Posted on Aug 16, 2024

Beacons of Light Throughout a Bobsledding Career

Beacons of Light Throughout a Bobsledding Career

In this week's inspiring episode of Why We Believe, I had the privilege of speaking with Jeremy Holm, an author, youth speaker, and former Olympic bobsledder. Jeremy's unique experiences, from racing dragsters to serving a mission in Honduras and Belize, have shaped his profound faith and understanding of God's love for His children.

 

In this blog post, we'll explore Jeremy's experiences and the valuable lessons he's learned about recognizing God's presence in our lives, overcoming doubt, and finding strength in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Recognizing God's Light in Everyday Moments

Jeremy's small, everyday experiences helped him recognize God's presence in his life. There is a sense of an almost divine fulfillment that comes when we strive to make the most of our God-given talents and abilities. 

 

Unexpected spiritual experiences solidified Jeremy’s testimony of Joseph Smith and the restored gospel. They remind us that God's light can shine through in the most ordinary of moments if we're open to recognizing it.

 

Jeremy's experiences on the bobsled track have become unexpected sources of spiritual growth. He often found himself kneeling on the cold Olympic ice before a race, not praying for victory but for guidance and safety. Taking time to focus on God in the midst of our experiences brings us closer to Him and can show God we choose to put him first.

Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Faith

Even though Jeremy has had strong spiritual experiences, he isn’t immune to struggles with doubt and anxiety. We are all human; the earth has fallen, and it was never meant to be easy. Understanding that the gospel teaches the principle of perseverance will really help us understand why we choose to be patient and long-suffering. 

 

Jeremy's struggles with anxiety have happened throughout his life. Eventually, becoming what he describes as his "thorn in the flesh." However, he learned to view this challenge not as a failure of faith but as an opportunity for growth and reliance on the Savior. He emphasizes that it's okay to struggle and that these challenges are part of our mortal experience.

 

Jeremy’s bishop once said, "You're not failing, you're human." This helps us realize that God loves us for our efforts, not our perfection and that even in our struggles, we are still valued children of God.

A Lifeline in Times of Struggle

After experiencing a bobsled crash, Jeremy was racked with guilt, blaming himself for what happened. As his father helped him repair the bobsled, Jeremy realized that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there to help us repair the damage in our lives. The Atonement isn't just about forgiveness but about restoration and getting us "back out there" on the track of life.

 

This experience deepened Jeremy's understanding of the Savior's role in our lives. He learned that Christ is always there, ready to help us when we feel overwhelmed, when we've made mistakes, or when we simply need support. It's a powerful reminder that no matter how badly we may have crashed, there's always a loving hand reaching out to lift us up.

Faith is Not a Slippery Slope

Jeremy Holm's story and experiences remind us that God's light can be found in the most unexpected places - whether it's on a bobsled track, in a quiet bedroom, or in the midst of our deepest struggles. As we reflect on Jeremy's story, we're invited to consider our own spiritual journeys. By incorporating God’s principles into our lives, we can, like Jeremy, find God's light guiding us through both the triumphs and challenges of our mortal journey. God is aware of you individually. He's cheering you on, proud of your accomplishments, and ready to embrace you with His love at every stage of your life.

 

 

 

Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blogs and episodes here.

 

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5 Lessons of Faith from Down Syndrome Advocate Brady Murray
5 Lessons of Faith from Down Syndrome Advocate Brady Murray
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 07, 2024

