Gratitude

June 27th, 1844

D&C 135:3

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!"

I believe this to be true with all of my heart. One hundred and sixty-eight years later, and the Gospel that Joseph Smith restored to the earth is still changing lives. His martyrdom couldn't stop the truthfulness of the Gospel to continue forward.

I know these things are true, not because I was told so, but because I challenged the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I sought to know for myself whether it was true.

There isn't a doubt in my mind that it's not.

 Giving this Gospel and the Book of Mormon a chance was the greatest choice I ever made. Joseph Smith dedicated his life to this work, and just as Elder Holland knows it, I know that no man would forsake his life to the extent that he did unless it was true.

I can't express how much gratitude I have for that man who dedicated his life so you, me, and millions of other people could have the Gospel in our lives.

What a beautiful thing.