Sunday in Memphis

Today I went to church in Memphis, TN. I drove about 20 min outside the city until I found the building that feels like home. However, this chapel was surrounded by a 6 ft steel gate. Immediately I knew this Sunday was going to be a little different than the rest. Two very cute and eager missionaries greeted me at the door. Inside the chapel seemed of members and hope—which was strange considering hope is the one thing I consistently feel as I walk into church.
Many were from a very different kind of life than I had ever known or had seen personally. Many were African Americans who were below the poverty line-- with lots of single mothers and children, dressed in clothes that would not have been worthy of the gym . However, little by little as people trickled in, the spirit filled the room—very familiar, but very different than the means by which I feel it. The first man who bore his testimony sounded like a Baptist Preacher—however, everything he spoke was truth and testifying of the truth. He spoke of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, the Spirit, and above all Jesus Christ. The feelings that were in this chapel were so profound. I was reminded of how each of us—no matter our back grounds, our walks of life, or the mistakes we make – we are made equal in Christ. Each of us on Earth has a common bond--- we are children of God, each with our own divinity and individual worth--- but within that all uniquely ONE. How we all can be ONE through our Savor, as He is ONE in The Father.
A few months ago Gladys Knight came to Houston with her troupe of singers to share the gospel through word and song. Many members were encouraged to invite their non-member friends to come and hear her fireside. Thousands came… and many were touched. But today I was reminded of that special spirit that His children bring who are from an African American decent. They have powerful faith--- unashamed love and real desire, despite imperfections and weaknesses. Their faith and belief (whether they choose to act upon it) is so uniquely moving and powerful. I felt very enriched and blessed to be a part of this meeting today.
One woman, whom I think is investigating the church and striving to be a member, bore her testimony. She spoke about her life before she found the church—her addiction to drugs—how it has ruined her life, but how the Lord is helping her find her way back. She talked about being hospitalized and losing her children for 6 months—Her pain hurt to watch—Her fear of going back was very evident—and her testimony in Jesus Christ, the power of the Book of Mormon, the Truth of the Gospel, her love and appreciation for modern day prophets ,and her love for Joseph Smith were so profound and deeply rooted in her being it moved my soul.
Many others stood and told her that they loved her—could relate to her—and offered a vast amount of love, encouragement, support. She was overwhelmed with love and I could see the fear in her heart slowly dissipate, as love and courage sank in. Her countenance changed before my eyes—her miracle came. There was no longer a need to look back on her life, but to move forward in His grace.
It made me think that no matter what we fear, no matter our imperfections, our struggles with ourselves, the mistakes that we’ve made, or the people we may have hurt along the way--- GOD LOVES US!! He loves us despite of the things we do wrong, He loves us when we are strong and when we are weak. He loves that we are learning… and most of all when we take His hand and allow Him to help. I know that God lives, He is ACUTELY aware of each of His children --- Everyone on this planet and on the many other planets He has created. He loves each one of us no matter where we come from or who we are. He will shine the light we need in our lives to be with Him and to feel His presence in our lives. This I leave with you and share with you. In His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.