change.

Then came Saturday morning.

The new second counselor in the first presidency, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, presented the new First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for sustaining by the members.  As I watched that solemn assembly on tv in my dorm room, I felt a rush of..."rightness."  As my friend stood with the elders of the church all across the world, as I stood with the sisters, and we raised our arms to the square in support for those men, something told me, deep in my heart, "This church is TRUE!"

I watched with fascination as apostles of God spoke to me, each and every one hitting me with exactly what I needed to hear at this point in my life.  Tears welled in my eyes as I sat in my 8 x 12 cinderblock box, transfixed to my little television.

My friend, we'll call her Annie, was going to a big formal dance Saturday night.  She is not LDS.  She wanted our opinions as she was doing her hair, and so sat on my bedroom floor, as we witnessed a historical meeting.

President Henry B. Eyering, first counselor in the first presidency, spoke last Saturday morning.  I was multi-tasking, helping "Annie" with her hair and listening.  Then, I felt it.  A pulse in my chest.  I looked up to see him staring directly into the camera.  He said (now I can't remember verbatum, forgive me), "There is a living Christ.  I KNOW THAT."

My thoughts: "So do I."

Those simple, eight words spoken by a man called of God to lead and guide us filled me with more joy than anything I could ever imagine.

The subsequent sessions were just as glorious.  So many times in the past two days I've felt an overwhelming witness by the Holy Ghost that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that this church is the only true and living church on the earth today.

 

I know that Jesus is the Christ, "the son of the living God."  I know he atoned for my sins, that he loves me.  I know that he knows my name, and is my advocate with my Heavenly Father.  I also know Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to know of his love.

I know that this church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, and I know I'd be completely lost without it.  It is my lifeline, and I'm ashamed to have taken it for granted, and to have needed this conference to remind me.

lds heavenly father jesus christ mormon testimony religion
7,711 views 17 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Then, I felt it. A pulse in my chest.
End of quote

*psst*...That's your heart. ;)

~Zoo

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Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Great article sis.

Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Thanks, brothers. I hope this doesn't start any messiness. :)
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your faith.

I liked it.

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
"Mormons, the correct answer is Mormons..."
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
"Mormons, the correct answer is Mormons..."
End of quote


Well, if South Park says it, it must be true. ;)
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

I know that this church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, and I know I'd be completely lost without it.  It is my lifeline, and I'm ashamed to have taken it for granted, and to have needed this conference to remind me.
End of quote

Isn't it great when you get exactly what you need when you need it?

 

Don't argue
End of quote

I hope this doesn't start any messiness.
End of quote

I hope that if people do do those things it won't keep from sharing future articles.

Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
Isn't it great when you get exactly what you need when you need it?
End of quote


Yes!


I hope that if people do do those things it won't keep from sharing future articles.
End of quote


It won't. I'll just be a jerk and not allow any comments. ;)
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
It won't. I'll just be a jerk and not allow any comments
End of quote


Yay for being a jerk! :D

~Zoo
Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/search/using-new-media-to-support-the-work-of-the-church

 

This is the link I was talking about the other night..

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

Bearing your warning about antagonistic responses in mind I shall try to make myself clear. My question isn't meant to be a challenge to your faith, nor a criticism of it. But the experience is fresh in your mind, so perhaps you might have something to say.

You mention 'rightness'. And it occurred to me to wonder, as it usually does when the sensation of knowing one is right is discussed, whether the person experiencing that sensation had ever considered that persons holding entirely different beliefs also know exactly the same thing. They too know that they are right.

Charismatic Christians and Pentecostals refer to the 'testimony of the Spirit' in such circumstances. Others no doubt refer to it in different ways - and perhaps the sensation associated with knowing one is right differs from person to person. But still, we all know when we are right. We all have our signs that tell us.

What's yours?

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

Bearing your warning about antagonistic responses in mind I shall try to make myself clear. My question isn't meant to be a challenge to your faith, nor a criticism of it. But the experience is fresh in your mind, so perhaps you might have something to say.

You mention 'rightness'. And it occurred to me to wonder, as it usually does when the sensation of knowing one is right is discussed, whether the person experiencing that sensation had ever considered that persons holding entirely different beliefs also know exactly the same thing. They too know that they are right.

Charismatic Christians and Pentecostals refer to the 'testimony of the Spirit' in such circumstances. Others no doubt refer to it in different ways - and perhaps the sensation associated with knowing one is right differs from person to person. But still, we all know when we are right. We all have our signs that tell us.

What's yours?

Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
What's yours?
End of quote


It's kind of hard to explain unless you've also felt it. The scriptures describe it as a "burning in the bosom."

I don't get heartburn. ;)

Um, it's almost like getting the chills...but not really. Ugh. I wish I could explain it better, but I can't. There's also strong...thoughts. In my mind, (this is going to sound schizo, but I'm going to say it anyway) there's a still, small voice that tells me that it's true.

I hope that explained it, I'm not very good at explaining stuff like this. Sorry.
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
I hope that explained it, I'm not very good at explaining stuff like this. Sorry.
End of quote


That's a reasonable description of the sensation you experience. I've known Muslims and others recount their experience of spiritual guidance in the same way. So, if a Muslim has your type of experience what differentiates the two? I'm still lead by the spirit I encountered when I believed I was a Christian. Now, I'm an apostate, a heretic, and on some counts a godless heathen.

What does that tell you about the nature of the experience itself? It ought to tell you that there's more going on than the parochialism and particularism of all dogmatic religion will generally allow.

You hear a voice. So do others. Which voice is true?

"All truths are true. And there is no true truth."
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
What does that tell you about the nature of the experience itself? It ought to tell you that there's more going on than the parochialism and particularism of all dogmatic religion will generally allow.

You hear a voice. So do others. Which voice is true?
End of quote


I'm a little nervous for where this might be going...but okay. First. Huh???? I may be in college, but you might need to say that in layman's terms for me.

Second, of course I know mine is the true church. That's my belief, and nothing anyone can say will make me believe differently. Which voice is true? I believe there is only one voice: the Holy Ghost. So, he is true.

The Holy Ghost does not only speak to Latter-Day Saints, he can give guidance and comfort to everyone. (Brothers or Ted, correct me if I'm wrong...) So who's to say that everyone hears the same voice?