Since being baptized into the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I have gotten a ton of grief; from family, friends, and even strangers. The truth is, I chose to become a Mormon of my own free will because, crazy as it may seem to you, I actually believe the doctrines. I know, insane reason to join a religion. I did not join for a guy, I did not join because I was pressured into it...I joined because I prayed about the Book of Mormon and continued reading and studying and found it in my heart to be the true church of God. You may not agree with it, but that is what free agency is for right? As I have continued to study my scriptures and learn I have yet to change my mind. I made the right decision for me.
For those of you who think it was easy, trust me, it really wasn't. in the back of my mind the entire time until being baptized (and even a few low moments since) I have asked myself, "What if it is the wrong decision?" but I knew in my heart that it wasn't. It hasn't been easy to fully incorporate it into my life. I still have problems remembering that the first thing I need to do everyday is pray. Sometimes I forget when I go to bed too, and studying everyday needs to be a priority, but time gets in the way. I am truly working on managing my time around it (which is easier said than done when you already had a set routine) and I am getting better. I am not to the level I would like to be though, and I want to be on a consistent level before I start the process of becoming a missionary.
I know it is controversial in public to go door to door, I have been the person who has pretended not to be home, or politely closed the door a little more and a little more until the pioneers get cut off by the closing of the door. I have thrown away magazines from Jehovah's Witnesses knowing if my dad or grandma saw me do it I would get grounded (My dad's family are all witnesses, talk about a conflict of interest!). But I now know, now that I believe, WHY the missionaries go door to door and deal with rude or disinterested people. It is our duty to share the gospel, and God will allow us to touch the hearts of those we teach if we are righteous, have faith, teach with the spirit, and endure. I know that it is my duty, and my privilege to have the opportunity to serve God and to preach his gospel, and I am truly excited to say that I intend to serve a mission in a year!
I am also very scared because I am a convert and I know people automatically think that means I don't know anything, but the truth is, I know more than a lot of kids my age who grew up in the church know. I didn't get to attend primary, seminary, or more than 5 weeks of young women's before I graduated, but I know a lot because I want afraid to ask questions and search for answers on my own. It has been hard the last week because my normal "go-to" person for answers recently left to serve his own mission, IN AFRICA!! But it has just put more pressure on me leaving my comfort zone to ask questions of other people, and to search even more and into deeper scripture and doctrine to find my answers, and I am proud to say that I am becoming a better person because of the changes I have already made in my life.
Proselytize-to convert, be born again, or advocate.
Sincerely,
SamanthaMarie
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