The Army of Helaman.

They couldn't have been much older than my eighteen years, and they couldn't have known much more than I know. Besides having strong testimonies of the Saviour, they probably didn't know much about battle. Sure, they'd most likely heard stories and seen the awful conflicts, but never had they actually fought for their families, religion, and lives.

I feel like them sometimes, especially in relation to Heavenly Father's call to serve. I've never been on a mission before, but I've heard wonderful stories, and I've watched missionaries work miracles as instruments in the Lord's hands.

But I've never taken mission prep classes, let alone sat down and practiced teaching someone principles of the gospel.

. . . but then again, while I may not be able to teach the principles as well as I wish I could, I have something I can share better than anything else. And that is my testimony.

I can go to Chemistry and learn all about atomic theories; I can go to French class and learn about why you pronounce the "s" in tous for the sentence, "Je les ai tous mange" but not for the sentence, "Tous les bonbons sont petits"; I can go to American Heritage and learn about utilitarian views of society; and I can go to Nutrition to learn about the enzymes your body can synthesize.

And I could try to explain to you what I know about atoms, pronunciation, and enzymes, but I can guarantee there will be something I don't understand, and something I can't explain.

My testimony, however, is not a theory about atoms and molecules, or a structured method of pronunciation, or even a broad viewpoint of something.

Rather, my testimony is built from small experiences, small truths, and small words from the pages of the Book of Mormon. It is living: it grows. It is real: I can feel it. And it is special; it is precious.

It is my treasure. 

And like those 2000 young men in Helaman's Army, I have faith in God. I trust Him. And It's nice to know that while I have many weaknesses and shortcomings, He trusts me. And He helps me.

I picture thousands of young men and women running to find those who are wandering; those who feel hopeless; those who are lost. I imagine an army of youth going forth to share the good news of the Gospel. I picture them sharing their testimonies of the Saviour.

And I have been given the opportunity to be one of them. It's so wonderful to know that I am doing the right thing. Even when I don't know how to do it.

I will.

Even though I don't know how it will work out.

It will.

Should I be afraid? The world tells me yes, and the attacks and temptations of the devil definitely merit fear.

But the gospel is true, isn't it? Then what else matters?

So, soon I'll be like those stripling warriors. For now, I will not doubt. I'll go where He wants me to go. 

"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." 3 Nephi 5:23.

And I can't wait.

:)

love, a daughter of God.