Who I am

I've always been afraid to tell people about my religion. Partly because I was afraid they would think I was shoving it down their throat. Mormons kind of have a bad reputation for trying to convert everyone. I never wanted to offend anyone so I just kept my mouth shut.

But I was wrong.

My religion is who I am. It is the reason I do the things I do. It has made me the person I am. I had a friend that I've known for years ask me recently what exactly my church believes in. he said he didn't want to join, but was interested just to know about it. So here is it. I'm not good with words, but here is my attempt at sharing what I know.

Back in New Testament times, Jesus Christ came to the earth to share the true gospel. He organized his church. He was the leader of the church and called 12 apostles whom he also gave the power of the priesthood to act in his name. After the death of Christ and all of the apostles, that power was lost.

In America, our blessed nation, where freedom of religion was granted, a young boy named Joseph Smith was investigating different churches. He wanted to find the one true church. He read the Bible. He prayed. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. They told him that the true church was no longer on the earth and needed to be restored. He was called as a prophet and given a record of an ancient people to translate into the Book of Mormon.

I've read the Book of Mormon. I can't remember how many times I've read it. I've prayed about it. It's a true book. I know that a young boy with hardly any education wouldn't have made it up and written it by himself. It compliments the Bible as a testimony of Jesus Christ. To me, the Book of Mormon is key. Knowing the Book of Mormon is true means that Joseph Smith really was a prophet. He really did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. The power of the priesthood really was restored to the earth again.

And here are a few other things that I know and love.

Families are forever. With the power of the priesthood, a husband and wife can be sealed together for eternity.

Every person has the right to knowledge. The Holy Ghost can teach anyone and I have felt it bear witness to me of the truth of many things.

There is a prophet on the earth today. He guides us and receives revelation from Jesus Christ. There are also 12 apostles that testify of Christ.

Well, there you have it. I am putting one of the most important things in my life out there, but now you know who I really am. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I wouldn't want it any other way.