Joy

See that smile? Yeah, that's my testimony.

J is for Joy

Today, I want to answer a question that many have likely wanted to ask: why am I a Mormon?

No, I don't drink. No, I don't smoke. No, I don't swear. No, I'm not being forced into it. And yes, I love it.

I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because I love it. And I'm not saying it's easy. One of my closest family members is against my beliefs, and tells me often that I'm wrong. Every day, I choose not to listen to that. Every day, I choose to be a Mormon. Why? Because there is nothing that brings me more joy than this gospel, and this Church. It is my anchor, my foundation, and my life. It's the reason I get out of bed in the morning. It's the reason I'm still here. It's the reason I smile.

I'm not here to be preachy, but instead to bear my testimony of something that is so, so special to me. I can't tell you how many times I've been saved by my beliefs. I also can't count the times I've been hated for them. But I guess that's all just part of the journey. Because whenever I feel the Spirit - be it in the temple or pulling a handcart up a hot, dusty hill - it brings me joy. Even on my worst days, God reaches out to me, and I'm grateful. I'm so very grateful.

The Church is more than just a three hour block on Sunday, and an activity on Wednesday night. It's a way of life. And I dedicated myself to that way of life when I was eight years old. I've never regretted it. Maybe it seems restrictive, all the rules, but they aren't even rules to me. They're standards. They're the lines that keep me from falling off the cliff. I love them.

I'm not perfect. Nobody is. I've messed up my share of times, which probably amounts to a million. But it's the hope of my foundation, and my Savior's Atonement, that makes that okay. Sometimes the only thing between me and insanity is knowing I can partake of the Sacrament on Sunday. Really. It keeps me going. I love it. It brings me joy.

So now, if you've managed to get through this long post, you know. I smile because I'm Mormon, and I'm Mormon because I smile. It's who I am. Always has been, always will be. :)

Bonnie Gwyn