I was assigned to sing in the balcony choir at the pageant. Practices were held at mutual and as the performance times got closer, we practiced on Saturdays too. I was happy with this arrangement. I could hang out with my friends and get out of chores! Looking back, my immaturity was obvious. I wasn't out to have any kind of experience, except one that would allow me to "hang out", without getting grief from my mom.
We drove to Oakland a few times for dress rehearsal. It was an hour drive from my house, but even that was great because I got to be in the same car as Cory, (sigh). With no other thought than having a good time, I set out for Oakland one last time, for the actual performance.
The pageant's theme was on the restoration of the Gospel and focused on Joseph Smith. I didn't pay close attention during rehearsals. I stood and sang when I was supposed to, passed notes during the rest of the time, and got "shushed" a time or two. The final musical number of the production was the hymn, "The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning." It was a grand finale, with an orchestra, a 500 voice youth choir, and actors on the stage. The beginning strains of the hymn floated up to the balcony, a single voice. As the youth chorus joined in and the orchestra swelled to a forte, I began to feel something that had not yet been part of my pageant experience.
As the voices of 500 young men and women who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints spilled over the balcony, bearing their testimony of the truthfulness of the restoration, I knew in that moment that everything about Joseph Smith, his vision, his call as a prophet, the restoration of Christ's church, was true. My adolescent distractions faded as I felt the burning in my bosom, that what I was experiencing was God's love and a witness of the truth. It was so personal, as if the Lord himself was softly whispering,"believe."
With tears blurring my vision I finished the final "Amen." I was about to take a breath, when a member of the audience stood and shouted at the stage, "Return to Christ, you heathens, this is all false, return to Christ." The conductor on the stage responded with a "thank you" and the closing prayer was offered.
After the prayer, there were kids sobbing, running to their leaders. "How could he say those things?" they cried. Many were saying their faith was shaken. I stood in the midst of the turmoil, up in the balcony, looking down at the ensuing hubbub below and smiled. I knew, I knew the church was true. My faith wasn't shaken, it was renewed, and no one, not even a misguided pastor of another church could tell me otherwise.
I wish I could report that I was the picture of faithfulness my entire teenage experience. I wasn't. But I knew. And the "knowing" saved me many times from myself and my poor choices. Today, I stand with those that bear witness of Jesus Christ. He is my Savior. His atonement has worked miracles in my life, as I have come to accept his grace and goodness. Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. We as a church, are led by a prophet of God, President Thomas Spencer Monson. The Book of Mormon is true, and another testament of Jesus Christ. These are not trite word, repeated out of habit, but my deep and abiding testimony of what is true. Goodness will prevail, and truth will win, I have no doubt. To my children and grandchildren, in the words of President Monson, our future is as bright as our faith. The spirit of God is real, and it burns in my heart. I am grateful Heavenly Father trusted me with that sacred experience 43 years ago. I am grateful the fire of a living testimony burns bright in your homes and in your hearts.
We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of heaven, hosanna, hosanna, to God and the lamb, let glory to them, in the highest be given, henceforth and forever, amen, and amen!
