Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon 2024 (May 20—26)

We were driving to Denver through Evanston when the white-out blizzard hit. I remember putting the window down and screaming directions to my mom on how to stay on the road.  When we pulled over in Evanston, me, my mom and four younger siblings were stunned and exhausted from fear. No hotel rooms were available as we learned the freeway from Evanston closed. With nowhere else to turn, my mother called the bishop. My memories are clouded as to the house and the name of the sweet member who took us in. I do know there was a safe, warm bed and a hearty breakfast in the morning as we woke to clear, blue skies. 

In Mosiah 18, God establishes a “church of Christ” (Mosiah 18:17), to help His people gather, organize, and be united. The Come, Follow Me manual asks the question, “How would you respond to a friend or family member who doesn’t believe that an organized church is necessary? Why are you grateful to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ?” 

Here are my answers. This is what I know for sure:

• Living in covenant with God makes me happy now. Every day I feel blessed and strengthened because of my chosen lifestyle that focuses on having a personal relationship with Christ. 

• Nothing is more precious to me than being comforted and guided by the Holy Ghost. Personal revelation is priceless and the price to have it is worth everything I have and do. 

• I believe in the Book of Mormon. Consequently, I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet and he was chosen to re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ in our modern day with prophets, seers, and revelators. And oh, how I love following a prophet who “can see around the corners”, teaching and pleading with us to be prepared for the future. 

• I am easily distracted by the world. For this reason, belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grounds me each week in what is most important. Seeing my friends and neighbors fills me with love and gives me opportunities to serve. I learn from their teachings and their examples. I also want the power of the priesthood in my life. And what a tender gift it is to know that wherever I go there will be a safe, warm bed in a storm. 

Do Hard Divinely Better Lesson #20: Know what you know for sure.