Mustering the Courage

Shekinah. 

She is my 70 year old friend that is moving out of my apartment complex in three days. 

She kindly let me borrow her dolly to move boxes when we moved in.

After that I had seen her around the complex walking her two dogs.

We would stop and chat about our day and I would pet her dogs.

In a place full of unfamiliar faces I would always hope she would walk by.

A little while ago I had the feeling to share my beliefs with her.

I had the feeling to share the happiness I have that comes from believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

But how would I do it?

Give her a Book of Mormon? Invite her to church? 

I knew she liked rocks so maybe I could bring up the gospel that way?

Maybe I could read part of a talk from an apostle that makes a connection with rocks.

Something with rocks?

I knew I had to do something, but I was nervous.

Nervous because I've never done something like this before, and nervous of rejection.

Then my thoughts changed.

She can reject my message. She can think I'm a fool. But I was going to listen to the prompting that I got to share my happiness with her.

Today is the day.

I pray for guidance.

I read church talks.

...I make cookies.

There's no way she'll reject me if I have cookies.

I print out a cute quote and a short passage of a talk.

I'm ready.

Deep breath.

She opens the door with a smile and we chat.

I tell her I've been thinking of her and that I'm going to miss my friend when she moves.

I tell her I read a talk written by an apostle of my church and I asked if I could share it with her.

Are you mormon?

Yes.

There seems to be a lot of you moving in around here.

Yeah, there's a lot of us (nervously).

Well, I have direct line to my divine being. I don't need to go through any church. My duty for this life is to find energy areas and where I'm moving is full of them (continues matter of factly with confidence).

Interesting. Does that have to do with all of the rocks you collect?

Yes, in a matter of fact it does. That is also why I changed my name (proceeds to tell me her full name that I didn't catch because I have never heard any of those names before).

They are all names of archangels. Changing my name legally helps me be more in tune.

She talks more about her beliefs.

We say our goodbyes.
I give her the talk and the quote...and of course the cookies.

I remind her one last time that I just wanted to stop by to let her know that she is loved and I'll miss her.

She gives me a hug and it's finished.

Did I do anything?

Did I make any difference?

Will she ever come to find the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

In the end, it seems like the prompting I received was to help me all along.

I was blessed to testify of what I believe in.

I was blessed to hear her so confidently state what she believed it without even a flinch.

I want to be more like my friend Shekinah.

Not just because she loves rocks, but because she is not afraid to share what she believes in.

Today I followed a prompting from the Holy Ghost.

And I grew.