Testimony Tuesday

Each Tuesday a sister from our ward will share a part of her testimony. This may be part of her conversion (perhaps a story or principle that helped start or build her testimony), a specific gospel principle they've learned through the years, or a missionary experience. This is a way for us to connect with members of our relief society on a more spiritual basis. 

This week Sandra Emerick shares her testimony with us.

My dear sisters, first of all forgive me for my written English as I share these things with you. You all know how much I love to talk so I'll try to be brief and not put you all to sleep. As most of you know I'm a member of the Church since I was 14 and joined the Church in Portugal in April 9th of 1986. Never in my wildest dreams I thought I would take so many different turns in my life and end up in Irondequoit, NY, USA. But I'm glad I did. Despite some mistakes and disappointments along the way the Lord has never left me and in my darkest moments I can assure you that He was there for me. Because of the adversity that I experienced, and in some different ways still do experience, I can tell you that my relationship with the Lord has deepened and my awareness that He is there for us is more real to me than ever before. One of the things that I am absolutely grateful for is the great gift of the Holy Ghost. My dear sisters, the Lord knew what he was doing when He left us with it. He knew that we wouldn't be strong enough without it, that sometimes we would feel lonely and in need of company, that we would experience heartache, emotional and physical pain, suffering, and many times anger and frustration, and that His comfort would come as a balm to heal us. Also, He knew that at certain crucial times in our lives we would need His direction to guide us to make the right choices and recognize the truth. He would also be there to protect and warn. What a great gift the Holy Ghost is! And it's all part of a perfect plan that the Lord God prepared for us. This is my testimony, that I know that without the light of Christ that comes to us through the Holy Spirit we are nothing. We would live empty lives. This is why Christ is the life and the light of the world. He is the Savior of our souls. We need Him and we need the manifestations of His Spirit to endure life and ultimately experience the joy of His light and love. Every time I feel the presence of the Spirit I feel so blessed that the Lord didn't leave us on our own. My dear sisters, it's an honor to serve with you all and to feel who you really are. We are daughters of a Great God. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.