Today's blog post is brought to you by Sister-Dannika McBride, a former companion for whom I have only feelings of great love! While we were serving together she was asked to speak on a Talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland called the First Great Commandment. In it Elder Holland speaks about how Christ needs Disciples. Sister McBride shared this story from her own life that really touched my heart on how the discipleship of others really does make a difference in our lives, and with her permission I am sharing it with you. . .
"A few years ago, I turned away from the church. At the time I felt justified for what was a conscious decision. I blamed the imperfect people I found in the church, and felt as if expectations of my leaders for me to live up to my standards all the time was controlling and restrictive, but in reality, I had never developed more then a shallow testimony, so as soon as I went to college and was out of the influence of my parents, I simply left.
For a while I still believed in attending a church, it didn't necessarily mean the true church. I went once or twice to mass, and for a few weeks I thought I made quite a good baptist. But those never fulfilled me spiritually, and left them too. Eventually, I began to feel the wear and tear of every day life, stress and anxiety started eating at me, and as a result of my earlier choices, the gentle and
reassuring touch of Holy Ghost was no longer a regular and reassuring occurrence. This lack of the spirit affected me more deeply then I at first realized, and I began to be depressed. I began to wonder, if there was a God, how could he leave me so alone. It never occurred that I was the one who turned away from him. After a time I stopped believing in God all together. I don't want you to think that I was wildly different from now, but I had rejected anything that reminded me of God, and as a result I felt empty, unhappy, and my view had become more bitter.
I would not be here today, or where I am in life if it wasn't for my mom, and a girl named Laura. Laura grew up a member, like I had, but unlike me she had developed her faith, and actively worked on growing her testimony. She was sweet, pure, and she shined with the light of Christ. She became my roommate for the second semester at college, and like any good future college roommate, she Facebook stalked me. Upon reviewing my status', she determined two things. I was not a member of the church, and, she thought I would make a great Mormon. With those two assumptions, she went forward in faith, and tried her hardest to convert me.
If you know me well, it shouldn't surprise you to know that I played along, and I didn't tell her I was already a member, if an inactive one. I let this tiny girl, pull me all over campus to various institute activities, missionary lessons, and even church a few times. I feel a bit sorry for those Elders now that I am in their position, I'm sure they thought I was a baptism ready to happen. Laura, in her pure and honest way softened my heart greatly, around her I felt the glow of the spirit once more. She wasn't even upset with me when I admitted that I was already a member. Instead, she seemed to consider me a great success story, and was proud to stand next to me as we told the missionaries.
" well elders, we got her!"
They were less pleased, but giving them a cake certainly helped erase ill feelings.
Without Laura's missionary efforts, I would never had been open to my mother as she approached me with the plea to read the Book of Mormon, and to pray. Without Laura and my mom, I would still be so very lost, and I will forever owe my life to their efforts.
As you spread the light and love of the gospel, It will fill your life and brighten your view, and it will help you to grow ever stronger in this faith. Not only that but you WILL feel the spirit more abundantly in your life, and never will you regret a life filled with the spirit of Christ."
I too know that one will NEVER regret a life filled with the spirit of Christ!
