Hello fellow readers! I am oh so sorry that I haven't posted in a while. Life continues to run through my fingers like sand. Every time I look at the date, it amazes me how fast a simple 30 days has flown by.
Well, the purpose of this post isn't defined. I guess it's just about a few thoughts I've been having over the last few weeks (hence the title...) and I thought I would share.
Lucas and I will often have free time in which we can just sit down and talk. It's so nice, I love being able to talk with him about anything and everything. We think more similarly than I would have guessed a year ago. I also enjoy these conversations because it gives us both a chance to get to know each other on levels that only these talks would allow.
Recently, one of these discussions was about religion. Lucas and I talk about church a lot, but every now and then we talk more deeply about specific principles. The principle we talked about is how our faith teaches different things than many other faiths. He got me thinking about why it is I believe what I do, and why it's so important to me. We talked about how often times there are several religions/groups that can point out bible stories and verses, pull up historic evidence, and even display "proof" that our religion is false. Lucas said that on his mission he was really good at getting into these debates, and consequently really good at defending the LDS church. Then he said that after a while, he realized the debates were fruitless. It made me realize that fighting about which church is right and trying to prove the other wrong is opposite of basically any religious teachings. Any bible or book you read that states it has the teachings of God will always somewhere say that God is loving and happy, and the devil is hateful and miserable. Isn't trying to prove others wrong hateful? Doesn't it make you miserable when all you want to do is prove yourself right? It's a never ending battle when that's the fight you want to embark on. With that being said, it's always hard to back down (at least for me) when someone insults the very things and teachings I grew up with. When someone says that my religion is false and made up, it angers me and makes me want to point out ways that their religion is wrong. I suppose anyone would feel that way if the one thing that picked you up from your broken life was being mocked and disrespected so publicly.
As I thought more about it, I also realized that instead of being angry about people constantly posting things on Facebook, saying things, or doing things that offend my church, I should stand up for it in a positive way. I don't have to point out the flaws of their particular religion. I don't need to look up bible verses to prove my point. I don't need to explain historical facts that show error in their theories. All I need is my own testimony and that of my husband's. "To fight and defend" doesn't have to mean take down the enemy, it can mean strengthen your own ground. Fortify your own foundation. Making others look weak and shooting them down only weakens yourself.
With all that being said, I will share my testimony on here. I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I believe that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings, each with a common goal. I believe that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God, and I sustain him and his counselors. I sustain all of the leaders of our church; locally and worldwide. I believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in The Book of Mormon, and the happiness it has brought to me. I testify of the Atonement and it's saving power. I know that Christ lived a perfect life and died to save not only me, but every soul in existence. His pain and agony in Gethsemane made it so I can return to live with my Heavenly Father, and I know He can completely understand anything and everything I go through. I know that Heavenly Father loves me more than I can possibly understand. I know that my Savior loves me and knows me more than I know myself. I know the Holy Ghost provides me with the comfort I need to live this life and return to my Heavenly Father. I believe in our temples and the eternal ordinances they provide. I believe in eternal families and know that Lucas and I will be together literally forever, even after we pass on. I believe in The Plan of Salvation and the joy it brings to my soul. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I am so grateful for the peace and joy They bring to me. I love the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the guidance provided. I love being a "Mormon". I love belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am ever so grateful for the sacrifices made by Joseph Smith so that the true gospel could be restored. I love being loved by my creator. I know these things are true.
I know that this testimony isn't earth shattering, but it is ever growing. Each day I strive to be a better person, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I know I have many weaknesses, but I have a life time to make them strengths.
Even though many disagree with me, that doesn't mean I hate them or avoid them. I have several friends who don't share the same beliefs with me, and that is perfectly ok! I love learning new things about their points of view. If it comes down to it, we can still be friends and do fun things without trying to change the other's views.
I suppose this post turned into a longer one than I had planned. Well, I hope it was uplifting either way. As I said, I like having friends and even family of other beliefs, and I enjoy their company as much as any other. So I hope this post didn't come off as saying otherwise.
Thank you for reading, as always. I appreciate the view count...each and every one! :)
-Allison S. Dahl