This week on the Why We Believe show, I had the privilege of interviewing Brady Murray. Brady is an inspiring individual who has dedicated his life to serving others and living his faith. As the founder and president of Rod's Heroes, a non-profit organization that helps special needs kids get adopted, Brady has helped over 100 children with Down syndrome find loving homes. In addition to his work with Rod's Heroes, Brady is also an Ironman triathlete, a three-time Boston Marathon finisher, a certified financial planner, and a chartered special needs consultant. Brady's passion for helping children with Down syndrome stems from his personal experience. His second child, Nash, was born with Down syndrome, and Brady and his wife Andrea have since adopted another child with Down syndrome, Cooper, from China. The Murrays have a total of 11 children, seven of whom are adopted from three different countries. Brady's journey with Down syndrome and fatherhood has been the subject of his podcast, Conquering Your Clownfish, a podcast dedicated to sharing the inspiring stories of parents and caretakers empowering their loved ones to sing the song they were meant to sing. During our interview together, I was fortunate enough to learn some very powerful and important things about faith that I think we all could learn from. So here are 5 powerful lessons I learned from our interview. Lesson 1: Listen to the Promptings of the Spirit Brady's journey of faith began when, despite his inactivity in the Church, his friend Melissa challenged him to pray about serving a mission. Despite his initial reluctance, Brady accepted the challenge and felt the undeniable promptings of the Spirit telling him that God wanted him to serve. This experience taught Brady the importance of listening to the Spirit and acting on its promptings, even when it means making significant changes in our lives. By following the Spirit's guidance, Brady embarked on a life-changing mission to Peru, where he not only learned the gospel of Jesus Christ but also developed a deep love for the Latino culture. This love later influenced his family's decision to later adopt 4 children from Colombia. Lesson 2: Serve the Pain You Know Best When Brady's son Nash was born with Down syndrome, it was a challenging and emotional experience. However, Brady felt in his heart that he was meant to lean into this experience and serve the pain he knew best. Together with his wife Andrea, Brady created Rod's Heroes to inspire families to adopt children with Down syndrome. Through this service, Brady has witnessed the incredible impact that adoption can have on the lives of these children. By giving them a chance to have a family, these children are able to unlock their divine potential and become the superheroes they were meant to be. Lesson 3: Allow Yourself to be Caught Up in a Cause Bigger Than Yourself Brady has learned that when we allow ourselves to be caught up in a cause bigger than ourselves, we witness miracles. His work with Rod's Heroes and his family's adoption journey are testaments to this principle. By dedicating himself to serving others and living his faith, Brady has seen countless miracles unfold in his life and the lives of those around him. When we focus on serving others and living our faith, we open ourselves up to experiences and blessings that we could never have imagined. You can't script it. You can't say if we do X, Y will be the result. Let's go ahead and go do X. You just can't make this stuff up. Lesson 4: Eternal Marriage and Family Are Central to God's Plan Brady's faith in Jesus Christ and His restored church has been the foundation for his life and his family. He knows that when we make and keep sacred covenants in LDS temples, including the covenant of eternal marriage, we are blessed with divine guidance and strength. Through his own eternal marriage to Andrea and their experiences in raising their 11 children, Brady has seen firsthand the importance of family in God's plan. He knows that by putting faith in Christ and striving to live the gospel, families can overcome challenges and grow together in love. Lesson 5: Consecrate Your Life to the Lord For Brady, the law of consecration is a gospel principle that resonates deeply. He believes that everything we have – our time, talents, and resources – are temporary stewardships that we will one day give an accounting for. By consecrating our lives to the Lord and striving to use our blessings to serve others, we can return to Him with a pure heart, knowing we did our best. Brady's life is an example of consecration in action. From his missionary service to his work with Rod's Heroes and his dedication to his family, Brady has consistently put the Lord first and sought to use his blessings to bless the lives of others. Putting Our Faith in the Hands of the Savior Brady Murray's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. Through his experiences, we learn the importance of listening to the Spirit, serving others, allowing ourselves to be caught up in a cause bigger than ourselves, building eternal families, and consecrating our lives to the Lord. As we strive to follow Brady's example and trust in the path that God has for us, we can be confident that Christ will be our guide. By putting our faith in Him and dedicating ourselves to serving others, we open ourselves up to a life filled with miracles, love, and purpose. Let us all strive to live our faith with the same courage, compassion, and conviction that Brady Murray exemplifies. Key Takeaways: 1. Life often entrusts us with experiences we don't choose, but how we respond to those experiences can dictate the course of our lives. 2. Brady's life has been significantly impacted by two experiences he didn't choose: being adopted and having a child with Down syndrome. 3. A pivotal moment in Brady's faith journey came when he felt prompted to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leading him to put his baseball dreams aside and serve in Peru. 4. Brady gained his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ while serving his mission and teaching others in Spanish. 5. After his son Nash was born with Down syndrome, Brady felt inspired to serve the Down syndrome community, which led to the creation of Rod's Heroes, an organization that helps children with Down syndrome find adoptive families. 6. Brady and his wife Andrea have witnessed miracles as they've opened their hearts to adoption, welcoming 11 children into their family, including a sibling group of four from Colombia. 7. Brady believes that when we allow ourselves to get caught up in a cause bigger than ourselves, we will witness miracles time and time again. 8. The gospel principle of consecration resonates deeply with Brady as he strives to use his time, talents, and resources to serve others and further God's work. Thank you for joining us for this episode. I pray Brady’s message of trusting in God to lead you to experiences that will strengthen your testimony to do the same. If you would like to learn more about the Why We Believe show, please visit WhyWeBelieve.com.

