My Testimony

The Relief Society (women's organization) at my church asked us to write our testimonies of the gospel of Christ out, so they could be bound together in a book. At first this was a little intimidating. The thought of putting such personal thoughts and experiences out there made me feel quite vulnerable. But then as the women began to share their testimonies things changed. It seemed to catch fire. I felt inspired to share openly my feelings of the gospel of Christ. 
        So now I'm posting it here. Quickly and quietly written in the wee hours of the night, trying to make the submission deadline while nursing a sleepy new baby.  Proudly, here for all the world to see.

My Testimony

When I was a young girl, my mother and I went on a sunset walk together. I distinctly remember that evening because she gave me a precious insight. We lived right off a golf course in Florida and were meandering through trees and over sidewalks. It became darker and darker as the sun set slowly and our eyes adjusted to the progressing darkness of the evening. I’ve heard that dust is the hardest time to see because it has an almost fog like characteristic to the fading light. Trees became silhouettes and shadows disappeared in the fading light. Everything almost became one dimensional as we made our way along the path. The two of us talked about school, friends and church. I asked my mother what it was like not to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ of later day saints. What is was like before she was converted in her 20s. She told me in this beautiful way as we walked side by side. “It was like walking in this fading light. I could not tell the difference, I felt like the light was just fine to see the world around me with. I could see my surroundings and where I was going, I could continue in this light indefinitely if things didn’t change. But when the gospel of Christ was taught to me, it was as if a light of noon day sunlight was switched on. For the first time I could see everything clearly. The world made sense in a whole new way and I hadn’t realized how little light I had been getting by on. Now I could see who I was and where I was going, my path was laid before me for miles on end.” I will never forget this description of being converted to the gospel of Christ. Many evenings as the sun fades I am reminded of this insight and hold to the understanding it gave me.

I am grateful that because of the way my parents raised and their great personal testimonies ,I have always been in this light. My life has felt clear, purposeful and guided by the savior’s gospel. At times I have felt a fog or darkness come into view during times of despair or weakness. During these times it is my knowledge of my Heavenly Father’s true plan for us that has led me out of this.  I have felt guided by the love of our savior in such personal and direct ways. My greatest experiences have been when I have been a tool in the Lords hands to serve others. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ comes from the love I have felt while serving those around me. It has given me insight into the way our Father and his son feel about us.

One of the greatest experiences of serving others came at the age of 17 when I was a counselor at a church girl’s camp. I could feel how much the Lord loved these girls and how much they needed to know it. I felt as if the spirit of the Lord whispered in my ear as I worked at that camp. Many times I would feed distinct impression to talk to a specific girl, notice her efforts or ask her something specific.  I could feel how each girl was doing and help in return, I knew what girls needed more comfort, friendship or help. It was an incredible experience being guided to serve those young women and see the change it brought in them and me.

                Being a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has afforded me many of these opportunities to serve and many more to be taught. I have benefited from countless teachers and leaders who have served me throughout my life. The Church has an almost revolving door of shared insight, personal experience, service and constant learning. This has lead to my further belief in its teachings and practices. My testimony of our prophet has guided me with his teachings for our modern times. I am blessed with direction that suits the world I live in today. And I’m grateful for a church so structured and organized with such insight.

The gospel of Christ has guided my life in many of my most important choices. In the man I married, the way I’ve raised my children, the people I have surrounded myself with and my life’s most important goals. It is the foundations for everything I strive for and want to become.

I know the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be a true one. One that has brought great happiness, insight and blessings into my life. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen 

Anne McDonald