~by Michelle
Al Fox is a Mormon woman. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints three years ago today. She’s been creating videos to share what the gospel of Jesus Christ means to her. The following video, “This is Happiness” was created to celebrate the anniversary of her baptism. The young man in the video was the missionary who baptized her. He shares a little of his experience as a missionary in the video as well.
This video captures so beautifully how the gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of joy. That doesn’t mean life won’t have its hard times. As Al acknowledges,
Since joining the church there has been a lot of hard times. A lot of changes. Trials. That’s life. But because of getting baptized, because of the Gospel, because of Christ, not once- not even for a second, did that happiness go away. Not only that, but it got stronger, and stronger!… The Gospel is hands down, the biggest blessing there ever is.
What struck me is how she described the difference — the tangible, physical difference — she felt when she was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit is the key. Understanding and allowing the Spirit into her life made all the difference.
I’m reminded of this quote from Eliza R. Snow, an early leader in the Relief Society of the Church.
When you are filled with the Spirit of God, … that [Spirit] satisfies and fills up every longing of the human heart, and fills up every vacuum. When I am filled with that spirit my soul is satisfied. … The Spirit of God will impart instruction to your minds, and you will impart it to each other. … Remember that you are Saints of God; and that you have important works to perform in Zion” (Woman’s Exponent, Sept. 15, 1873, 62). [See Sister Julie B. Beck, “Relief Society History: A Look at the Lord’s Vision for His Daughters“]
I echo Al’s testimony about the gospel being the greatest blessing there is. The happiness that can come through knowledge of God’s love and God’s plan and God’s Son — and the powerful influence of God’s Spirit — is a kind of happiness that can exist even while facing pain and struggles of life.
I’m grateful for the faith and testimony of women like Al Fox who strengthen my own. Happy Anniversary, Al! [Edited to add a link to more of Al’s videos.]
