Testimony

We discover much from how we feel
We gather wisdom from what we see
There is one more way that is just as real
It is a spiritual witnessing
And, to the learner it means a great deal

It's the Holy Ghost reaching our soul
Though to the natural man it can't be learned
Into our mind and heart God's truths are told
There to be received and then discerned
It often grows as to others it's burned

A testimony of gospel facts
Cannot be sold or even preached
It's a gift borne of out of certain acts
To the humble seeker, it is reached
Oft come when in prayer one has beseeched

The young Joseph Smith learned from God this way
He bore testimony of a great light
Shown to him after he had knelt to pray
Then Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
Came before his eyes with much to say
And this was the miracle, from his faith

That was his testimony, what of ours?
How can we come to know what he said is true?
First, desire then sincere prayer empowers
Sometimes included is fasting too
Then there's patience, process, and bearing it new

There is much we can do to help it grow
What's at our core so testimonies aren't weak?
An assurance of God's love- we need to know
That we have a Savior kind, pure and meek
And, that the Holy Ghost can dwell and speak

There's more to have His spirit with us
We must partake of the sacrament
And, not be ashamed to speak of Jesus
Some have a gift for direct obtainment
And we can learn through their discernment

We've each a gift and a path to God
And we're each different as the sands of the sea
Yet, the Holy Ghost speaks to all through a rod
Where the deaf can hear and the blind can now see
We've much to do and we've help to be

Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Ensign, June 2008
"Testimony"