This weekend was youth conference. And while the pictures on my facebook show some of the wonderful times I had, they don't completely show the wonderful SPIRITUAL times I had. And that is what was important about this weekend.
Because my birthday is in March, this year was my fourth youth conference. That being said, I went in thinking I knew what to expect. A testimony-strengthening event where I meet lots of cool people, dance the nights away, eat some awesome food, and maybe even cry a little (or a lot) at the end.
I did meet lots of cool people, I did dance a lot and ate a lot too. And I cried a little. But I kept looking for that super spiritual event that would help my testimony grow. And for some reason it wasn't happening. I liked all the speakers, don't get me wrong, and I definitely learned a lot. But it just didn't feel like it had before.
It wasn't until testimony meeting that I understood why I needed to be there. Being one of the oldest youth and being apart of the planning brought on a whole different perspective. I saw younger girls I had met at Girls Camp and testify that they know the truthfulness of the Gospel. I saw people I was merely acquainted with go up and search for the right words to say about their love for the Church. And I saw a lot of happy people talking about the happiness they gain from their religion. It was in that moment that I knew - youth conference gave me insight, on a very small scale, why the leaders have done so much for me the last six years. Why they spend sleepless nights at Girls camp, work so hard on youth conference and trek, and spend hours upon hours planning. It was so that someone, just one person, could have a spiritual experience. And I can't take complete or total credit for everything that occurred at youth conference, seeing as I played such a small role. But I can feel that youth conference was a success because someone had a spiritual experience and their testimony grew.
That was part one of my testimony-strengthening event. Haha
It wasn't until AFTER the testimony at the last possible opportunity that I had one of those "Please help me remember the moment forever" Moments.
It's almost a funny story. I was looking around for someone because I promised him a dance. And I step outside for a few seconds thinking he'll be there. Instead, I'm greeted by two of my favorite priesthood holders: Grandpa and Bishop Bunch. Bishop Bunch looks at me and says, "Brittani, there's a girl around the corner who's crying and I think she really needs a lady friend right now."
"Say no more. I'm on it."
When I turn around the corner I see L, crying as she's sitting in the grass. And I go over and tell her honestly that Bishop Bunch told me to come talk to her. She told me she really wanted to be alone and I told her I wasn't leaving. We sat there for a while and I told her I would listen if she wanted to talk about what was bothering her or we could just sit. And she said that she had been praying. I told her that was probably a good choice. Lol. And after she started warming up to me, she told me that she had felt like an outcast in her own group of friends. That they were being mean to others and to her as well. She felt even her sister was being mean. And she wished she could be inside dancing, but someone had called her weird when she was. I tried to explain that being in that type of environment with so many people that for some reason we're trying to impress we often act different that we normally would. And as for the sister thing, it was embedded in their DNA to argue and have tough moments. She laughed at what a dork I am. And then her sister came out and apologized. I told her after her sister left that we could go back in and she could meet my friends. And that's exactly what we did. I didn't see her much the rest of the night. But after the closing prayer she came up to me and asked me for my phone number because she said I really helped her. And she knew that if she ever had a problem again she could talk to me about it. And then I had my spiritual moment. She said that she had been sitting there, praying, and then I walked around the corner and she felt I was the answer to her prayer.
And that was all I needed.
I know that these programs for youth are inspired. And I'm so grateful for the memories and testimonies that I've gained because of them. And I'm grateful everyday that I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. It brings me such happiness and I can't imagine life without it.