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Shooting with Lexi Lagan: A Journey of Faith, Joy, and Perseverance
Shooting with Lexi Lagan: A Journey of Faith, Joy, and Perseverance
  • by Julia Denner
  • Sep 13, 2024

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, Lexi Lagan, a two-time Olympian, shared her incredible journey from a small-town Nevada girl to an internationally recognized Olympic shooter. Having competed in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Lexi has risen to prominence in the shooting sports world, but her journey hasn’t been solely about medals and accolades. She speaks candidly about how her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ has guided her through life's trials and triumphs. Born in Boulder City, Nevada, Lexi came from a close-knit family and pursued a physics and political science degree at the University of Utah. While her academic journey was impressive, her athletic career soon took center stage, leading her to Colorado Springs, where she began training as a professional shooter. But Lexi’s story is not just about athletic prowess—it’s about how faith and perseverance have shaped her into the resilient, driven woman she is today. This blog post will explore four core areas of Lexi’s faith journey: finding strength in Jesus Christ, leaning on prayer in difficult moments, understanding the role of divine timing, and experiencing joy through adversity. Each section will explore how her faith has intertwined with her Olympic career and personal life, inspiring readers to incorporate faith into their own daily experiences. 1. Finding Strength in Jesus Christ Lexi’s journey as an Olympic athlete has been deeply intertwined with her faith in Jesus Christ. From a young age, she recognized that her athletic abilities were gifts that needed to be nurtured, not just for personal success, but as a way to glorify God. Through her many achievements, Lexi credits her strength, perseverance, and resilience to her reliance on Jesus Christ. Throughout her training and competitions, Lexi found that whenever she strengthened her spiritual relationship, her shooting performances would improve as well. She realized that the more she leaned into her faith and sought strength from Jesus, the easier it became to face challenges in her sport. Whether it was a tough training day or a high-pressure competition, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and capability when she centered her thoughts on Christ. Her time competing on the world stage wasn’t always smooth sailing. One particularly challenging moment occurred during her trip to New Delhi for a World Cup competition when she was stuck in a potentially dangerous situation due to political unrest. Despite the chaos, Lexi turned to prayer, finding solace in her unshakable belief that God was watching over her. This profound trust in Jesus Christ provided her with the calm and strength to navigate uncertainty with grace. 2. Leaning on Prayer in Difficult Moments For Lexi, prayer has been an essential part of her daily routine, especially during moments of uncertainty or fear. In her Olympic journey, Lexi frequently encountered situations where the stakes were high, and the pressure was overwhelming. However, she consistently turned to prayer as a way to find peace and connect with God in those critical moments. One of the most viral moments of her career came from a photograph of her praying before stepping onto the shooting line at the Tokyo Olympics. This image captured the essence of Lexi’s reliance on God—before competing, she doesn’t pray to win, but rather for comfort, guidance, and the reminder that He is always with her, regardless of the outcome. Her prayer was a moment of grounding and reflection, helping her stay focused on what truly mattered: her relationship with Christ. During the interview, Lexi also recounted a terrifying experience while stranded in New Delhi amidst escalating political tension. Rather than succumbing to fear, she prayed for comfort and protection. Lexi’s faith assured her that she was being watched over and that her Heavenly Father was with her every step of the way. It was through prayer that she found the strength to face each challenge with a calm and steadfast heart. 