I became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints approximately 17 years ago, and discovered a feeling unlike any other I have ever experienced. From the moment I entered the Sanctuary I was made to feel as though I was part of one huge family, God's Family. After several amazing years with the Church I suffered numerous personal tragedies, one after the other, which allowed doubt and a feeling of being forsaken to enter into my mind and heart. As a result, I turned away from the Church, it's teachings and ministry. I spent several years seeking, searching for the TRUTHS that seemed to allude me, and studied and researched many of the world's religions, their histories, truths and falsehoods. During my search my life continued to be plagued by tragedy and life changing events, loss of my Father, both grandparents, and my baby sister, not to mention friends I served with during my time in the military.
In my mind, it appeared as though I was truly forsaken, and had no chance of a life of happiness, in this life time as well as throughout eternity. With this in mind and heart, I decided I had nothing to lose, and with all hope lost, dropped to my knees in prayer, begging for forgiveness and to be allowed back into our Father's graces, much as a child who has misbehaved will do with parent. It was at this, the lowest point in my life, that an amazing and sudden realization came to be as if a blinding light suddenly burst forth inside of my heart, body and mind. My realization was one, I had never been forsaken, two, I was my own worst enemy and that neither God the Father, nor his Son Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior had ever forsaken me. My failure to forgive myself and the burdens I carried we're keeping me from true happiness. Through ever moment, when I felt alone, The Father and Son we're always with me, I walked with "blinders on" never truly seeing what was right before me and always had been. I am active within the True Church once again, and though the struggles and tribulations may still occur, I am not alone. My church family stands with me, and Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ are always in my heart and mind. My testimony, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true Church, I say in the name of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!