What I learned - Rise Up In Strength

 

To be converted covenant keepers, we need to study the essential doctrines of the gospel and have an unshakable testimony of their truthfulness.

I think that many of us have a testimony, but sometimes it get lost in our struggles to live in this crazy, mixed-up world.  It is getting harder to maintain our testimonies as the perilous days of these foretold times come to pass.  It is so sad to see people choose not to come to church because their hearts are offended, or they don't like the leaders, or someone took advantage of them. 
President Russell M. Nelson told us a year ago: “Attacks against the Church, its doctrine, and our way of life are going to increase. Because of this, we need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ and who will use that understanding to teach and help raise a sin-resistant generation. We need women who can detect deception in all of its forms. We need women who know how to access the power that God makes available to covenant keepers and who express their beliefs with confidence and charity. We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve.”
I don't see anything changing for the better in the near future.  We live in a time where men and women turn their backs on the spiritual.  Where people question everything, and where they only are willing to listen to "proof" that they can see and touch. 
Sadly, our own families are often in the middle of the turmoil.  It breaks my heart to see others put their faith in men or things or even leaders.  The only sure way is to study the essential doctrines, to have a testimony that is firmly rooted in truth.  Not because someone told you, but because you know for yourself. 
There are many who struggle with difficult questions.  There are many who are searching for answers, and we can find them, sometimes it takes a while, but I believe the answers are there if we are willing to search, ponder and listen. 
This was a beautiful talk by Sister Bonnie Oscarson.  I loved every word of it.  It ended up being one of my very favorites for the entire conference.  You can find the entire talk here....
Rise Up In Strength Sisters in Zion