In Good Company

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Since serving my mission I have come to better appreciate the Prophet Joseph Smith.  I have come to especially appreciate his attitude at the very beginning of the persecution that would follow him all his life.

In Joseph Smith History, Joseph responds to his persecutions with this courageous declaration: “I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.”

Young Joseph Smith is a perfect example for missionaries!  Before my mission, I grew up in the church.  I was accustomed to bearing my testimony in sacrament meetings and at youth conferences where the listeners are supportive.  When I entered the mission field sharing my testimony went differently than it had back at home.  Some scoffed.  Some laughed.  Some aggressively fought against my efforts to share what I knew was true.  It was fairly common to run into hardened atheists who tried to tell me that there is no way I could know what I claims to know, that my experiences were insufficient to be convincing evidence, or that it just wasn't important.

I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who helped me to learn to appreciate the testimony that I have.  He helped me to realize that nothing that anyone else says changes the fact that what I felt when I read the Book of Mormon was real.  Other people refusing to believe didn't change the fact that I have received answers to my prayers, felt God's love, and experienced the healing power of the atonement.    

 I wish i had followed Joseph Smith's example the moment my testimony was challenged.  I know that you have had experiences that are meaningful to you.  You wouldn't be so stoked to go on a mission if you had never felt even a little bit of God's love.  It was real!  You know it!  And you know that God knows it!  Don't ever deny it!  Don't let anyone tell you that your testimony isn't good enough.  What do they know?