The main thing that I took away from his message was that we need to be sure to not wear a mask. We need to not hide who we really are and our true feelings on issues and situations. He really emphasized that we need to stay true to who we are and act in accordance with our true beliefs. We need to become who we ought to be. Those things hit me really hard tonight. I don't feel like I wear a mask, but sometimes I wonder when I might be on the verge of putting one on. Being at a "Mormon" school, you might think that that wouldn't be hard to keep a mask off. In fact, it's actually somewhat difficult. Just because I'm surrounded by people who supposedly have my same standards doesn't mean I do and act the same as everybody. I know that I've seen other people do things that I completely disagree with and wonder why those people are even here. They are the ones who put on the mask to cover up the fact that they are members of the church. Thats how they justify their actions. I don't know why people would do that. I want people to know I'm LDS. Thats part of the reason I even have this blog. I am able to keep my mask off to complete strangers or people who don't know me as well as they think they do.
I think that keeping a mask off is sharing your testimony, going to church, praying, reading the scriptures, and going to the temple. To me, it's all about being a good example to other people and let them know that this is who I am. Elder Cook said "be true to the faith for which martyrs have perished." Which is also part of a hymn. I feel I am being true to my faith and I am dang proud of it. You can criticize me and say that I'm a load of crap, but I don't care what you think or say. I care what my Heavenly Father says and thinks.
I know that this church is true. I know my Savior lives and loves me. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and I know that I can communicate to Him through prayer. I LOVE that I can talk to Him. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and restored this gospel. I know that the Book of Mormon is a true and sacred book and that Joseph Smith couldn't have made it up. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet on the earth today who leads and guides his members. I know that my family will be together forever. Literally forever. I know what Elder Cook said came from God and I will heed his words. I love this gospel with all my heart. I am so happy! It gives me the greatest joy I could imagine. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Shy away from the masquerade. Keep the mask off. Be true to who you really are.
