Evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof.
I would like to thank the nine-year old boy who bore his simple and humble testimony today and reminded the congregation of what exactly a testimony is.
I would like to NOT thank the other 9 adults who bore their "Storymonies" today.
And I quote: (Excerpts taken from 3 of the 9 testimonies-but suffice it to say, they were all comparable)
"Living in a fifth wheeler wasn't something I ever imagined for myself"
"I never thought I would ever find my pet Ferret again"
" been renting down the street, now we are looking for a house in the neighborhood I guess this is where we want to stay"
"A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true. Such facts include the nature of the Godhead and our relationship to its three members, the effectiveness of the Atonement, and the reality of the Restoration.
"A testimony of the gospel is not a travelogue, a health log, or an expression of love for family members. It is not a sermon. President Kimball taught that the moment we begin preaching to others, our testimony is ended." Elder Dallin H. Oaks
I'm no testimony snob. I've been known to share an experience or two from the pulpit but come on-I just want the truth plain and simple and under 10 minutes. Ya know, back in the day after the pioneers arrived to the valley, there was actually a rule regulating those who could share their testimonies: only those who personally knew the prophet Joseph Smith. Today would have been a great day to reinstate that rule.
Can I get an AMEN?!!!!
