“I have it. Why not share it? Why not share it with my brother? See the joy within me shine in someone else’s eyes. I know it and I love it. Why not share it with my brother? See the joy within me shine in someone else’s eyes.” (Written by Susan E. McCloud and Denny Crockett)
I learned and sang this song a very long time ago as a young woman. Somehow the words have stayed with me throughout all these years and every now and then I find myself humming the tune. Nowadays, when this song pops into my head I often pause and ask myself if I’m sharing the joy I feel with a brother or a sister. You see, the song talks about the joy that faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons) feel in their hearts. It talks about the happiness that we experience in our lives when we become truly converted to our Savior Jesus Christ and to his Gospel.
I hope you don’t mind if I speak to you now as if I am speaking to a sister or a brother. I do have that joy within me every day of my life and I wish with everything in me that you can feel it too. One of the greatest blessings of mortality is the ability to experience joy. We are taught in Nephi 2:25 that “men are that they might have joy.”
Don’t get me wrong. My life isn’t just a series of happy episodes. I have my ups and downs. I have my trials just like everyone else. However, I know that no matter what life throws at me, my Savior stands ready to help me with it. This knowledge gives me hope and faith and allows me to feel joy in my heart regardless of whatever else is going on. I have no doubt whatsoever that I am blessed with such joy in my life because I try with every fiber of my being to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said it best; “Fully understood and embraced, the gospel of Jesus Christ heals broken hearts, infuses meaning into lives, binds loved ones together with ties that transcend mortality, and brings to life a sublime joy.”
Most faithful members of the Church feel as I do. We feel blessed to have the Gospel in our lives. I invite you to visit these other online resources for additional information about the Church. Many of these sites and blogs address different questions about the Church so feel free to browse them. You can also submit any questions you might have if you don’t see them addressed in the forums yet. If you are looking for the offical Church sites, please visit lds.org and mormon.org
LDS.NET – This great site has several wonderful features including video testimonies by other converts, and blogs by several members of the Church from different walks of life. This new site also incorporates two popular LDS sites – LDS Forums and LDS Talks.
Mormon Underwear – Let’s face it, you’ve heard of them and I’ve heard what’s been said about them so you might as well get the correct information about them. Incidentally, we call them garments and not Mormon underwear and they are very sacred to us.
All About Mormons – This wonderful site is the work of one member who addresses many questions and misconceptions about the Church. Be sure to check out the many LDS related videos that are available on this site.
Donny.com – Well-known entertainer Donny Osmond is known for his talent as well as for the fact that he is a Mormon. Donny answers many questions that are often put to him by people all over the world right here.
LDS Public Affairs – There are 20 videos in this collection of YouTube videos sponsored by LDS Public Affairs. Some feature Elder M. Russell Ballard discussing key beliefs of the Church. Other videos feature converts talking about their conversion to the Church and one features Steve Young (former NFL quarterback) responding to common questions about Mormons.
