My Faith Renewed

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. To many people in this world, that is gibberish. "I've never heard of that Church" some say. "Well, have you heard of Mormons?" And immediately the conversation changes. I can tell they are more careful, some possibly hearing negative things, others having experienced negative encounters, some even being preached to about how wicked my religion is. 

Well today more than ever, I am so proud to belong to this church. We believe in a prophet. Not only that, but we believe one is here on this Earth today! We believe that God has not left us alone, but that He has a church with apostles here on this earth, that the church that was organized while Jesus Christ was on Earth has been restored! I have never heard of a church with these components. 

This Easter weekend, this same church had their semi-annual general conference where these same apostles and prophet and other disciples of Christ come together and speak to the world about Christ, about His work, about the plan of happiness. I am overwhelmed by the messages heard at this conference. Never am I so uplifted as when I hear the messages that we know come straight from the mouth of Christ himself, by way of His servants on Earth, 

As I sat listening to speakers today, I thought about my little girl who is due exactly one month from today. I often go through phases where I think "How will I be able to raise such an innocent soul to be righteous in a world where there is so much wickedness?" I have never been comforted more than today about this question. In a world where there is so much wickedness, I also forget how much GOODNESS there is. She will be born into a family with a husband and wife who honor each other, and who works to center their lives around Christ. I can not think of a better arrangement for her. I have renewed faith that I am more than capable of raising this little girl in light and love with the help of my Heavenly Father and the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

This will be a huge trial. As we all do, she will make mistakes, and I will have to be there to lift her when she falls. She will be watching me constantly, which is a huge load, but also a huge blessing, as I will have even more of a desire to be good FOR her, that she might know the happiness that can be found when we follow Christ, and that we can be forgiven when we fall short, as every person on this earth does. 

I am so grateful for the peace that comes to me by way of Christ and the plan that has been set for me. I never have to wonder if I am loved. Never have to second guess that there is something more than this earth. When Jesus Christ returns to this earth, as He most assuredly will, I want to be ready. At the closing of this conference, I hope to help those who are in need. To put others before myself. To lift others. To not compare myself to others. To learn as much as I can about Christ's life as I can. To enjoy the blessings that come with attending the temple. To honor my husband, and my marriage, in anyway that I can. To remember that church is a hospital for he sick, which absolutely includes me. To leave the ninety and nine to go after the one who is lost. To try each day to be better than the next. I know that I will gain more happiness by abiding the teachings of this church. Following the council of our church leaders is not meant to limit us, but to allow us to be free. Free from guilt, self loathing, the feeling of inadequacy by recognizing and utilizing the amazing miracle that the atonement offers. 

Christ lives, and when He returns, I want to be among the ranks to see Him. How glorious it will be to see Him in all His glory, to see every man confess that He is the Christ. I think I shy away from sharing the gospel sometimes for fear of being rejected, tormented (which happened often in high school), sounding too preachy, but what an amazing responsibility it is that He has given each one of us to not only learn of Him, but teach of Him! After all He has done for us, even suffering for our sins both in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross of Calvary, a perfect being undergoing so much pain and suffering for each of us, it is the least we can do to share a HAPPY message, a message of love and wonderment, with friends and family. Because He lives, I too will live again, and I will make my time here on earth a happy time filled with love and laughter and friendship and parenthood and companionship. I will be a learner, a teacher, a listener, a friend. Because He lives, I will work to be my best self.