A lot of people are a little surprised when they find out that I’m a Mormon. I speculate many reasons why, but won’t get into that speculation here.
I want to share how I became Mormon, and why I believe what I believe.
My mother was raised Mormon, and though she doesn’t attend church very often any more, she thought it would be a good idea for me to attend church when I was a little boy. I was even baptized at eight years old. Shortly after that I stopped attending church and didn’t go back regularly until I was 17.
In my junior year of high school, I attended a seminary class out of curiosity. At the time my family was having difficulties and I was looking for a way to help my family become close. After just a few weeks of attending seminary I stayed after class one day and emotionally asked my teacher to tell me how what we were learning could help my family. I felt like it was good information, but wasn’t sure what to do with it.
He invited me to read in the Book of Mormon, a section called the Book of Enos.
4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.
5 And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
6 And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.
7 And I said: Lord, how is it done?
8 And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.
After reading those verses and discussing them with my teacher, he invited me to take home a copy of the Book of Mormon and begin reading it and praying about it. I did so, and after a few days I realized that I had begun to feel a sense of peace about what I was reading. I decided to attend church that Sunday.
On that Sunday, when the first person began speaking at the pulpit, I immediately felt a burning confirmation in my heart that what I was hearing was true, that this was where I needed to be. I am grateful for that. I’ve not looked back since. While there have been moments of doubt, times of incredible adversity, the experience of the Holy Spirit speaking to my mind and heart sustains me and teaches me that no matter what happens, Heavenly Father loves us all, and will reveal himself to all of us in His own time and in His own way, if simply seek him out.
I love talking religion. If any of you ever have questions about Mormonism or just want to talk about religion, contact me or leave a comment.
