Tristi's Testimony

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

20 Oct 2008 08:00 AM

Today is bittersweet for me. I've been a blogger on Families.com for two years and two months. I started out in Media, added Movies, added LDS, then went to just LDS and Media, then went to LDS and Weight Loss. I've had so much fun and met so many wonderful people, readers and bloggers alike. I've loved my time here and I'm sorry to see it come to an end, but life is calling me in some different directions and as much as I'd love to take every single path presented me, I can't. So this is my last blog here on Families.

For the last couple of days, I've been thinking about what I wanted to leave you with on my final day. Of course I want to tell you to read more books, and watch more good quality movies. Of course I want to encourage you to get healthy and find a weight that allows you to shine. But the most important message I believe I could leave with you is my testimony.

I've been richly blessed to grow up in a home where I was taught about Jesus Christ. I didn't have a lot of money growing up, but I always knew I was a beloved daughter of God, and that knowledge has been more priceless to me than anything in my life. I feel a strong connection with my Savior and that connection has seen me through circumstances I might not have endured in any other way. I know He lives. I know He loves me. And I know our prayers are heard and answered every day of our lives.

I've heard some refer to religion as a crutch. From my experience with crutches, they are used to help a person walk when they can't do it on their own. So in that sense, yes, religion is a crutch. Religion gives strength to people when they can't move forward on their own. Religion gives support to the weak and helps them to stand tall when otherwise, they would slump.

I've heard some refer to religion as an opiate. From my (limited) experience with opiates, they are used to take away pain, to allow the user to feel something else for a while. In that sense, maybe religion is an opiate. Religion allows the believer to focus on faith instead of fear. Religion takes the pain out of the present by helping the believer to keep their eyes on a bright tomorrow. But unlike the crutch and unlike the opiate, religion does not go away. Once you have taken a belief into your heart and fed it and allowed it to change you, it's yours forever. You can rely on it forever. You can't misplace it, run out of money to buy it, or have it stolen from you-once it's yours, it's yours. You only lose it if you want to.

I can't say enough of my gratitude to my Savior for being there for me and lifting me up and showing me hope. It's His love I cling to every day that keeps me moving forward. He truly is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

With that final testimony, I'll say goodbye, my dear friends. Thank you so much for two wonderful years.

To read Tristi Pinkston's articles in the archives, click here.

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Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Dale Harcombe (10327) 20 Oct 2008 11:55 AM

Goodybe Tristi, we're going to miss you. We had some fun chats about movies and books and things.Thanks you for sharing so much of yourself and especially for your testimony. Well done! He is indeeed a great Savior. All the best in whatever He is leading you into in the future. I'd love it if you could keep in touch from time to time. Blessings, Dale

Steven (25) 20 Oct 2008 12:19 PM

So who is taking over leadership on the LDS families blog?

Good luck in your future endeavors!

Tristi Pinkston (10839) 20 Oct 2008 01:50 PM

Thanks, Dale, I'm really going to miss you too!

Thanks for the well wishes, Steven. I believe the new blogger is starting today or tomorrow.

Nola Redd (7081) 17 Nov 2008 05:26 PM

Beautiful testimony, Tristi. Going to miss seeing you here, but I'm glad I found you somewhere else, as well! Best wishes in your new endeavors.

Tristi Pinkston (10839) 17 Nov 2008 07:32 PM

Thanks, Nola! I miss the site too, but I can still come out and visit y'all. :)