Welcoming His Way

Here’s a little back story about me, I was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, my whole life, I got baptized at 8 years old, earned my faith in god award in primary, earned my young women’s medallion, graduated all 4 years of seminary and lettered for 3 of them. And I have had a point in my life where someone out there deemed me as “inactive”. In fact there was probably a big fat check mark by my name, and sometimes I think it's still there. I’m certain I’ve been on that list within the last year.

Even though I was "inactive", I 100% had a sure and heartfelt testimony of the savior, I KNEW of his love for me, I felt it on the a daily basis. But, I didn’t attend church  every week because I had just moved from little Preston Idaho, where I pretty much knew everyone in my ward, to the big city of Pocatello. I had no friends here. My husband worked at night and on Sundays. I honestly felt alone when I was at church. I felt like I had no one to talk to. I was scared because I didn’t know these people and they didn’t take the chance to know me.

One day, in my other ward, I had just had enough and decided to just keep going to church even if I felt alone because I wanted to partake of the sacrament. I had been doing that pretty regulary, and was very proud of myself, and this sister had come up to me and asked me if I was visiting who I was sitting next to. I’m not even being over dramatic, it felt like a bullet had just went straight to my heart. I couldn’t feel less important, than in that moment. I had been sitting behind this sister for months in sacrament meeting. I even smiled at her a few times while walking into the chapel, and she didn’t even recongnize me. As you imagine, I was crushed. But I still lasted through the end of church. I remember coming home and just bawling. Then I felt HIS spirit, Jesus Christ was with me in that moment telling me that I am not alone.

I want to give you 2 things to do from this story:

#1

If you see someone who you don’t quite know in your meetings this is what you should say,

"Hi, my name is , fill in the blank, it’s good to have you here.”

      short and simple, please don’t ever ask if someone is a visitor, I cringe every time I hear it because I remember exactly how it felt when a sister asked me that. 

#2
      If you are currently feeling like I was earlier, and believe me it happens to everyone! Continue going to church and feeling of his love, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father want you here. And take this for what it’s worth, but I want you here.

Individuals who believe and long for Christ in their lives are all welcome in these wonderful buildings. We all should be disciples of Christ and invite, love, and welcome all those who enter. Not one of us is a perfect person. That is where Jesus Christ comes in with his grace.

I beg of you don’t ever judge anyone who walks into these sacred buildings where LOVE is always taught. We are ALL welcome, and Children of God.

Christ Picture by Jenny Fowler Art.