Hello, everyone! My name is Jen and I’m so thrilled to be a part of this amazing opportunity to spread hope and courage to all the LDS Blogs readers.
To share a little about myself, I’m 24 years old and living in Utah. I’m a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Two years ago I was going through a phase in my life feeling as if something was missing. It was a feeling that couldn’t be found in my friends, in who I was dating, and not even found within my own family.
I knew of the church prior to my decision in becoming a member, through a friend I met during high school. There were several times I had attended church with her and her family. But being in high school with everything going on, it’s difficult to make big decisions not knowing what I wanted for myself. So I never got baptized.
Years passed and I was still trying to figure out what I was missing in my life. So I turned back to the church, and found the feeling I was looking for. This time there was no hesitation or uncertainty, I knew the church was where I now needed to be. That was my answer.
So I was taught the lessons and quickly knew the feelings I felt were a reassurance that I was making the right decision. That decision was the quickest, but the most fulfilling decision I’ve ever made in my life. It has given me so much!
It gave me hope- to better understand this life, and to know what all I can do to live a life of true happiness. It’s given me courage- to push forth through the most challenging times. And It’s given me the best blessing of meeting amazing individuals, for they have given me one of Gods greatest gifts- friendship. The best kind of friendships!
Two years have passed since then. And my testimony has continued to grow. But I can’t say it has been the easiest journey, because my testimony has been tested time and time again.
Sometimes I think about how much easier it could be just to fall back into my old ways, old thinking, and old life. Then I remember all the many blessings I’ve been given by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and what true loving comfort I’ve received through its teachings.
That although I can’t physically see my Heavenly Father, that I am still completely surrounded by His love and comfort everyday. It’s a feeling that has given me so much because I know I can’t feel the same peace through anything else and what I’ve been missing in my life before.
So when those tough trials come as they will, I remind myself that holding onto His love and believing that even though I can’t feel Him physically holding my hand, that He is holding me and is guiding me to get through my most challenging times.
To read more of Jen Narra’s articles, click here,
Because of that, my purpose for my column and the writings I share is to let you know that we have to live by faith to get through our difficult times. We need to keep trying our best and to keep believing in Him. Always remember that we are never alone in this life and that He won’t let us be. We must be faithful and trust in Him.
My heart is full for the church and for its teachings. I love my Heavenly Father and I’m grateful for the comfort and hope He’s given me so much of.
To say the least, It’s been the best two years of my life serving my Father in Heaven.
Jen has been inspired to give encouragement and faith through her uplifting writings. Her posts focus on overcoming the trials of life in hopes that they can help others in need. Jen has a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and is happy to continue to spread His word to the world here on LDS Blogs.
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Jen, thank you!I”m keeping a copy of this to share with others. By the way, your first talk in Church was amazing!