I was born and raised a member of the LDS church, I sometimes think this has got to be one of the hardest religions on earth.  People will either love the religion or hate it, there has been very few times when someone were neutral, and so it goes with being a member also.  I have lost many friends when they found out I was Mormon.  So many times I have had to defend the church and at times I wanted to apologize for the way I believed.

It has been an uphill battle many times.  I sometimes doubted the things I had been taught, I have thought it would be so much easier not to believe the Gospel.  So many negative things are thought about the church and many misconceptions.  I attended a Catholic church and Baptist church but they never felt like home to me.

In all my emotional and spiritual struggles one thing stands out most and that is that the church is true. Yes, I have read LDS books and read scriptures but that alone was not what made me believe, it was that still small voice that bore witness to me.  This is what has influenced me more than anything.

Many people who are investigating the church are up against some horribly tough opposition. I think if I were someone who was seeking out the true church, I would have to wonder also about us "Mormons" :).  Who do they believe?  People who are against the church? Or the church members who are obviously biased?

This is exactly why Joseph Smith went to the grove of trees.  He knew that there was one person who would not fail him, lie to him, or deceive him.  We must all do the same, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect but we as humans are not.  I never have to doubt anymore.

It makes me sad when I see or hear of someone who is falling away from the church or has fallen away.  Satan works overtime and loves to plant seeds of doubt into peoples hearts.  If we are ever watchful and mindful then we will be aware of the little things that Satan will do to drive a wedge between us and our Heavenly Father. I look forward to the day when I can see Jesus face to face and thank him for his sacrifice he made.  Sometimes when life is hard and I feel that I can no longer deal with anything, I take myself to this one thought and it gives me strength and hope.

Tags: Lds Membership Trials