I believe.

Two days ago I had a facebook conversation with someone I know from college. He's not a bad person, but his views of the world make me sad. It's all think "me first" and money separates those who are happy and those who aren't. He doesn't share in my faith and so I thought I would maybe share some things that I believe. It ended up being him telling me why my faith is wrong because there is no proof of the Book of Mormon. Because Joseph Smith made it all up. I tried but this guy was set in what he thought.

That night as I was laying in bed thinking of Joseph Smith; thinking of all the reasons why I know he didn't make it up, why he couldn't, and why I love him so much.

Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ when he was only 14. After his experience, he talked to preachers and friends who told him he was crazy and should forget what he saw. Thinking back to when I was 14, I would have cared way too much about what others told me. I would have let it go right there unless it was true, because it wouldn't be worth it.

Joseph Smith was a mere farm boy with hardly any education to speak of. The words in the Book of Mormon are much too advanced for his level of education.

The mockery, brutality, and utter coldness people showed him, and all those that believed his words, would not be worth any scandal. Some of his children died because of the cold breeze from the window that had been left open from the mobbers who had taken Joseph to be tarred and feathered. Others died along the way as they moved from place to place as they were kicked out time and time again. By this point, I would want to say it was a lie, even if it was true, just to make the hardships go away. But he didn't.

Through everything that happened to him he remained innocent. He suffered months and months in the worst conditions never causing any conflict to others, only trying to share his faith.

He was martyred for what he believed in.

The words of the Book of Mormon are inspired of God, and if you read it with good intent, you will know.

The boy told me to think for myself instead of letting others think for me in my church. Well I do. We all do. Read Moroni 10:3-5. We are all told to not trust the testimonies of others but to pray for ourselves to know if these things are true. I have.

I have received witness countless times that this gospel is the truth. I know with every fiber of my being that this is the true church restored to the earth, that my Savior lives, and that he has a plan for me and a plan for you. Nothing on this earth can bring me the joy, comfort, peace, and hope that the gospel brings. I love my Heavenly Father. I know he loves me.


Everything he puts before me, trials and blessings alike, are all for my good.


"Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." - D&C 6:34,36