Disclaimer

Talking about religion is one of those things that a lot of people desperately want to go over well, but oftentimes it doesn’t. That being said, while I want to share my beliefs, that is what they are; beliefs. You are entitled to your own beliefs just as I am. I want to share my beliefs because they have blessed me and forever changed who I am. They continue to shape me every day. I ask that you respect my beliefs. As well, feel free to share some of your beliefs in the comments below. Please, only post positive comments. Your words are powerful. You can build or tear down others. Choose your words wisely.

How the Book of Mormon has influenced me

You know, it’s really hard to pinpoint exactly how the Book of Mormon has influenced me. It has influenced me in so many ways, and many ways I probably don’t even know. One of the major influences for me has been the peace it brings into my life.

Something you need to know about me is that I’m a worrier. I worry about how I handle situations, if I’m on the right track, and most of all, the future. When I’m overwhelmed with doubt and fear, I turn to the Book of Mormon. After reading a few verses, I feel peace. My worries are still there, but they lessen significantly.

The Book of Mormon gives my perspective. I understand where I lie in my Heavenly Father’s plan for me. I understand that I lived before this life and that life will continue after I leave this earth. I know that this life is a small part of my eternal existence. Knowing this makes my worries seem smaller.

Another things I learn from the Book of Mormon is that my Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ, love me. They are constantly looking out for me. I have seen how they have led me to where I am now and who I am.

Now only does the Book of Mormon give me perspective, but it also teaches me how I should act. I learn from the stories in it that I should respond with kindness to all. I learn that prayer connects me with God. I learn that I can overcome anything with God’s help.

What is this Book of Mormon?

Now, that I’ve gushed about how much it has helped me, I should probably explain exactly what it is. The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture similar to the Bible. It teaches God’s word, but from the perspective of the ancient inhabitants of America rather than Jerusalem. It is another testament of Jesus Christ, and testifies of his divinity on every page.

I have read the Book of Mormon many times, and it has always brought me closer to my Savior. One time I read with a red pencil in hand, highlighting every reference to Jesus Christ. It is powerful to flip through this book and see red on every page. Jesus Christ is the main focus.

How do you know it’s true?

After reading the Book of Mormon for the first time, I decided to take the challenge at the end of the book. The challenge is to ponder the words I have read, ask God if it is true, and wait for the answer. I went to my room and closed the door. I knelt by my bed and thought of the words I had read. Was this really something from God or just a story?

I closed my eyes, bowed my head, and began my prayer. I asked God to tell me if this was true. I prayed expecting an answer and full of faith that I would receive one. After a minute or so of waiting, I started to doubt. Had I prayed the wrong way? Maybe I had asked it wrong.

Just as I was about to give up and pray again later when I knew I was doing it right, I felt the answer. It wasn’t a big, hit-me-over-the-head answer. It was quiet, but it was powerful. I remember thinking, “Annah, you already know it is true.” If I had just heard those words, I probably would have thought they were my own, however, I felt in my heart a peace. I felt stillness. I knew God was touching my heart to confirm to me that it was true.

I believe with all my heart the Book of Mormon is true. I have had this truth confirmed to me over and over again throughout my life.

When I was serving as a missionary in Salt Lake City, my responsibility was to teach others about Jesus Christ and his gospel. There was one man who had seemed interested at times but had never really progressed in his testimony. One day my companion and I passed him on his front lawn. He waved us over, and we turned back excited to talk to him again. As soon as we came close enough to talk we saw he was completely drunk, and he began bashing the church. One point he argued over and over through his slurring speech was that the Book of Mormon was a fraud.

In that moment of contention, I felt an inexplicable warmth and knowledge. I knew at that moment that there was nothing this man could say that would convince me the Book of Mormon wasn’t the word of God. God gave me the strength to calmly testify to him of that truth.

I could tell experiences like this all day. One fact remains the same through all of them; I know the Book of Mormon is true. It is the word of God. No matter what I say, though, you won’t believe me unless you feel it for yourself.

How can I learn more?

Below, you’ll see a few links. These are resources that you can find information about the Book of Mormon from. I would advise you to pay attention to your sources. Much of the confusion about Mormons and our beliefs comes from false information found on the internet. You wouldn’t interview Judas to know Jesus, would you? Besides, how better to understand what we believe than to ask those who believe it?

Learn about the Book of Mormon from mormon.org.

Read the title page of the Book of Mormon.

Talk to missionaries to learn more. In the comment box, mention that you would like a copy of the Book of Mormon. Missionaries hand these out free of charge. They really want you to experience its power for yourself.

Like I mentioned at the beginning, I’m not here to shove my beliefs down your throat. Each of these ideas I gave, you can try for yourself. You don’t have do any if you don’t want to. I just know that you will feel more peace and contentment from learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ than from anything else. And it all starts with the Book of Mormon.