Posted by OrdainWomen on Jun 18, 2017 in Blog |

Debra Jenson serves as the chair of the Ordain Women communications committee.

There’s been a lot of talk about testimonies and what should or shouldn’t be said in a testimony. I have often marveled at the way members of our community open their hearts to share with others. I have been blessed to witness bravery and vulnerability, love and pain, faith and doubt as I listened to precious testimonies. Today, I feel inspired to share my testimony with you, my community.

I believe firmly that each and every person on this earth, in this human family, is part of my eternal family. I have felt love and comfort from Heavenly Parents and feel called to love each of you as my siblings in that family. This drives me to listen to others who live lives so very different than my own and then to help amplify their voices. I strive to learn and grow, as I work in solidarity with my siblings, and help bring about the equality and justice that I believe is the proper order from our Heavenly Parents.

I believe that, in heaven, each of us is valued as individuals. The idea that my Heavenly Parents knew me as the distinct person I am was one of the first things that drew me to this faith, and I cannot release that idea. We are each called to serve and build a society of integrity and righteousness. And those callings are based on the gifts and talents unique to each individual, not on sex, gender, race, color, national origin, sexuality, or class.

I believe that my most important duty as a member of this human family is to listen. I must listen for the promptings that will guide me to do good and valuable work. I must listen for the words that will help me learn and grow. I must listen to you. I believe that listening is a gift and I pray that I can be better at offering it wholeheartedly.

I offer this testimony in the sincere hope that each of us will take a moment to think about what we believe and what we are called to. And if you feel like sharing those thoughts, I will be here to listen.