“Don’t Give Up” by: Rebekah Griffin

I was born a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Since before I can remember my family was reading daily from the scriptures; we read the Bible and other scriptures too, but mainly our reading was from the Book of Mormon.   I probably learned to read by following along in my own copy.   At a young age I was also reading on my own- starting with simplified versions until I was ready for the real thing.   I have always felt the Book of Mormon was true.   As I got older I could see the results of studying it each day- I felt peace and a tempering of my weaknesses.  I could see many evidences that it was true from an intellectual standpoint.  I didn’t really ever have any doubts about its truthfulness.  Yet despite this, I wanted more.  I wanted an answer from the Holy Ghost like we are promised at the end of the Book of Mormon.  I had asked for this witness many times but had not received it.  I was confused and frustrated.  I would wonder if I just already knew, so I didn’t need this witness.  Sometimes I would read in a different way, searching for a specific topic, or perhaps finishing the whole book in a short amount of time.  Each time I would think that perhaps this time I would receive a witness when I prayed after completing the book.    Yet still it never came.  But then one day I was fasting and praying about something completely different. While I was praying the thought came to me that I should ask if the Book of Mormon was true.  I was surprised but I obeyed.  Before I even finished asking I was overwhelmed with a feeling so strong that I almost couldn’t breathe.  I had never felt the Spirit so strong before.   I was overcome with gratitude for this answer that had been so long in coming!   I feel like I can now truly say that I know the Book of Mormon is true.