3. Understanding the Role of Divine Timing Lexi’s life is a testament to divine timing—how every event, no matter how unexpected, aligns with God’s plan. One of the most significant instances of this was how she met her husband during a simple mini-golf outing with friends. At the time, Lexi had no idea that this casual event would lead her to the love of her life. Yet, as she looked back, she saw that everything happened according to God’s perfect timing. Even in moments of professional uncertainty, Lexi trusted that God had a plan for her. She shared a story of how her funding was unexpectedly cut just two weeks before Christmas, leaving her with the prospect of homelessness. Instead of despairing, Lexi leaned on her faith, trusting that God would provide. Through the support of friends and her own resourcefulness, she found a way forward, and the experience only strengthened her resolve. Lexi encourages listeners to trust in the process, even when the road seems difficult. She emphasizes that God’s plan may not always align with our personal expectations, but it is always for our greater good. By focusing on the bigger picture and trusting in divine timing, Lexi was able to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth, both in her personal life and career. 4. Experiencing Joy Through Adversity A common misconception is that faith in Jesus Christ eliminates the challenges and hardships of life. Lexi’s story shows that while challenges are inevitable, faith offers a path to experience joy even amidst adversity. Despite facing numerous personal and professional struggles, Lexi has always found joy in her relationship with Christ. Lexi speaks openly about how the church has been a guiding light in her life, teaching her the difference between happiness and joy. While happiness is often fleeting, tied to circumstances, joy is a deep, abiding feeling rooted in faith and the knowledge of God’s love. This joy has carried her through some of the most difficult moments of her life, including the pressures of competing on the world stage, financial struggles, and moments of fear. Reflecting on her journey, Lexi emphasizes that joy comes from recognizing how deeply God loves each individual. Despite the millions of people on Earth, she feels a personal connection with her Heavenly Father, who knows her by name and has guided her steps every day of her life. This recognition fuels the joy that she carries with her, even during the toughest times. Conclusion: A Call to Action Lexi Lagan’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith, prayer, and trust in God’s plan can shape a life filled with joy, perseverance, and purpose. Her journey from a small-town girl to an Olympic athlete is not just a tale of athletic achievement but of spiritual growth and reliance on Christ. Lexi’s ability to turn to Jesus in times of triumph and trial has enabled her to navigate life’s challenges with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith. If you feel inspired by Lexi’s story, consider taking steps to invite Christ into your daily life. Here are some simple ways to start: Dedicate a few minutes each day to prayer, asking for guidance and strength in your personal journey. Reflect on moments of hardship and look for how God’s hand has guided you, even when the outcome wasn’t what you expected. Share your faith with others, just as Lexi did with her husband, and encourage those around you to seek a relationship with Christ. As Lexi’s story shows, finding strength in Christ can transform every aspect of your life—whether you’re striving for an Olympic gold or simply navigating the challenges of daily life.

