Christine Frawley Hill

Like many people, I first became interested in religion as a result of the wonderful example of the Osmond Family. Coming from a “dysfunctional” home, the Osmonds’ had everything I desired to have in my own life.

Despite those desires, I became involved (quite heavily) with drugs and other dangerous things at the age of 13. I was pretty much on my own from about that time and without alot of guidance, I found myself with the wrong people, doing the wrong things.

One day, when I was sixteen, I took a look around at my world. I saw that I was headed for the lifestyle that had taken such a toll on my family. It’s at this time, that I know, I had a guardian angel arrive to help me change. All of a sudden, I saw a very clear picture of what my future would be like if I continued on the same path I was walking. I remember the day. I flushed the cigarettes down the toilet and made a decision never to use alcohol or illegal drugs again.

The first thing I did to get myself out of the mess I was in, was to ask to be removed from the High School I was attending. I was in my Sophomore year but had attended school so rarely that now, I can’t even remember the names of the teachers I had. I knew that if Istayed in the same school, with the same friends, that there would be NO way I could change. I look back at this time of my life and marvel at how messed up I was but how easy it was for me to change. I take no credit for the change. It was by divine intervention that I turned my life around. It’s certainly not by coincidence that it was at this time, I began studying religion. I studied the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Christian religions for several months, maybe a year (the memory is bad these days…) before asking the LDS church missionaries to come and teach me more about their faith.

The only way I can describe their initial visit was as a “reawakening.” As soon as the missionaries began teaching me, I knew what they were saying was true. People have asked me..how did you *know* it was true?” That’s a difficult question for me to answer because it was just something inside me that *knew.* It was a quiet peace in my heart that told me that this was what I had been searching for. It all made perfect sense. Within a few months of seeing the missionaries, shortly after my 17th birthday, I was baptized. It was the best decision I have ever made.

Although it was simple for me, if you are interested in the church, contact the LDS church missionaries and then read “The Book of Mormon.” When you’re finished, kneel down and ask your Father in Heaven if the book is true. Ask and then listen, listen to your heart, feel the peace. It’s very quiet and very sweet.

I continue to be an active member of the LDS church. Michael and I were sealed in the Oakland, California, Temple and I know that our family can be together always, even after death. I am so grateful for this knowledge and for my testimony of the Church. I know that it’s true and I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that Christ is our Savior. I also know without a doubt, that we have a Father in Heaven who loves and guides us. Other than my family, the church is the most important thing in my life.

A few years ago, I visited with a cousin I hadn’t seen in years. He kept saying “You’re such a happy person…why are you so happy?” My answer was simple. The gospel makes me happy. My deep love and gratitude for my Savior makes me happy. These principles are such a part of who I am, and that makes me happy!

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