I've struggled with Mormonism for most of my five year membership, since joining at 16. When I read this passage, all of my doubts reached a pivotal point, and I realized that, were Jesus to pose the same questions to me, I'd easily be able to tell Him who He was according to Mormonism or other religions I've encountered in my spiritual search. At that point,  I was frightened to realize that I never knew Christ for myself, and I challenged myself to  develop a personal relationship with Him. I needed to know who I said He was.

I'd like to share with you the goodness I've found in Christ rather than emphasize the fallacies of the LDS doctrine, though there are many. Through developing a relationship with Him, I've learned that He entices us into that relationship with love and grace rather than manipulating with fear. Because of this, it is a joy to keep my mind and heart in prayer throughout the day. Grace, while not being an excuse to maintain self- destructive patterns, invites us to come to Him as we are and grow and heal in His love. Once a heart is place in His hands, He can heal its scars and change its desires.

There is a contemporary Christian song that means a lot to me called "Testify to Love" and bearing this testimony is just one of the ways in which I hope to accomplish that. When we have invited Christ in, testifying becomes more than putting yourself on a soapbox, it becomes a lifestyle. Whoever and wherever you are, and no matter what your circumstances, Christ is intimately aware of you. his love is unconditional.

Seperating myself from the LDS Church hasn't been easy, especially living in Utah. To be quite honest, the mind control is very powerful. I am rejoicing in the freedom that I have to develop my relationship with Christ and then seek His guidance in choosing a church that best nurtures that relationship. This has brought me more inner peace than wondering what my fate will be if I don't choose the "true" church. Those who the Son frees are free indeed.