this is my testimony

I've come across a number of articles lately that scrutinize my faith.  They report of my church taking billions of dollars from its members and providing very little in return.  The articles claim that my church is a cult used to turn people into sheep.  Some articles even claim that it belittles women and places no value on their contributions.  I testify that there is no truth to the articles that are being written to slander my church.  I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not a day goes by that I do not feel blessed because of my adherence to the principles and doctrines set forth by the leaders of this church.  Not one single day.

I testify that the money I pay in tithing comes back one hundred fold to me in blessings both spiritual and temporal.  I testify that we are sheep and that Jesus Christ is our Shepherd.  Of course we are being led, but we will know the righteousness of our leaders by the fruits they bear forth.  I have never been led astray by the words of our Prophet or any other general authority.  I testify that my faith places more value on my role as a wife, mother, and spouse than I ever could have given myself credit for on my own.  I am told daily, weekly, monthly, yearly that my contributions to my family and my church are priceless and valued far beyond my knowledge.  I am told that repeatedly and I believe it whole-heartedly.

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because I chose to be.  I chose to read the Book of Mormon and to pray about it.  My prayers were answered.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that each and every prayer I utter is heard by my father in Heaven.

I have confidence that as I obey the commandments set forth by my father in Heaven that I will be blessed.  I strive every day to be service to those I love and to strangers I know only slightly.  Because of my faith in the gospel I have become more generous with my time and my abilities.  I have sought after knowledge that will help sustain my family.  I have learned more about myself and my value than ever before.

I am a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a wife.  I am a mormon.