I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a convert from Catholicism at the age of 35. I was pregnant with our 3rd daughter Adaline when I entered the waters of baptism. I am now the Mom of four girls. I have the privilege of guiding them and raising them into the women that they will one day become. The distinct and cherished doctrine of having a Heavenly Mother helps me to do this each day. Not only that, but it was this doctrine that gave me the sure witness that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints IS in fact the Lord’s restored Church upon the earth.
When I was a little girl, around the age of 6, every night before sleep I would pray to Heavenly Father. As a Catholic I thought of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and also Mary. I felt SO much love and I couldn’t tell if it was Mary, but I felt her care and nurturing and her amusement at the things I prayed about. I can best describe this as feeling her smiling down upon me. She, my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ swirling above me on the ceiling like a Celestial Mobile as I fell asleep. It felt WONDERFUL. I will never forget that love and I have not forgotten it since.
As a new convert to the Church I attended Gospel Principles class. (This was when Church was still 3 hours long!) We sang Hymn #292 “O My Father” to open the class. When we came to the line, “Truth is reason, truth eternal, tells me I’ve a Mother there.” I felt the sensation of celestial bells ringing in my ears! I turned to my friend and seat mate Sharon, also a convert as an adult. I pointed to the lyrics, “What is this??” I asked her. “We believe we have a Heavenly Father AND a Heavenly Mother.” she lovingly whispered. The Spirit testified to me of the verity of this doctrine AND also said, “The Lord’s restored church contains the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This doctrine is part of that fullness.” In that instant, I knew that I had found all that I had searched for my entire life. It was Her!!!!! It was She. She was there. She was listening. I am Her child. Her love surrounds me. It always has. It always will. How incredibly blessed and privileged we are as Latter Day Saints to have this sacred knowledge!
Art Credit : “Mother to Mother” by Kate Garner
