Unspoken Testimonies

FSY Week One: Day Four 6/9/22

(Written on 6/9/22 and posted later)

Tonight was incredible. Simply incredible.

I didn’t sob, but tears ran down my face in a consistent stream. The little drops escaped my eyes every few seconds, and they didn’t stop.

My youth kept looking at me during testimony meeting, and I would smile at them. I winked at two of them. Their faces lit up, and when I tell you my heart soared, I really mean it. I don’t think you understand how happy my heart was, and I don’t think I can properly explain it.

I knew I would love my youth … but it’s been better than I ever thought it would be. These girls are amazing and so strong. I asked if they were comfortable with hugs tonight, and they all said yes. My heart might have burst from how much love was pouring out of me as I squeezed them tight and said their names. MAN!

Even though it is simply indescribable, I wish I could express my feelings in words.

The young men in my company make me so unbelievably happy too. Some of them remind me of my 14 year old brother (that’s almost exactly how old these boys are), and my relationship with these boys is basically a mirror image of my relationship with my little brother. They give me a hard time, and I dish it right back.

Tonight, they were supposed to be lined up behind me, but two of the boys broke out of the line and walked a little bit ahead of me. I said, “hey, get back in line!” with a twinkle in my eyes. One boy responded with, “he just wants to be next to you.” The other boy said, “how did you know? Don’t expose me!” (Or something to that effect.)

I know they were both joking, but it made my heart happy. I couldn’t stop myself from giggling, and that made both of those boys very happy.

On the way back, we just talked and joked and laughed. I did most of the laughing, and they did a lot of smirking and making of funny faces. This only prolonged my laughter.

But also, they wouldn’t have walked next to me if they didn’t want to spend time with me … so there’s that to remember too. 😉

Topic jump … back to testimony meeting:

Before this walk back to our dorms, we had testimony meeting (as mentioned before). We were combined with another company, and one of their young men said the closing prayer for us. He said in the prayer, “thank thee for all those whom bore their testimony tonight, and thank thee for those unspoken testimonies that provided the room with the spirit.” I probably embellished what he said (on accident), but I very specifically remember the phrase, “unspoken testimonies.” AND, since he hasn’t copyrighted it, I’m stealing it and sharing it.

Unspoken testimonies. Is that not deep or what?!

It reminded me of listening and allowing silence. Do you see a common theme? I do!

It is interesting to me that although I am physically exhausted, I could not be more emotionally and spiritually fulfilled and satisfied. I could not be more happy. It just proves to me that this gospel is a gospel of JOY. A gospel of truth. A gospel of love. A gospel of light.

I cannot even begin to express how grateful and happy I am to have this opportunity to be here. I love it with all of my being.

I love my girls with all of my being. Each of them individually.

Some of them hugged me extra tight tonight, and I just about exploded with happiness. The endorphins within my body flooded my system, and BOY is connection WONDERFUL. Love is WONDERFUL! Life is WONDERFUL! The gospel is WONDERFUL!

My girls are wonderful.

Although one of my girls told me tonight that she is so grateful I am/was her counselor (which also makes/made me feel awesome), I want to turn this back to the savior and to Heavenly Father. They have given me the gifts to reach these kids and help them feel my love and admiration of them. That being said, I’m glad they like me. At least the one who told me so. 😊

Quick funny story: before we walked into the room for testimony meeting, those two boys came up to me and asked me how much money I would pay them if they cried. I giggled and rolled my eyes. They smiled and went inside the room. I’m grateful for moments like this. AND, the best part of this is that these memories will always be with me.

As always, this post was everywhere. Nevertheless, thank you for reading. Thank you for coming along on this journey with me!!!!!!!!

Lastly, I know that unspoken testimonies are truly powerful and do carry a lot of love and strength in them. They matter just as much as spoken testimonies. Soooo, if you are not one to bear your testimony, know that your unspoken testimony matters too. You bring your witness of the spirit into the room.

I think that’s pretty wonderful.