26/11/2025
“My life growing up was shaped by two very different worlds. My mom was a Christian, and my dad was a Freemason. I was raised Southern Baptist, which meant church twice a week, sometimes more. Because of this, I’ve always been able to see life through two different lenses, and I think that’s what shaped me into who I am today.
“When I was young, there was a time I got in trouble, and my mom took everything out of my room except an encyclopedia and the Bible. As I read, I noticed that what I was reading didn’t always match what I had been taught. That experience urged me to search for a religion with teachings I felt were more aligned with the scriptures. That was the first step that pushed me to develop a personal relationship with God. From then on, it’s been me and Him. Every time I pray, I always feel like He is there.
“Over the years, I ran into the missionaries a few times, and each time I felt drawn to them. I felt what I was learning was more consistent with the teachings in the Bible, which was something I was looking for. Through my experiences reading the scriptures and growing my personal relationship with my Heavenly Father, I knew there was something special about this gospel. Years later, I knew it was finally time to take that next step and be baptized.
“Looking back, I can see that God had been preparing me all along. Although growing up in two different worlds wasn’t always the easiest, it gave me various perspectives that led me to question what I was being taught. The answers to these questions shaped and strengthened my testimony into what it is today.
“Everything happens for a reason. I don’t always know what is next for me, but whatever it is, I’m going to do it with the Lord’s guidance and blessings. Every good thing that has happened to me has come from my religious foundation. When things line up without me doing anything, I know that’s my Heavenly Father’s hand in my life, guiding me.” —Lee