What My Testimony of Jesus Means to Me

I don't really know where to begin with this one. Any success as a father, church member, priesthood holder, husband, or in my career that I have enjoyed or that I may yet enjoy in my life, I owe to my Savior. Faith in him makes all things possible, and without him there would be no good in my life, or in the world. Faith in him allows us to have hope in trying times. It gives me strength to be a kind man and a pleasant person when circumstances or natural inclination might give an excuse to be otherwise.

Hymn Number 198 in the LDS Hymn book, "That Easter Morn", describes some of my feelings:

That Easter morn, a grave that burst
Proclaimed to man that "Last and First"
Had ris'n again, and conquered pain.

This morn renews for us that day
When Jesus cast the bonds away
Took living breath, and conquered death.

Thus we in gratitude recall
And give our love and pledge our all
Shed grateful tear, and conquer fear.

I testify that Jesus lives, that he loves us, and that through him the Father's plan of salvation and exaltation for man is put into effect. He cam, he taught, he suffered and died, he broke the bands of death to allow a resurrection for us all. He took upon himself the penalty for our sins, and also took upon himself all of the pains of mortality, that through his grace we may be made pure and at one with our God. He is God's Son, and literally a God himself, and offers us the opportunity to be heirs with him of godhood.

I feel to say, along with Elder Bruce R McConkie, "... in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet, and shall wet his feet with my tears... I know... that he is God's Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way."

My Savior is my Hero, and he is the source of the power and goodness in all of my other, lesser heroes.

So, it is this testimony that comforts us, gives us peace during turmoil and strength during trial. It enables us to know the intended end for which we exist, which is to become as our Father is, and gives us courage to live for this goal. It enables repentance and improvement, love and charity, righteousness and mercy.

This, then, is but a part of what I feel. I ramble on and an in attempt to put my feelings into words, yet I fall short.

I love him, and want to be like him.

In his holy name, even that of Jesus Christ, Amen.