Today I had the wonderful opportunity to listen to Al Fox Caraway, otherwise known as "The Tattooed Mormon," speak. Al definitely has a talent for speaking and captivating large audiences. I loved her instantly, and that love grew as I listened to her message of real, attainable happiness.
It's interesting to me that Al's story isn't one of leaving her sorrowful life behind and finding a better one through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rather, her story is one of swapping out what she thought was the happiest self she could be for an even happier self. Al talked about how, at age 20, she thought she had everything she needed to be happy, that she was at the peak of happiness. She didn't realize that anything was missing from her life. Then she met the missionaries and saw something "different" about them. Al discovers that she wants them around so she can feel that difference in her life too. As she continues her story, there are moments when she is humbled and has a chance to actually listen to the Holy Ghost talking to her, telling her how she can attain real happiness. "It wasn't until I gave my 'real' try that I started to overcome what I thought I could never overcome." "Happiness is real. Happiness is attainable. It doesn't come from any other source than the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Al Caraway tells her story so much better than I could ever sum up here on my blog, but I will leave the things that impressed my heart enough to write them down. I am so grateful that she shared her experiences and her testimony with us tonight for it truly has inspired me to work for lasting happiness.
"The moment you stop and take a break, that is the moment when fear, doubt, anxiety, and depression set in and take you down a path Heavenly Father doesn't want to see you go down."
"It all comes down to one choice, so choose God."
"I wouldn't have any of the beautiful, wonderful things in my life if I didn't choose God every single day."
"Where would I be if [my elders] stopped because they thought they weren't making a difference in my life?"
"God is an unchangeable God, not just for commandments but for His love. He will always love you."
"Forget not whose Hands you are in."
"Do not let giving up be an option."
If you would like to know more of Al's story, head on over to her blog!
http://alfoxshead.blogspot.com/2013/04/tattooed-mormon.html
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