Over this weekend, I was blessed to be able to attend the Arizona Regional YSA (Young Single Adult) conference. Many wonderful speakers delivered messages and lessons, on various topics. One of my favorite speakers was Alex Boyé.
Here's a little clip to acquaint you to the man:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVzwkn_ilwA
Alex is a singer from Britain, born to Nigerian parents, and a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He has multiple popular YouTube videos, and is also a member of Mormon Tabernacle Choir (I actually had the chance to speak to him very briefly this morning, and tell him how jealous I was he got to sing and record with Bryn Terfel, one of my voice idols.) During his workshop, there was much shouting, running around, and in general, a lack of traditional "reverence".
And I loved every minute of it.
While some, I'm sure may have been off put by his enthusiasm, I embraced it, I applauded it. It is exactly the method to bring the kind of spirit I feel most deeply. I, much like Alex, can hardly contain my excitement when speaking on a subject that is dear to me, and my spiritual journey. The moment I want to tell you about came when he was talking about the choir preparing for a week and a half long tour. After President Monson gave a farewell devotional to the choir, the manager of the choir asked members what they hoped would happen on the tour. Some gave answers about hitting all the notes, not forgetting music, and other little insecurities. Then the manager rephrased, and asked, what would you have happen. So, if it was up to you, what experiences would you have God grant you in this endeavor?
Alex went home and wrote a list of the things he would have happen. He related that as he went on, they got more and more outlandish and unlikely. After the tour had concluded, and as he returned home, he discovered the list on the floor of his bedroom. As he read over the things he had hoped for, he was astonished to find that each of them had come true. Every single item on his list had happened on that tour. He then urged us to write down the things we would have happen, and take them to the Father. He then got very excited about what he believed the Father's response would be, which included and incredulous "Do you know who I am? I am Alpha and Omega!" I didn't hear much after that, as he ran to one side of the stand, and began jumping up and down, another moment I loved.
As I sat through the next workshop, I reflected on the challenge Brother Boyé had given to us. So, having brought along a notebook to record impressions and thoughts, I wrote a list of what I would have happen during the conference. I haven't looked at it yet, but I remembered there was something inevitably about a girl, something about making connections, and then a sentence saying I will receive a confirmation of the truth of the Book of Mormon. I, much like Alex, then promptly forgot about the list, until I was talking to my father this evening. We read some verses from the Book of Mormon together, and then proceeded to chat about the gospel. As we talked, I remembered the challenge Alex had given us. I related it to my father, and told him a few of the things on it that had come true, and the one that hadn't: eh Book of Mormon. As I spoke to him, I said how strange it was to me, that I knew other things that seemingly would prove it's truth to me. I also pondered on the possibility that the spirit had already whispered it to me, but that I was not listening hard enough. Just because I received the knowledge that God and Jesus Christ live and love me, and that I knew Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God by a large spiritual revelation didn't mean this revelation would come in the same strength.
As I thought out loud, I said "It's strange, because I know that all good things come from God, and I know there are good and powerful things in this book. So, by process of elimination, I should know it's true." And then I sat in silence for a moment, as I let the spirit come over me. Tears fell from my eyes as I realized..
I know that the Book of Mormon is true. It is the word of God, recorded by His prophets on this continent 2,000 years ago. That it was translated by His prophet Joseph Smith Jr. under the power and direction of the spirit of God.
Brothers and sisters, I know these things to be true. Not because of any logic of my own, but because the spirit whispered it in my ear. Because I felt the burning in my bosom that accompanies the confirming power of the spirit. What a wonderful blessing it is that I have received my answer. What a blessing it is that He has seen fit to place people and opportunities to bring me unto Him, to improve my heart, and change it forever.
I think of one of these people, one of my closest friends as I write this. Elder LeSueur, and area Seventy and newly called President of the Gilbert, Arizona temple, related a story Elder Holland told in a talk, which I will quote here:
"A 14-year-old boy recently said to me a little hesitantly, “Brother Holland, I can’t say yet that I know the Church is true, but I believe it is.” I hugged that boy until his eyes bulged out. I told him with all the fervor of my soul that belief is a precious word, an even more precious act, and he need never apologize for “only believing.” I told him that Christ Himself said, “Be not afraid, only believe,”12 a phrase which, by the way, carried young Gordon B. Hinckley into the mission field.13 I told this boy that belief was always the first step toward conviction and that the definitive articles of our collective faith forcefully reiterate the phrase “We believe.”14 And I told him how very proud I was of him for the honesty of his quest."
After Elder LeSueur finished his remarks, I checked my phone and saw a message from this friend. We had spoken earlier about me finishing the Book of Mormon, and she stated simply: "You are the 14 year old boy, and I want to hung you until your eyes bulge out." And might I tell you, she tried, with little success. :)
I'm so grateful for the gospel in my life. For the wonderful blessings I receive daily because of my faith and obedience. I'm grateful for those people in my life that lift me up, and inspire me to be a better person. I'm thankful for that dear friend, who has done so much for me in my spiritual journey. I'm thankful for MY missionaries; I love them dearly. I'm thankful for Alex Boyé, and his words that so impacted me. I'm thankful to all of you who are reading this. Chances are that you have also impacted my life in a meaningful way. And, might I add my dear brothers and sister, that I love each and every single one of you.
All My Love,
Taylor.
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