The first Sunday of the month is kind of a different worship service in my church. Typically during our Sacrament Meeting we gather, sing, and pray. Then it’s the most important part of church: Taking the Sacrament and renewing our covenants we made at baptism. We remember our Savior and think about Him and what we should repent of/work on. After we have chosen speakers from our congregation speak about topics such as faith, words from a recent General Conference, or scriptures. But the first Sunday of the month is when anyone from our congregation can get up and share their testimony. A testimony is witness from the Holy Ghost that something is true. It is a wonderful edifying meeting where we can gather and share our thoughts and grow closer to God. Usually on the first Sunday we Fast or give up food and water for a small time to seek inspiration or guidance.
Today we attended my cousin’s ward to support her as her son was given a name and a blessing. After the bread and water were passed Gandalf asked if he could share his testimony. After a sweet, older lady had shared her testimony my son approached the pulpit. He stood there for while not saying anything. I wasn’t concerned about him nor did I think he was nervous. I could feel his testimony. His desire to share his beliefs with others and his desire to share what he really knew was true. He then said that he knew that the church was true. And I felt his testimony even more. He continued on and share at least 6 things he knew where true including scriptures and prophets. He shared that he knew Christ would come again. He quietly closed his testimony in the name of Jesus Christ and walked back down to sit with us. I was so proud of him. I squeezed his hand 3 times (Meaning I love you) and he squeezed back two times (how much?) and then I squeezed his hand really tight. And he just smiled. I love when he shares is testimony because I can feel it. It is powerful.
It has always been that way even when he was small. When he was younger he really wanted to go up there and share. I asked him what he had a testimony of? He didn’t know. I told him only when you know for yourself that things are true can you share them. In October of 2011 our family was watching General Conference. I still remember the powerful talk and testimony of Jeffery R Holland on the Book of Mormon. It still brings me to tears when I read it or hear something from that talk. Gandalf had wandered upstairs during conference. I called him down and paused conference. I told him it was crucial that he develop a testimony of the Book of Mormon. That many would mock or be mean to him because of his beliefs. And that he needed to know, for himself, that it was true. And the only way to find out is to read it and then pray and ask God if it is true. We then listened to it together. Much later in the day or maybe in the week I saw his illustrated Book of Mormon open on the floor. I asked him about it. He told me he read it and knew it was true. I asked him how he knew it was true. And he told me Jesus told me.
And so that was his testimony for so many years. And I am not sure if he remembers it, but he would stand at age 6 and say “I know the scriptures are true.” And for a long while that is all he would say. But he would share his testimony with such conviction. Sometimes he would really think and ponder before he shared. And sometimes he would share something else. I had a friend that shared she thought he was nervous or didn’t know what to do. And she felt bad for him. But then we he opened his mouth and shared she felt the power of the Holy Ghost and knew he really did have a testimony. I am so thankful for Jeffery R Holland for so many things. But the thing that I love the most is his testimony and how it blessed that life of my son. I am so thankful I took time to teach my son that conference day.
Others today in their testimonies referenced him and I could tell they too felt of his testimony and sincerity. I am so very thankful for this strong spirit. I am so thankful for his testimony and his desire to share it. I hope he never turns away from that. I know when he shares his testimony as a young missionary he will touch their lives. I am thankful for his great example. It’s wonderful how a simple act can bless and edify others. Draco also shared his sweet testimony today. And Yoda asked if he could as well. I asked him what his testimony was. He said he wanted to give Jesus a flower. I told him that was so sweet and kind and we will learn more about testimonies in our family nights. Sometimes as Gandalf was growing up he would become confused when people would get up there and talk about all kind of things. He would tell me “they aren’t sharing their testimonies.” And I would tell my son, with his amazing Asperger’s brain, that they were doing their best. But our family just shares things they know are true.
I will leave you with my testimony that I know Jesus is the Christ. I know He died for each of us and lives again. And I too know He will someday come to this earth. I know the scriptures are true. And I know reading them as a family has richly blessed our lives. I know I have come to know my Savior more by reading His words. I know Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. I am so thankful for the Holy Ghost who whispers these truths to me time and time again. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