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Never Let a Faith Crisis Go to Waste
Never Let a Faith Crisis Go to Waste
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 07, 2024

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, Stuart Draper, a successful entrepreneur and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared his inspiring story of faith and conversion. From a young age, Stuart's parents and church leaders played a significant role in helping him develop a strong testimony of the gospel. Despite the challenges he has faced throughout his life, including his daughter's ongoing health issues and his brother's temporary inactivity from the church, Stuart's faith has remained unshakable. In the episode, Stuart mentions a thought-provoking idea shared by Jared Halverson on the Unshaken Saints podcast: "Never let a good faith crisis go to waste." This concept encourages individuals to view their faith crises as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding rather than as obstacles that threaten to destroy their beliefs. By embracing this mindset, we can navigate through our doubts and emerge with a stronger, more resilient faith. The Power of Scripture Study and Prayer One key factor that has helped Stu maintain his testimony is his dedication to daily scripture study and prayer. He credits his deacon's quorum leader, Scott Sauners, with instilling in him the importance of this habit at a young age. By consistently engaging with the scriptures and communicating with God, Stu has found answers to his questions and strengthened his faith. Stu's experience highlights the transformative power of regular scripture study and prayer. When we prioritize these practices in our lives, we open ourselves up to receiving personal revelation and guidance from the Holy Ghost. During times of doubt or uncertainty, turning to the scriptures and prayer can provide the comfort, clarity, and direction we need to press forward in faith. The Influence of Family and Church Leaders Throughout my interview with him, Stu emphasized the crucial role that his parents and various church leaders played in his spiritual development. From his parents' unwavering example of faithfulness to the countless Sunday School teachers, seminary instructors, and home teachers who invested in his spiritual growth, Stu recognizes these individuals' impact on his testimony. This serves as a reminder of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who can support and encourage us in our faith journey. When facing a faith crisis, isolating ourselves or seeking out those who share our doubts can be tempting. However, by staying connected to family members, friends, and church leaders who are strong in the gospel, we can find the strength and guidance we need to navigate our challenges and come out stronger on the other side. Eternal Families and the Plan of Salvation Another central theme in Stu's story is his testimony of eternal families and the Plan of Salvation. Having witnessed the challenges faced by his niece with severe disabilities and the tragic loss of his young nephew to cancer, Stu finds comfort in the knowledge that families can be together forever through the sealing power of the temple. When confronted with a faith crisis, losing sight of the bigger picture and the eternal truths that anchor our beliefs can be easy. We can find hope and perspective amidst our struggles by holding fast to our testimony of the Plan of Salvation and the promise of eternal families. Remembering that this life is just a small part of our eternal journey can help us approach our doubts and questions with patience, humility, and trust in God's divine plan. Navigating Faith a Faith Crisis Stuart Draper's story is a powerful reminder that faith crises while challenging, can ultimately lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. By following his example of consistent scripture study, prayer, and reliance on the support of family and church leaders, we can face our doubts head-on and emerge with a stronger, more resilient testimony. As you navigate your own faith journey, always remember to: Hold fast to the truths you already know Seek answers through daily scripture study and prayer Surround yourself with people who can support and encourage you in the gospel Keep an eternal perspective and trust in God's plan for you and your family By embracing the idea of never letting a faith crisis go to waste, you can view your challenges as opportunities for growth and allow them to refine and strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Key Takeaways 1. Stuart Draper's faith journey began with the examples set by his faithful parents and ancestors, who paved the way for him to develop a strong testimony at a young age. 2. Stu's personal conversion came through powerful spiritual experiences, such as feeling the Spirit during testimony meetings and learning to repent and seek forgiveness. 3. Consistent scripture study, a habit Stu developed at age 12, has been instrumental in his spiritual growth and helped him make better choices throughout his life. 4. Serving a mission in Argentina provided Stu with numerous experiences where he felt he was exactly where God wanted him to be, doing what God wanted him to do. 5. Stu's faith has carried him through difficult trials, such as his daughter's ongoing health struggles and watching his brother briefly step away from the Church. 6. A vivid dream and a powerful spiritual impression led Stu to recognize his wife, Lindsay, as his eternal companion shortly after they first met. 7. Stu's testimony of eternal families has been strengthened by the challenges faced by his niece with severe disabilities and the passing of his young nephew. 8. When struggling with faith, Stu advises holding fast to the principles and truths one already knows, recognizing that faith is a work in progress and that doubts can lead to spiritual growth. 9. The intricacies of the Earth, human body, and universe are evidence to Stu of a divine creator and a master plan for all of God's children. 10. Living the teachings of Jesus Christ and striving to be more like Him has brought true happiness and blessings to Stu's life and family. Thank you for joining us for this episode. I pray Stu’s message of never letting a faith crisis go to waste that will strengthen your testimony to do the same. If you would like to learn more about the Why We Believe show, please visit WhyWeBelieve.com.

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Developing A Strong and Simple Foundation in Christ with Priscila Teodório da Silva
Developing A Strong and Simple Foundation in Christ with Priscila Teodório da Silva
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 07, 2024

