An experience today - opportunity to testify

[pam]

I had to work this morning and there is a community church down the street from my business.

A gentleman came in and we got on the subject of having a great day. He said every day is a great day it's how we look at it. Every day is the same but again it's our attitude in how we look at the day. Even trials make it a great day.

Okay so I was with him on that one. We then discussed trials and anger at God for some of those trials. I explained to him about my father and having Alzheimers etc and how I still couldn't find anger with God for those trials that he had which also affected our family.

So then we get onto the subject of being saved. Works verses grace. He started asking me questions on my LDS beliefs. Answers were just flying from my mouth. I've never had quite that experience before. No hesitation in my answers etc. It was quite the experience. He listened and nodded as if in agreement.

But here was the kicker. He said..Pam I have one last question which I just want you to ponder on..don't answer it..just ponder on it.

"If you thought that the beliefs of YOUR religion were wrong..wouldn't you want to know about it?"

He walked out the door. So there I stand fuming a bit. But I got to thinking..he can think whatever he wants to think. But I still had the opportunity to testify of my beliefs and explain them. It's now up to him.

This probably should have been a blog..but I just wanted to share. It just showed to me how important it is to be ready to answer questions. You just never know when an opportunity might arise.

[lilered]

Sounds to me like your testimony has grown and strengthen more than you once thought.

Your absolutly correct about being prepared to answer questions. I read a sign on a church one time that said:

Remember wherever you are, you have influence, whether it be for good or evil.

Your discussion this morning may not bear fruit right away, but may someday make it easier for someone else to convert this man. Thx. for sharing.

[Misshalfway]

Pam did good! Pam did good!

Interesting way for him to leave the discussion.....hmmmm.

[BenRaines]

"Be on your best behavior, you may be the only Standard Work that someone ever reads." Author unknown

"Live your life so that those who know you will want to know Him."

Author Unknown

Ben Raines

[ztodd]

Don't be mad at him Pam. That's basically the same message our missionaries carry to the world. "If your beliefs are wrong, wouldn't you want to know about it?" The answer is yes, right?

Not suggesting that you give him that answer directly... I'd probably answer, "Well, if I answer your question, would you then answer the same question about your beliefs?"

[pam]

I fumed for a couple of minutes and realized there was no need to.

[john doe]

I think you did fine.

[dazed-and-confused]

when i was a stake missionary, about 10 yrs ago, now, my answers also came very quickly and i thought it a blessing from HF. i see it that way, still, for you too. nowadays, some of my answers are not so quick, or so accurate, but then, i was inactive for some time and feel in ways that i need to re-learn some things, which i am doing. i do still feel HF guiding me, even if at times i seem to be REALLY dazed and confused...lol.

i live in southern baptist territory and have yet to meet one that didnt resent me, or feel cautious about my being LDS, and have been very clear about that. they do believe so strongly, the ones i've spoken to, that LDS is a cult of the devil. sometimes i do get annoyed, other times i just let it roll off me like water from a duck..lol.

thanks, HF.