This was so sweet, so I wanted to add it for my (and Derek's) memory's sake. Today was Fast and Testimony Meeting and with one minute left, Derek whispers to me, "can I go up there?". How could I say no. So as I walked up with Derek he turned to see the congregation and says to me "wow, there are a lot of people". This was his first time doing it in Sacrament Meeting. I sat in the front row and he walked up there a little unsure. I motioned for him to keep going and he stepped right up and said:
I'd like to bear my testimony that I know this church is true. I am thankful for Primary and the Church. I bear my testimony that I will always be good. I know that Jesus is....real. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
He hopped down from the step stool and saw me smiling and got an embarrassed look. His testimony almost made me cry. It's amazing how strong the Spirit is when a child is bearing their testimony. After we sat down he looked up to me and whispered "I want to do that every Sunday so that I get more used to it".
Sunday, February 7, 2010
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Our ward asked that children not bear their testimony in Sacrament Meeting, but take the opportunity in Primary or at home. I guess the continuous stream of children meant that adults didn't get the time they needed. I know they wouldn't send a kid away if they came up to bear their testimony, and they do encourage the youth and older children to bear their testimony. They were really referring to those children who are too young to speak for themselves and have to have their testimony whispered to them. But, I have noticed that NO children bear their testimony in Sacrament Meeting, which means they never get the chance to "practice" in front of the big crowd. I do see the point of discouraging the "whispered testimony", and for some this is how they get the courage to do it on their own later. I'm sure there is a happy medium somewhere. My kids have all been too chicken.
Jayden "dared" (I told him this was the probably the wrong word to use) both Leon and me to go up yesterday. Leon took the bait, but I didn't. We "dared" him back, but he said he wouldn't know what to say. I guess we have something to work on - as usual.
That is great he had the courage. None of my kids have ever dared. I guess they take after their mom because I don't think I did until I was 14 or 15 unless I was giving a talk.
oh that is so tender and wonderful! I am so proud of him!!! :D
Good for you, Derek! What a wonderful candidate for baptism! What a wonderful candidate for the priesthood! What a great future missionary! Keep it up! The Spirit will whisper louder and more often each time you listen and respond to His promptings! I am proud of you!
Love, Grandma Eddington
That's my boy!
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