"Praise to the Man"

It has been a true blessing and privilege to study the Prophet Joseph Smith and his teachings over the past two years. In our Relief Society and Priesthood classes we have learned and been edified through the exemplary life and teachings of the man foreordained to restore the living gospel to this earth. A fourteen year-old boy had the faith and integrity necessary to go to his Heavenly Father asking for guidance as to which church to join. The heavens were opened, the Father and Son appeared and declared themselves to him. I was not there. I did not see it. Yet, I have no reason not to beleive it. The spirit has witnessed to me, as it can to all who want to know, that this man was a prophet called during the great coucil in heaven to bring the light of the gospel to a dark world.
He was asked to bare burdens beyond my comprehension. He was worthy of revelation necessary for the building and restoring of Christ's church, the same that was established during Christ's mission on earth. He lived and died in the service of God. He sealed his testimony with his life when mobs hunted him down while imprisoned in Carthage. He sacrificed all, so that we could have the fullness of the gospel here - today. This curch means more to me than anything. The knowledge of my Savior that I have attained through it's techings sustains me daily. Knowing that through the atonement, I can be forgiven of my transgressions and be reunited with my Savior and loved ones in the life to come is an invaluable blessing. Knowing that we have the privilage of recieving personal revelation and revelation through modern prophets and leaders is beyond comforting. Knowing we can go to the temple and seal our families and those who have gone before into a heavenly family brings me joy. These blessings would not be possible save it through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I worship my Savior and Heavenly Father. I do not worship the prophet; instead, I honor him. I love him. I am grateful to him.

(Please visit lds.org or mormon.org if you would like to learn more about Joseph Smith or other LDS related topics.)