The past month has been insane. My life has changed more in the past thirty days than it has in over 5 years. I will spare you the details, but things have changed and I have had a lot of time to myself to think and pray and figure out my life.
I got a new roommate this semester and she is great, and my ideas of future relationships have narrowed significantly. I am figuring out what I want and need in my life and I am excited beyond compare to begin the adventures awaiting me.
I have made a lot of mistakes in my life. I am a far from perfect being, and I have experienced a lot of disappointment. One thing in my life that has NEVER changed is my desire to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When I was fourteen years old I was challenged by my dear friend and young women's leader, Aubrey Wilford, to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days. I did not start on schedule, and I did not make it to the end, but as I began to read this amazing book I received a witness of its truth. It was over the course of a few weeks of daily reading that I began to understand my Savior, Jesus Christ, a little better. I felt His love for me a little stronger every day, and I was overwhelmed by this feeling of joy and peace. If by studying this book a little bit each day I was able to feel that way, certainly other people could feel the same thing. It was then that I decided that I wanted to share my joy with the world. I have tried to always be a good example to those around me. I have tried to show people through my actions that because of the influence of Jesus Christ, I am different than most of the world around me. I have always tried to find the good in those people that are constantly torn down by others. I try not to view anyone differently based on a mistake that they have made in the past or by a trial they are going through, simply because I know how it feels. I know that I certainly do not want to be eternally labeled for the mistakes or struggles that I have been through.
Through Jesus Christ and his Atonement, ALL MANKIND is able to receive redemption and forgiveness for their sins. God does not want us to fail. He is our Father and our creator. He wants to be a part of your life and hold you in His arms again one day. It is REALLY hard to be a good person in this world. It is difficult to stay on the right path and make the choices that God wants us to make, but "[We] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [us] (Philippians 4:13)." Be strong and seek Him. He will always be there if you let Him.
Because of this truth, I am going to serve a mission to preach the gospel to the world. In the church, women can serve on missions at age 19, so I will submit my mission papers in May of 2014 and hopefully leave shortly after my birthday in September.
I am ready to serve. I am ready to be the person that the Lord wants me to be. I am ready to be the woman that my husband will deserve. I am ready to be a better sister. I am ready to share Christ's message.
I am ready to move forward.
Always,
Jasmine G. Libby
