When I was a teen, even though I never wavered on my faith in Jesus Christ I began to rebel. My Daddy was over protective, many of his fears ruled his life. I was his only girl and he was terrified of losing me. We didn’t have money to do things like my friends did. I knew my parents loved me. They taught me about Jesus. Who he was and that he was with me at all times to turn to. I was different; a little over weight and being brought up by Parents as old as other kid’s grandparents. So from day one I was bullied by the kids at school and then those same kids that went to my Church, along with adults both in my family and in my church who tried to suppress me, saying I was spoiled and that I didn’t deserve anything, People wouldn’t sit by me because I smelled of ciggarett smoke because my Daddy smoked and didn’t come to Church much. I was always passed by for solos and taking a part in programs at school and in church. I began to doubt my self worth. The only ones that encouraged me to sing, create and develop my talents were my mom and dad. My Dad was a cartoon and a letter artist. He taught me many things about art and encouraged me to draw, paint. He bought me my first camera at age 9 and set me loose. My mom was a seemstress, did embrodery, and knew music. She would sing to me and with me since I was a baby. The taught me to look for beauty in everything and everyone.
All I wanted was to spread my wings and experience the beauties of the world and be accepted for who I was… a free spirit. Instead, I was judged and condemned by people all around me, in my school, church, and even extended family. I quit going to church as a teen (to my mother’s dismay), but never doubted the gospel and my Savior. I did loose faith in the people. They preached truth but only practiced the parts that were for show. They judged me and assumed because I didn’t go to church and be a “goody-goody” that I was going the other extreme; drugs, boose, sleeping around etc…..I wasn’t. But some of the other kids my age were, and still going to church pretending to be goody goodys and treating me like dirt.
40 years later…
Today, I understand so much more. We are all people at different stages of learning. Even Joseph Smith and the brethren of the Priesthood that worked with him, were human and they made mistakes. Sometimes bad judgment, sometimes actions out of necessity, sometimes just being human. Really in the whole scheem of things It does not matter. This is what we are here for…to make the mistakes and learn to repent and do better right? The important miracle they did is to establish Jesus’s Church and Priesthood back upon the Earth. Enabling us to prepare the way for the King to return. Bottom line is that the LDS Church is Christian and Jesus is at the Helm! The Church is here to help all humanity to come together as Christians, all churches to prepare for his coming and to help establish His Kingdom upon the earth. Russel M. Nelson is The Prophet! Not just over the Church, but for all God’s children upon the earth. I believe with all my heart that He does commune with Jesus Christ, he doesn’t judge others, he is humble and he listens to the Savior and gives the messages to the people what the Savior wants him to just as the prophets of old.
Things were recorded in history by people with their own interpretations that were probably way off in many cases. I am now seeing all over people, even members of the church, wasting their time looking up these histories and twisting them to put doubt in each others hearts about the validity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Devil and his followers (one third of the host of heaven who were our brothers and sisters at one time), are now working harder than ever to stop God’s children (us) from receiving the gifts that God has for us. This is the ultimate war and each and every person on this earth will be forced to take a side. Jesus wants us to be free to love and live with Him in joy for all eternity’ He came to earth and set an example and paved the way for us.
Satan wants to destroy our souls, by getting us to give up our own birth right, to take us down with him to be slaves to our own misery for eternity. There are no punishments, only consequences of choice. Jesus can and will help. God created this world and everything in it, including us. Trials, pain, and suffering is a part of this world. God does not punish, people punish, Jesus heals and gives us strength to overcome. But only if we look to Him and let him by learning of Him, not tell Him, trust and let Him Love Us…
We all have freedom of choice (which is from God). Those who chose to take what other men say as “their truth” and not believe the fact that Jesus is the only way to eternal life with God, isn’t going to change the real truth and what is coming.
I find myself wanting to shout from the tops of the buildings “come on people, why are you allowing Satan and his minions to blind you to the truth? You are wasting time! Jesus is coming back and we need to prepare our hearts. Now is the time to apply His teachings, His love and forgiveness. Concentrate on loving one another, and Loving Him and trusting Him! Look for Him!!!” See the Truth! Point your Heart to the truth! See the truth in all that you do! See Jesus!
He is the truth and light!