I was baptized at the age were I didn’t fully understand or appreciate the gospel. I was an active member for only a few months before I strayed from the Church. I was non-active for seven years, full of hate and deceit. Being lead by the advocate, I was incomplete and confused. I didn’t know how to be happy or what it truly meant to “love”. Just at the peak of self-destruction, I received a knock at the door by two missionaries. I was asked a direct question, “Will you return to the Church?” I struggled with the possibilities of what I had to give up and what I had to gain… before I realized there was nothing left to loose.
I have been actively involved in our Branch for four years now. I have beaten my addictions, and I live a life of love. I have mended my perception of the world, and now I know what it truly feels like to be happy and complete. I wish I had the words to describe how it feels to be a part of the one true Church and to have the love and understanding of my Savior and God. Every day is a mission for me, and everyday I strive to be a better person.
Four years ago I was lost, and today I am the president of our Branch’s Young Women’s Program. It is through the young women of the church and personal progress that I have learned patience, obedience, and the art of giving. I have learned that I can be forgiven, and cleansed of sin. I have learned of the holy and sacred temples and of the many temple works. I have learned the importance of fasting and of receiving a patriarchal blessing. I have learned of what it takes to be a sister and a missionary of the Lord. I have learned the importance of education, work, and the many powers of the priesthood. I have learned the acts of charity, honesty, repentance, obedience, chastity, and faith. I have learned the importance of unity and family. I have learned that my redeemer lives, and that one day I will meet Him again.
It has been a blessing working with the youth. They have been my light and my way of understanding. They have taught me how to be meek, humble, and lowly in heart. It is because of them I strive for perfection. It is because of them I am.
~ Tia M. Castellon ~
I have been actively involved in our Branch for four years now. I have beaten my addictions, and I live a life of love. I have mended my perception of the world, and now I know what it truly feels like to be happy and complete. I wish I had the words to describe how it feels to be a part of the one true Church and to have the love and understanding of my Savior and God. Every day is a mission for me, and everyday I strive to be a better person.
Four years ago I was lost, and today I am the president of our Branch’s Young Women’s Program. It is through the young women of the church and personal progress that I have learned patience, obedience, and the art of giving. I have learned that I can be forgiven, and cleansed of sin. I have learned of the holy and sacred temples and of the many temple works. I have learned the importance of fasting and of receiving a patriarchal blessing. I have learned of what it takes to be a sister and a missionary of the Lord. I have learned the importance of education, work, and the many powers of the priesthood. I have learned the acts of charity, honesty, repentance, obedience, chastity, and faith. I have learned the importance of unity and family. I have learned that my redeemer lives, and that one day I will meet Him again.
It has been a blessing working with the youth. They have been my light and my way of understanding. They have taught me how to be meek, humble, and lowly in heart. It is because of them I strive for perfection. It is because of them I am.
~ Tia M. Castellon ~