Developing A Strong and Simple Foundation in Christ with Priscila Teodório da Silva In the latest episode of Why We Believe, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Priscila Teodório da Silva, a talented software developer from Brazil who shares her incredible story of faith and personal growth. Born and raised in a family of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Priscila's journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep love for Jesus Christ and His gospel. Priscila shared with us details of her spiritual journey, from her early years attending church and seminary to her experiences serving a mission in Chile. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of Christ's Atonement in our lives. In this blog post, we talk about lessons and insights from Priscila's journey, exploring how small and simple acts of faith can help us develop a stronger relationship with our Savior and overcome life's challenges. Priscila's experiences can help us discover how we, too, can find strength and purpose through Christ. The Power of Personal Commitment Priscila's foundation in the gospel began with her parents taking her to church as a kid. As she entered her teenage years, family issues sometimes made it difficult for her to attend church with her family. Priscila took it upon herself to help get her family ready to go in the mornings and even attend church alone if need be. Her intrinsic motivation to attend church helped build and strengthen her faith. Even when faced with challenges this played a prominent role in developing her testimony. By taking responsibility for her own spiritual growth, has helped her find her center in Christ. Each spiritual journey is ultimately a personal one. While the support of family and friends is invaluable, it is our own commitment to Christ that will carry us through life's trials and help us grow closer to Him. Finding Strength in Adversity One of the most striking aspects of Priscila's story is how she found the most meaningful spiritual experiences during the most challenging times. Priscila discovered that these moments of adversity often lead to the greatest spiritual growth. Discipleship was not meant to be easy, but it is worth the struggle. As we face obstacles and challenges in our efforts to follow Christ, we have the opportunity to turn to Him for strength and guidance. We can build our spiritual muscles and in doing so, we not only overcome the immediate difficulty but also develop a deeper relationship with our Savior. There are always challenges that come with living the gospel. Being humble enough to ask God for help when we need it brings us closer to him. Letting God’s grace have a chance to work in our lives brings peace and strengthens our faith. The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement Christ’s Atonement is God’s most important gift to His children. Because of Him, we are not lost to sin and death. We can progress in this life, and we can someday become perfected through His sacrifice. Anyone who chooses to turn to Christ and apply the Atonement in their lives can feel peace and healing that cannot be found or felt anywhere else. By learning about the Atonement and applying it in her life, Priscila found the strength to continue pursuing her goals and responsibilities, even in the face of mental health struggles such as OCD and anxiety. She sought help from trusted family members, friends, and professionals, while also relying on the healing power of Christ. A big part of the Atonement is change. And change is never “comfortable.” It shouldn’t have to be. Part of the transformative power of the Atonement comes from the opportunities we are given to make choices that help us come closer to Him. And without these numerous opportunities to make these decisions, we would only have so many chances to do that. Christ gives us every opportunity. The Impact of Small and Simple Acts of Faith Small but significant acts of faith have guided Prescila’s journey of faith. Throughout her life, she has experienced numerous moments where seemingly small decisions or actions have had a profound impact on her spiritual growth and the lives of others. You don’t need to move mountains to help someone come closer to Christ. Priscilla was able to share her testimony with friends at school, which led to some of them learning more about Christ. Her mission in Santiago, Chile helped her to develop a deeper relationship with Christ. Putting aside time to work on simple things like studying the scriptures, sincere prayer, and following the Holy Spirit made a difference in her own life. Choosing to share her testimony every Fast Sunday, even when it was difficult, and learning that her words could be exactly what someone needed to hear helped her understand how God could use her for His work. These experiences demonstrate that it is often the small, consistent choices we make that have the greatest impact on our spiritual journey. By being faithful in the little things, we open ourselves up to the blessing and guidance of the Holy Ghost, which can lead us to make a profound difference in the lives of others. Starting a Spiritual Foundation Priscila Teodório da Silva's story is a beautiful reminder of the power of faith and the transformative impact of Christ's Atonement. Through her experiences, we learn that personal commitment, perseverance in the face of adversity, reliance on Christ, and small acts of faith are all essential elements of a strong spiritual foundation. As we navigate our own spiritual journeys, consider how you can apply these lessons to your life. Let us strive to be more self-motivated in our church attendance, find strength in the challenges we face, turn to Christ's Atonement for healing and guidance, and recognize the significance of small and simple things through acts of faith. By doing so, we can develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our Savior and find the purpose, hope, and joy that comes from living His gospel. Take a moment today to look for God's hand in your life, and trust that He is guiding you through the small and simple things that will lead you back to Him. Key Takeaways: 1. Priscila Teodório da Silva, a software developer from Brazil, shares her inspiring story of developing faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel from a young age. 2. Despite facing challenges such as family issues and living far from church, Priscila remained committed to attending church and seminary, even if it meant going alone. 3. Priscila found that the most meaningful spiritual experiences often occurred during the most difficult times, such as when it was raining and hard to get to church. 4. Discipleship is not easy because the Atonement of Jesus Christ was not easy for him, and as members of the Church, we must uphold the truth and face our own challenges. 5. After returning from her mission, Priscila faced challenges such as the pandemic and dealing with anxiety and OCD, but she turned to God and trusted in Christ's Atonement to overcome these difficulties. 6. Small yet significant experiences, such as feeling the Holy Spirit in the temple or during baptisms, helped build Priscila's testimony over time. 7. Serving a mission in Chile helped Priscila understand that developing a deeper relationship with Christ is based on simple things like studying scriptures, sincere prayer, and following the Holy Spirit. 8. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has positively influenced every aspect of Priscila's life, from making better choices to meeting positive influences and discovering her passion for programming and computer science. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Why We Believe! We wish you the best as you look for the small and simple ways God has been guiding your life. If you would like to learn more about this podcast or see past episodes, head to WhyWeBelieve.com to find more!

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