Welcome to God’s Guiding Light! I’m glad to have you here. This is Tiffany, and I’m really grateful you could join us today.
So, Tiffany, tell me about yourself.
There’s not much to it. I live in southeast Tennessee and work in security.
Do you carry a gun?
If I wanted to, I could, but I don’t want that responsibility. I just sit in a guard shack and monitor cameras.
I noticed you’re wearing a Hogwarts sweatshirt—that’s cool! And I see some tattoos on your arm.
Yes, I have almost two full half sleeves. One of my favorites is a compass on my shoulder.
I also saw a crow on your forearm.
That’s actually the bird from the cover of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” I read that book with my dad in high school, and it’s my favorite memory with him.
Let’s dive into your journey. What was life like for you before you found the gospel?
I grew up in a Christian household, mostly non-denominational with some Baptist influence. I’m thankful for my parents and my upbringing, but as I got older and started thinking for myself, I began to question the teachings of the churches I attended.
Were those mostly non-denominational churches?
Yes, many were non-denominational, but I visited some Baptist churches too. A lot of what they taught didn’t align with what I believed from reading the Bible.
How old were you during this time of questioning?
I started to doubt around my teenage years and continued into my early 20s. It’s quite mature for a teenager to be on that journey.
How did you find the gospel?
When I met my husband, he told me he was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I didn’t know that the Mormon Church had an official name; I just thought they were the Mormons. He invited me to church, and that’s how I got started.
You also went to Argentina for Bible school, correct?
Yes, I was there for six months. Back in 2014, we had to get permission from the mission president to do lessons over FaceTime, since it wasn’t allowed at that time.
What language do they speak in Argentina?
Spanish. I know more than I can speak, but I lost a lot of what I learned.
Did you enjoy the culture?
I loved the culture and the people, but I wasn’t a fan of the Bible school because a lot of what they taught didn’t resonate with me.
So, when you started meeting with the missionaries, what was your experience like?
They were elders, and at the time, my boyfriend was introducing me to the church. As I learned from the elders, I found that many of their teachings aligned with what I believed. The concept of the Godhead versus the Trinity was particularly meaningful to me.
Were there any specific points that you found challenging?
The concept of Heavenly Mother was a big one for me. It’s not something that’s taught in other denominations, so it felt strange at first. But after some thought, it began to make sense.
What has life been like since you found the gospel?
There have definitely been struggles, especially dealing with disconnect from the family who are anti-church. However, as I’ve been around them and they question my beliefs, my testimony has grown stronger.
Do you think their questions are sincere, or are they trying to trip you up?
It’s a mix of both. Many ask sincere questions, but some seem to be trying to challenge me.
Have you noticed any changes in your family’s attitudes?
Not really, but I keep hoping. I tell myself that if they don’t accept the gospel in this life, I can do the work for them after they pass on.
Your husband also came from a non-member family. Did he face any challenges?
Not really. His family was more accepting, believing that as an adult, he could make his own choices.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
If anyone is struggling, I encourage them to reach out, whether to ministering friends or someone in the church. People want to help, but they often don’t know how unless you tell them what you need.
That’s so true. I experienced that when my wife was sick. Sometimes, just asking for help is all it takes.
I can relate. My husband passed away on New Year’s Eve, and people want to help but don’t know how.
I find comfort in the belief that families can be together forever, which is something many other churches don’t teach.
Absolutely. It’s hard for me to understand why someone wouldn’t want to be with their loved ones for eternity.
It’s essential to cherish those relationships and look forward to being with family in the next life.
It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, Tiffany. Thank you for sharing your conversion story. I know it will resonate with many people.
Thank you for having me! God bless!