What Does "Finding Your Testimony" Mean?

[Melissa569]

Just confused. Does it mean you have been through all the dark areas of your life, and now that you've found your way out, you want to share your story? Or does it have a broader meaning?

[Dravin]

Generally I hear that in reference to life long members who had a testimony at some point, or even have one but don't really realize it. For instance somebody raised in the Church may not have the same experience as a convert and thus wouldn't (necessarily) have had the eureka moment some talk about. I hear people who bear testimony fairly frequently talk about how at some point they realized they had a testimony, they just didn't really recognize it. So the person who went to church, even bore testimony over the course of their life but at some point 'gets it', that by golly it is true! The 14 year old who has simply trusted friends, family and leaders finally receiving (or recognizing) that testimony for themselves. And what have you. I hope I'm making sense.

Outside of that context the only thing I can think of is that it is synonymous with obtaining or 'getting' a testimony. So someone who read the Book of Mormon and received a witness has found their testimony.

You might find this talk of interest, I think it touches upon the topic: LDS.org - Ensign Article - Knowing That We Know

[pam]

Interesting you bring up testimony. While working on my website yesterday, I found this talk by Richard G. Scott concerning testimonies that I just loved. It hit home to me on so many different levels. I don't know if it will answer any of your questions, but I think it's worth reading:

LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Power of a Strong Testimony

[Guest]

Testimony means you have found evidence that something is true.

So, when you say you "found your testimony" it means to me that you believed in something but now you have evidence that makes that belief unshakeable.

[Moksha]

I think of testimony as bearing witness to something we've seen, heard, touched, smelled or believe to be the truth. Belief always seems to be in flux either in small or large measure. Through the imput we gain in our life, we continually adjust our belief in some way.

Our testimony - unless recited in rote from an earlier time - is dynamic, and that is a good thing for the listeners at Testimony Meeting.

[jadams_4040]

Just confused. Does it mean you have been through all the dark areas of your life, and now that you've found your way out, you want to share your story? Or does it have a broader meaning?

A testimony is differant for each person; whatever it took for that person to come to see truths of what God can and does do and why he does it. For me i always knew this church held the most important truths; but it took me a lifetime before i became smart enough to see and understand how beautifull and real the blessings are that come from actually doing "ALL" i should be doing; i want to kick myself in the rear end for all those many years i wasted not only of my own life but my families lifes, and all the hurt that my negligence has caused so many people; This gospel is ssooo true and sssooo beautifullly perfect in all manner of everything; it is truely conceived of God; Now i just hope i live long enough to undue some of the damages i have caused; my testimony is that of something that simply canott be challenged by anyone or anything; it has been in the making for many years; and it is one of this church and this gospel blesses our lives without any doubt; the church, not particularly every member. but the gospel itself.:)

[Traveler]

Just confused. Does it mean you have been through all the dark areas of your life, and now that you've found your way out, you want to share your story? Or does it have a broader meaning?

I believe the concept of “finding” a testimony is parallel (similar) to the concept of a spiritual awakening often spoken of in scripture. It is not so much of a new discovery as it is a “remembering” that we are sons and daughters of G-d.

The Traveler

[Melissa569]

Hmmm, I think I get it now. Kind of what I suggested at first, but a lot more too. Like deeper and more powerful.

Hopefully some day I might find mine, lol. maybe soon, if all goes well. I am almost rock bottom at the moment, the only way to go is up. So maybe on the way, I will see some good things :)

[phatbac]

to me -- a testimony is a divinely inspired knowledge of truth. when you "find your testimony" you have personal revelation that soemthing is true. It may not come all in one great momonet it may come over time but you have a comfort with a truth that you recieved from the holy Ghost. that revelation is the rock that Jesus built the church upon.