For I Am Not Ashamed

I stand in awe with the power of the priesthood. We have been teaching a friend who has had some medical problems for quite some time now. They can't figure it out. We felt to offer her a priesthood blessing & so, two worthy priesthood holders came with us to a lesson. As they pronounced the words, you could tell that they were words given from God. Power given from God. We explained that that blessing will act according to her faith. The next morning, we received a text from her that she slept through the night with no pain. I just knew that it was because of the sweet power of the Holy priesthood. Although her pain has now returned, I know it was just a sweet touch of the spirit to her heart to recognize the power of God. I hope she can have enough faith in that.

We focused on baptism. We taught everyone about baptism. One of our friends could be baptized today. He has been reading the Book of Mormon & coming to church. We have invited him to pray many, many times. We don't think he has quite yet. & So, as we invited him to be baptized this week, he said no. We know he has been touched by the spirit. The choice is in his hands. I know one day, he will grasp onto that decision & choose Jesus. It is rough. You want to grab these people & shake them. He is right there. I just hope he doesn't let the spirit pass him by.

Our other sweet friend. Eliana!! We invited her to be baptized & she got sad telling us that she just is in so much pain, barely can go anywhere, gets lost, & her family wouldn't accept it. But that she loves it, loves us, & is happy. We asked her to say a prayer. So she prayed. It was the most sincere. She said that she wanted to change. She asked, "How can I do it? Will you help me know?" My heart. It was real & pure. She still hasn't received her answer yet. I know she will & I hope that she has enough courage to accept change.

We passed by an inactive family in the street in the middle of the week, we planned with them a family home evening. It was set. Friday night at 7. We had a branch activity right before that. We all went out to go visit the inactive members. Just as we had left, walking towards our first visits, a sweet little dog came barking at us. & it bit me. It all happened so fast. I didn't even have time to think. Screamed, laughed, & couldn't really believe it. So we walked back to the church & I washed it with water & we went on our way. Finished the activity & they told me I have to go to the hospital. So we go, & we had to call that family & cancel. So sad. Spent about 3 hours there & they gave me some medications. I don't recommend the hospital here. All is well.

Sunday came. We were so excited because all our friends were invited. So many had committed to coming. They didn't all show up, but a few did!! We were happy. To our sweet surprise, before the sacrament was passed, we looked to the doors & saw that the inactive family that we were going to visit came walking in the doors. It was a miracle. Years have gone by since they have come. & they came!!! & we were overjoyed.

As I studied this week, I came across a verse. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ." It is so powerful. Simple, yet powerful. I got thinking about my life. No, I have not lived up to this scripture my whole life. I had moments when I didn't find myself defending this gospel. It makes me sad now because I had it all!!! It is so true & I backed down when I should've stood tall. Now, I do stand tall. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. I want to live it every single day. I want to share it with all the people that will listen. I want people to feel the reality of this scripture. That they may all stand tall in their testimonies. It is something special.

Oh how I love all of you. I sure do pray for you.

With all my heart,

Hermana Morley <3