I had to wait in a witness room until I was allowed to enter into the court room. My DSS social worker was there with me the entire time and I love her dearly for that. She would have mint lifesavers on hand to give me as they helped calm my uneasy stomach. She engaged me in small talk to keep my mind off of my nerves as we patiently waited together through my anxious feelings and tiny panic attacks.

I remember looking out the window and watching the snow come down. Saying lots of prayers in my mind to calm my nerves, but also so that whatever was decided in court by the judge would be God’s will and that I would be able to accept it. This day would decide the future of this sweet child of God. This hearing would decide where she would go from here.

I was finally called in to the courtroom where I took the witness stand. I was asked questions about the baby, and I answered them honestly. I gave testimony about how well the child was thriving in our home. I was dismissed to be seated and I was able to watch the remainder of the proceedings from the gallery with my husband.

I hope to never have to be a witness in a court of law again, but I do know and understand that being a witness and bearing powerful testimony is a very important responsibility.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the first Sunday of every month is Fast and Testimony meeting. After the sacrament has been blessed and passed, the bishopric invites the members of the congregation to get up and bear their testimony. It is not required of anyone.

Some testimony meetings are quiet, and few get up to speak. Some testimony meetings have a line of people wanting to share their testimony. Some testimonies are from small children wanting to participate in this special experience. Some testimonies are from the youth, and it is amazing to watch them grow in their knowledge and understanding of the gospel.

Some testimonies are short. Some are long. Some include scriptures. Some include quotes from leaders. Some include fascinating stories. Some include miracles that had been given.

But you know what most of them include? A connection between the person bearing the testimony and their Heavenly Father. Between them and Jesus Christ. Between them and their scripture study. Of them receiving an answer to their prayers. Of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

How did these people come to know these things with such a surety? It all starts with faith. It all starts with effort. It all starts with a curiosity to know more. It starts with putting away the things of the world and searching out the things God wants you to learn and know.

Fast and Testimony meetings are one of my favorite meetings at church. I’ve had many answers to prayers come from someone sharing their own testimony. When they have the courage to get up and share their testimony, they are sometimes brought to tears because the spirit is testifying to them the truthfulness of what they are saying.

I have heard amazing testimonies. Powerful testimonies. I am so grateful for them as they help my own testimony to grow and thrive. I love to share my testimony. Even if it feels scary sometimes.

At the courthouse that day, I was not wanting to share my testimony. This hearing was for a termination of parental rights. What a hard thing to be a part of. At the same time, this child was precious. She deserves to be loved and seen and cared for in a way that pleases God.

That special child is now my daughter. She is beautiful. She is fierce. She is loving. She is smart. She loves the gospel of Jesus Christ. She tries to bear her testimony every Fast and Testimony Sunday.

She gets her scriptures out and asks me to help her get her testimony ready. Together we look through them and she picks out a verse. I ask her what it means to her. I help write out what she wants to say and then she nervously goes up to bear her testimony.

She is such an example to me. She loves to do it because even though it makes her nervous, she loves the way the spirit feels when she bears her testimony. I want to be like her when I grow up.