As a senior in high school about to make big decisions about
the future, I was seeking guidance from something I knew to be true. I found
myself dating a member of the church who introduced me to missionaries. I began
meeting weekly with them and even set a baptism date. Still unsure of the
gospel I took the lessons and began to discuss with my parents the idea of my
becoming a “Mormon.” They were insistent that I wait until I was 18 and refused
to sign the required documentation for me to convert. So my baptism date was
canceled and I was about to move to Alabama to begin my education at the
University of Alabama.
While in Alabama I kept up my missionary lessons and
discovered for myself the truth within the church. I had many instances that
shaped my testimony while in Tuscaloosa, AL that clarified everything the
missionaries worked so hard to teach me. Now that I understood why I needed to
be baptized, I set a second date the weekend my boyfriend was leaving for his
mission. He had never baptized anyone and I was so excited to share this moment
with the person that introduced me to the gospel. Unfortunately my parents were
not so understanding of this discussion I was about to make and caused enormous
amounts of tension in my house. I prayed and seeked guidance and knew that if I
waited, I could be baptized and gain my parents support. So my boyfriend left
on his mission and I didn’t get baptized.
Finally on December of 2014, right before I came up to BYU,
I knew it was my time. I gave my parents time to understand my decision. It
took so much prayer and fasting but my parents hearts were softened and not
only did they support my decision, they came to my baptism! On December 27,
2014 I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On
that day I bore my testimony and looked into the audience and say my parents
and sister shedding tears of joy because of the happiness the gospel was
bringing to me. I know they could feel the spirit as strong as I could that day
and I’m so blessed to have such an amazing support system after months of
seeking in the Lord’s guidance. 
Wow. This is such an inspiring story! It must have taken a lot of faith to do what you did. I'm glad the gospel brings you so much happiness now! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool story! It is so awesome that your family decided to attend your baptism. It's so awesome that you were persistent on getting baptized, and you kept on trying even when it seemed that things weren't working out. You are AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteLove your experience! My wife is a convert and shares a similar story with how her parents were unsure. It really is cool to see the blessings that come from following what you know to be true.
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