Young Men and Women , LDS around the world
3 min read
In his first year of high school, a young Latter-day Saint had a lot of difficulty making friends and felt very lonely. He prayed every night, asking her Heavenly Father for help. He also talked with her parents about what he was going through, and as a family they read President Russell M. Nelson’s talk “ The Power of Spiritual Momentum .”
In that message, President Nelson states:
“Every book of scripture demonstrates how willing the Lord is to intervene in the lives of those who believe in Him… Likewise, the Lord will bless you with miracles if you believe in Him, ‘without doubting anything.’ Make the spiritual effort to seek miracles.”
He already prayed and fasted to find friends, and his family did the same for him. However, he felt that attending the temple could be another concrete spiritual effort he could offer. He felt an urgent need to receive blessings in his life.
From the time he was little, his mother attended the temple every week, so he began to accompany her. Sometimes his mother performed initiation ordinances while he performed baptisms, and other times he baptized his mother himself.
Several months passed, and the difficulties did not disappear immediately, but her connection with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ grew stronger. Each time he entered the temple, he felt a deep peace and comfort.
Over time, small miracles began to happen: an old friend sent him a message, he found someone to sit with at a school football game, and someone asked him out.
He began to feel hope. The spiritual guidance was becoming noticeable, and he fasted in gratitude to show the Lord that he was acknowledging His blessings.
On one occasion, a temple worker asked him if he had noticed any changes in his life since he began attending weekly. He shared his testimony about the temple and said that he felt closer to the Spirit and the Savior. He also mentioned that he was happier, made better decisions, and had seen real miracles in his life.
Months later, in his second year of high school, he spoke with a fellow seminarian who expressed a desire to attend the temple more often. He told her that he went every week and suggested forming a group.
They started as four young women, and now there are about eight. They text each other weekly to coordinate who can attend, and he takes care of making the reservations. They also hang out together on weekends and greet each other in the school hallways. Over time, these young women have become some of his best friends.
He doesn't believe any of this was a coincidence. He knows that attending the temple brought real miracles into his life. Although he went through a difficult and lonely year, he now feels grateful for the experience.
His faith has grown stronger, and he has also become more aware of those who need companionship or a friend. And he has learned for himself that President Nelson’s promises are true.
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