From YA Weekly
My Family No Longer Believes in Christ, but I Still Find Joy in the Gospel
Jesus Christ reminds me that I’m not alone, even if no one else in my family believes in His gospel.
Photograph posed by model
Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a world that is not turning to Jesus Christ can be hard sometimes. Things can be even more complicated when your family members don’t support your faith.
Sometimes I wonder, “How can I hold on to my faith when no one else in my family believes in Christ?”
Finding Hope in Christ
I grew up Catholic, and my parents always worshipped Jesus Christ. But a few years ago, my father came across a lot of anti-Christian material. Over time, my parents listened to these messages and stopped believing in Him or any religion.
During that time, I became friends with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They invited me to activities, and I always tried to attend every chance I had.
One day at church choir practice, For the Strength of Youth pamphlets were being passed around, and my friend handed one to me. As I read its messages about strengthening my relationship with Jesus Christ, I felt a hunger for truth ignite in me.
I wanted to know more about Him and His gospel. My friend gave me a Book of Mormon and invited me to ask Heavenly Father if its teachings were true, so I accepted her invitation.
When I read 2 Nephi 27:23, I felt so much comfort: “For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.”
This scripture showed me just how powerful having faith in Jesus Christ could be. I wanted to believe in Him again. As I finished the book, I felt the Spirit testify of the truthfulness that Jesus Christ lives and that the Book of Mormon is true. I got baptized soon after and started living very differently than my family.
Because of the Holy Ghost, I’m Not Alone
Sometimes, being the only member of the Church in my family makes things difficult. But I’m grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with faithful friends, Church leaders, and ward members who lift me up when I feel alone.
Since being baptized, I have been so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and really do feel the Savior with me.
Elder Takashi Wada of the Seventy recently taught: “As we enter into the baptismal covenant with God, we promise that we are willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, keep the commandments of God, and serve Him for the remainder of our lives. Our Heavenly Father, in turn, promises us that we can always have His Spirit to be with us—the continued guidance from the Holy Ghost.”
Living in a way that keeps the Spirit with me always reminds me that I am not alone on my journey, even if I stand alone in my family.
The Blessings of Being a Covenant Keeper
Sometimes I feel sad about my parents’ decisions, but through prayer, I have felt reassured that there is hope for them to someday believe in the Savior again.
I recently received my endowment and made covenants with Heavenly Father that have changed my life. I’m learning that with His help, every trial and challenge we face on earth can have a purpose and can help us feel His peace and joy. When I feel lonely in my family, I find myself seeking Jesus Christ and feeling gratitude for Him and His gospel more than ever.
President Russell M. Nelson taught, “The reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power—power that strengthens us to withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better.”
I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have a great plan for each of us, and our joy is at the center of that plan (see 2 Nephi 2:25). If you are in similar circumstances to mine, know that you are not alone. Every time you reach for the Savior and choose to keep your covenants, His Spirit is with you. Regardless of what your family chooses to do or not, you are known, seen, and loved by God.