Pulpit Testimony

 Last Sunday a member of our Bishopric encouraged us to be more fearless and to share our testimonies more in the “wild”. I hope my words will in some way bring you comfort, or inspiration to know that change is possible and worth it!
A fear I have is that one day on the other side, someone I am close to in this life, will come up to me and say, “Kara, why did you not share this wonderful gift that brought you so much peace and joy admist your trials in your earthly existence?” “Why would you keep something so wonderful like that to yourself?”
My prayer is that I never give my friends and family a reason to ask me that question.
I have also included below the definition of a testimony for those who are unfamiliar with this term.
President Utchdorf shares the following:
(Link to full talk below)
“One definition of testimony is “a solemn attestation as to the truth of a matter,” originating from the Latin word testimonium and the word testis, meaning “witness”.
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term testimony is a warm and familiar word in our religious expressions. It is tender and sweet. It has always a certain sacredness about it. When we talk about testimony, we refer to feelings of our heart and mind rather than an accumulation of logical, sterile facts. It is a gift of the Spirit, a witness from the Holy Ghost that certain concepts are true.
A testimony is the sure knowledge or assurance from the Holy Ghost of the truth and divinity of the Lord’s work in these latter days. A testimony is the “abiding, living, [and] moving conviction of the truths revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Marion G. Romney, “How to Gain a Testimony,” New Era, May 1976, 8; emphasis added).
When we bear testimony, we declare the absolute truth of the gospel message. In a time when many perceive truth as relative, a declaration of absolute truth is not very popular, nor does it seem politically correct or opportune. Testimonies of things how “they really are” (Jacob 4:13) are bold, true, and vital because they have eternal consequences for mankind. Satan wouldn’t mind if we declared the message of our faith and gospel doctrine as negotiable according to circumstances. Our firm conviction of gospel truth is an anchor in our lives; it is steady and reliable as the North Star. A testimony is very personal and may be a little different for each of us, because everyone is a unique person. However, a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will always include these clear and simple truths:
* God lives. He is our loving Father in Heaven, and we are His children”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../the-power-of-a...