I just had the amazing opportunity of attending the temple sealing of my sister-in-law, Christie. I will never forget the peaceful, celestial atmosphere of the temple, nor her radiant countenance during the sealing. We all felt as if we were sitting in the presence of God and his angels, especially as the bride shone with the absolute epitome of purity and happiness. I have never seen two people more certain about the life changing decision they were making together. I wept as she knelt across the altar and entered into the holy covenant of eternal marriage with the love of her life, and my spirit stood up and cheered the moment they were pronounced "husband and wife". It was truly magical!
Aren't they perfect together?But things have not always been so wonderful for my dear sister-in-law.
She has had a long and difficult life because of the actions taken towards her by another human being when she was a small child. I believe she grew up thinking that her innocent experiences would keep her from entering her heavenly father's presence, and therefore, as a teenager got involved in behavior that would keep her from eventually entering the temple. Miraculously, she quickly discovered the healing power of the Savior's atonement and was able remember her own self worth. Only then did she meet her eternal companion who helped her take the final steps of temple preparation. She is now a married woman at 18 years old, and I have much respect for her. She deserves the temple blessings more than anyone I know!
Here is what she says of her experience:
When I was in High School, I struggled a lot with my beliefs. I wanted to have fun and be accepted with the popular crowd, and eventually found myself abandoning the values that my parents and religion instilled upon me. After a while of engaging in immoral and inappropriate activities with my friends, I realized that I wasn't happy. I had a lot of fun at times, but I was never quite happy. I argued with my parents constantly, started slacking in school, and eventually stopped caring about anything. After years of mistakes and heartache, I eventually turned back to the gospel and began the repentance process. It took a long time, but the bishop was so understanding, and my family helped me every step of the way. Some members of the church, however, were not quick to forgive me. They held onto the "old Christie" and her bad habits and attitudes, and judged me even when I was trying so hard to be righteous. I felt hurt, and didn't hold a lot of value for myself I began to accept the idea that I would have to "settle" for a husband, because I figured that no good guy would want someone with a negative history quite like mine. That was until I met Brooks. Brooks was my brother's roommate at BYU, and I met him while visiting my brother and sister. We immediately liked each other, and continued to talk on the phone and text after I left. Our relationship continued to progress quickly, but rather than being happy, I was upset. I knew that Brooks was "too good to be true," and that upon hearing about my past he would change his mind and move on to bigger and better things. So one night while we were on the phone, I decided that it wasn't fair to lead him on like this, and told him the entire story. I told him that I would understand if he didn't want to date me any longer, and that I was telling him all of this because he deserved better than someone like me. Brooks, on the other hand, did not feel the same way. He told me about his powerful testimony of the atonement, and how he knew I was clean. He told me he didn't care about anything I'd done, he just wanted to be with me, and was willing to help me get through it all. I was so touched, but not quite convinced. It took me months, in fact, to finally understand the love he had for me and rebuild my self worth. Brooks helped me so much that way by constantly complimenting me, reading scriptures with me, and treating me like how I deserved to be treated. We were engaged on New Years Eve, 2010, and were married on May 14th, 2011. I still marvel sometimes at the old girl I used to be, thinking so little of myself. I now know that I am a daughter of God, and that I should be treated that way. I know that I am so blessed to have the husband that I do, and that other girls like me can marry a man like mine. The atonement is so powerful. Jesus came down and died for us all so that we can all have our fairytale endings like I am. I am so grateful for Him and for His sacrifice for me, so that I could be sealed to my husband for time and all eternity.
The best part of it all is that this is just the beginning of their fairytale romance! They still have the rest of their lives together, and that will most certainly include school, jobs, kids, callings, moving, vacations, retirement, grand kids, missions, and church service. Eternal commitment is such a magical thing. It doesn't get much better than "enduring to the end" with the person you love the most! Isn't this worth sacrificing anything for?
I testify that our Savior LIVES, and Christie's happiness is what he wants for all of his beloved daughters. The only way to find true and lasting happiness is to turn to Christ and follow His commandments. We all have things to repent of, and though it can be hard, it is the only way to find peace in this life and joy in the next. Just look at Christie's amazing example! Our Father in Heaven will be so proud of you when you find someone who will respect you like the daughter of God that you are and will take you to the temple to be sealed for time and all eternity. Keep hanging in there, girls! You'll make it because it's SO worth it!
