A Testimony Gained

With it being Sunday and all, I thought it appropriate that I share my experience of how I gained a testimony.

I am no perfect person, by any means. I have had my share of self inflicted trials that have been true humbling experiences. I cannot pinpoint one time in particular when I knew the Gospel of Jesus Christ, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be true. I believe my testimony is a union of many humbling experiences, many lessons learned, many testimonies heard and spoken, many scriptures read, many Family Homes Evenings listened to and taught, many talks heard from Apostles and Prophets, involvement in the repentant process, and a lifetime of relying on the Lord. Most of all my experience in gaining a testimony has centered on the spirit of the Atonement and the Savior.

I’m a very sensitive person, with that comes the good and bad, as is true with many things. One of the blessings that come with my sensitive nature is my sensitive spirit. There have been countless times when I was touched by someone’s testimony, whether it was a testimony shared during sacrament meeting, or a simple conversation with a family member or friend. For as long as I can remember I have recognized the Spirit testifying truth. These experiences often led to a desire to improve and thus repent. It was/is during this very repentance process that I built a relationship with Jesus Christ and began to understand the Atonement. I know that Jesus Christ suffered for our sake so that we can be strengthened and become perfect through him. I know that our weaknesses can be strengthened through him if we allow it. The Atonement of Jesus Christ has the power to heal (In many ways) anyone and everyone if they seek the Lord. I know that we are never alone in our trials, no matter how lonely we may feel. Jesus Christ, our Savior suffered alone so that we would not have to suffer alone. Most of all, I know that our Redeemer lives.

“Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].” 

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles “None Were with Him,” Ensign, May 2009,