Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration

I love this movie produced by the LDS church about Joseph Smith. It is a fabulous production and a very intriguing movie about an amazing man.

However it is more than entertainment. It depicts events that I know happened and restored Christ's true church to the earth. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith and his courage for fulfilling his mission on this earth in spite of everything he endured.

The truths he restored give me hope and give me guidance in this crazy world. They give me guidance and clear direction. It gives me knowledge about who God is and his character. I know he is a loving Father who knows me personally, answers my prayers and is involved in my life.

The Book of Mormon is one of my greatest treasures and has given me greater knowledge of my Savior Jesus Christ and the doctrines of his gospel. I will be forever grateful to Joseph Smith who translated this book by the power of God.

I know the world questions Joseph's experiences and does not believe God could appear to a young 14 year old boy. Honestly it would have been easier for Joseph to deny his experiences and move on with life. It would have saved him much heartache and physical pain. It would have saved his life which was cut short at age 38, but in his words:

" I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation."

I will be eternally grateful that he did not deny it and went forward with courage and conviction.