My name is McKenna Leigh Thomas. I'm 20 years young and the oldest of three girls. I grew up in New Canaan, Connecticut, but finished my high school years in Springville, Utah. A year ago, I completed my first year of college at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where I studied music, literature, and completed a few generals. I love to sing (specifically musical theater.) I love to write (specifically fiction.) I love to have a project and I love to be with friends and family.
So why did I leave all that behind for a year and a half to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? That's a really great question.
I was born into a Latter-day Saint family, with two loving parents who taught me to believe and have faith in God. I learned that God is actually my Heavenly Father. My parents helped me learn how to recognize manifestations of God's love for me, how to pray, how to stand for something. Life was not without its disappointments, but I grew up in an environment of family love and high moral standards, which provided a strength to me and helped to shape the person I was becoming.
I'm sure that most of you are familiar with the "Mormon missionaries." They bike around in suits and ties and knock on your door--rain or shine. Maybe you've asked yourself "why?" Admittedly, the outward appearance of missionary work doesn't look too appealing. Biking around in the blistering heat, knocking on doors with snow up to your knees, getting doors shut in your face, etc. Those were never activities that I usually jumped out of my seat for.
I never thought I'd be a missionary. And it wasn't for lack of a testimony--I have always known in my heart that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that this is His church. It wasn't for fear, either--many a time had I held my ground when even the dearest of friends asked me to compromise. No, it just...had never been in my plans.
I'd like to share a scripture that changed my perspective, however...and, consequently, my life. It is found in the book of "Ether" in The Book of Mormon. (I will explain more about The Book of Mormon on a later date.) It reads as follows:
"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (Ether 12:4, "The Book of Mormon").
This verse of scripture had such a profound impact on me. The part that really hit me is the promise found in the first few words:
"whoso believeth in God might
with surety hope for a
better world"
...a better world. Isn't the world scary sometimes? It is difficult for me, born in 1994 (still a little fresh to the world, right?) to imagine a time where things like pornography, drug abuse, murder, theft, domestic violence, etc weren't as common occurrences as waking up in the morning, or weren't as easily accessible as turning on a television or opening a page on the internet. To quote a church authority, Dallin H. Oaks, "Evil that used to be localized and covered like a boil is now legalized and paraded like a banner." (Dallin H. Oaks, "Preparation for the Second Coming", LDS General Conference; April 2004).
In these times of tumult, each and every one of us needs something to tie ourselves to. We can each choose what our "anchor" will be. There are many options, such as money, fame, fitting-in, pleasure, greed, a new car, a job, a website...you name it. You can tie yourself to pretty much anything.
But not everything is designed to keep you down or safe when the winds pick up. In fact, I only know of one sure anchor that, if we tie ourselves to, we will never be lost--it is Jesus Christ.
I have never faced a problem that I could not solve with Him. I have never felt a burden that was not made lighter by Him. I have never found more joy in life than when I am walking in stride with Him.
So...WHY?
Why am I a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
It all comes down to something even more basic: Why am I a MEMBER of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
It is because I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that He is my Savior. I know that He is the Son of God. I know that He loves me and knows me individually. I have seen His hand in my life. I have seen small but sure miracles in my life that He has given me. I have prayed to know for myself, and I have received my confirmation.
THAT is my hope for a better world! Through Jesus Christ, all can be healed. We are never too far down one road that we cannot turn around and make our way home...because He knows the way! He's been down every road! He knows us and our challenges, and He is pleading for us and guiding us if we only reach out and ask for His help.
THAT is why I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and THAT is why I am a missionary.
Missionary work is not easy. It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life. But it is interesting that, in this time that I have spent serving those around me in the name of Christ and helping them come to know His gospel, I have experienced the most personal growth and received the most blessings than ever before.
The purpose of this blog conforms with my missionary purpose:
"Invite others to come unto Christ."
I hope that you will come to feel the love that Christ has for you as an individual. I hope you will come to feel of your divine purpose in this life, the loving plan that God has designed for your happiness, and His peace that He offers each of us.
I love you all. I'm sure I don't know all of you personally, but I want you to know that I am sure that God lives. He is our Father. His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Redeemer. Because of Him, death is not the end. Families can be forever. We can be forgiven. We can "with surety hope for a better world."
for more, visit www.mormon.org
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