It is difficult to know where to begin. I suppose I will begin
by describing faith. I am, by nature, a doubter. It is difficult for me to
accept and believe things I have not seen for myself; not just in spiritual
things, but secular as well. I just know there is a lot of misinformation out
there and I don't want to be deceived.
Faith, however is asking you to do just that - believe without
seeing first. Although it is difficult to exercise faith at times, I have done
so throughout my life - leaning on the mercies of The Lord as I do so.
I have been blessed with witnesses from the Holy Ghost as I've
exercised faith; as promised in the scripture, " . . . For ye receive no
witness until after he trial of your faith" (Ether 12:6).
Among witnesses I have received include a sure knowledge that
the man I married was the right choice for me.
Motherhood is the most difficult thing I've ever done and I rely
on faith that I will receive the help and guidance I need to raise my three
daughters the way The Lord would have me. As I've exercised my faith and
struggled, I've received witnesses and help - sometimes through a scripture
I've read, a person, or a reassurance through the Holy Ghost.
I have received witness that Jesus Christ is my savior and that
through His atonement I can be saved if I repent. I remember my dad teaching a
Sunday school lesson in my youth where he broke the word atonement into three
parts -
at/one/ (ment)=with. That has stuck with me ever since. I know
that Christ want me to be like him so that I can return to Heavenly Father.
Life is not easy - nor do I think it is meant to be. We are
given the gift of faith to grow stronger. After the trial of our faith we receive
witness. The witness, at least in my own experience, is more often than not a
small experience. I think this is so our faith is tested even more. I also
believe we need to write down our experiences so we can reflect and remember.
I
testify that I have exercised my faith and have received witnesses over and
over that Jesus Christ is my savior and that the atonement is real. I know that
God lives and loves us and wants us to return to Him. I say this in the name of
Jesus Christ, amen.
