“The Journey to Real LDS Faith: Lessons from a convert , Stubborn Saint”

This weeks episode of The Convert Devotionals we are joined by Stubborn Saint, who shares a remarkable journey of faith, doubt, and spiritual transformation.Growing up in a home with inconsistent church influence, Stubborn Saint navigated multiple Christian traditions-from LDS wards to Presbyterian congregations-and learned early on the difference between mere lip service and genuine discipleship.As he reflects, always cared more about what people did than what they said.That's the example that stuck with me from my earliest church experiences!His story takes a pivotal turn in his late teens and early twenties, when his mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer.Through that trial, he begins attending church with her-not yet for himself-but gradually notices the fruits of true discipleship through the missionaries and faithful examples around him.He recalls being struck by the selflessness of young missionaries who, at the same age he was, were leaving their homes and dedicating their lives to service. I thought, how are they so selfless and I'm so selfish?' he says.His conversion unfolds through personal prayer, scripture study, and th whisperings of the Holy Ghost.He starts by praying specifically about Jesus Christ, seeking a personal witness of His role as Savior, and then turns to the Book of Mormon, where he feels a profound stillness that confirms its truth.That spiritual experience, combined with learning about Joseph Smith and receiving personal revelation, solidifies his testimony and leads to his baptism, ordination as a priest, and a deepening commitment to living the gospel. As Stubborn Saint reflects, 'Once knew it was true, I couldn't act like I didn't know it.It changed everything.""*