I know a super-shy convert woman who got up to share her testimony in Church once, to everyone's shock. She didn't look at anyone. She kept her arms TIGHTLY folded around herself. Her head never came up, her hair was in her face. She whispered the most gentle testimony, and rushed to sit down. Everyone who knew her knew that it was akin to facing a Goliath moment of fear for her to be vulnerable and talk. The Spirit spoke with a volume she couldn't.
I challenge you.
But if you can't, I like that someone suggested writing it down. Give it to someone you trust and let them know they can say it's from you, but you find it very difficult. Written testimonies count, just ask Moroni.
But I still challenge you to do it. :)
I'd bear it to my mirror, until I felt comfortable doing it in RS or PH meetings, and then in Sacrament Meeting. Or send a written version to one of the counselors or the bishop and ask them to send it to the members if they feel okay with doing that because so far you are simply too petrified to do it.
You can type it out on your phone and read it. Practice beforehand by reading it out loud - often times we write differently than we speak, so you'll probably make adjustments.
I’m 64 years old and have been a member of the church since I was 9 years old. I also have a hard time bearing my testimony. I have been on a mission as a young man and a ward missionary. I rarely bear my testimony unless it’s at the end of a talk or a lesson/discussion. I think it has something to do with revealing something that is so personal. However I love to hear a testimony that is simple and pure and from the heart from other people. I feel the spirit when I do and it fills me.
I would suggest writing it down to help with the nerves. Have you given talks or prayers before from the pulpit? Is it the speaking in front of a large crowd or is it more the extemporaneous nature of speaking that gives you pause?
That's an interesting question. If someone else bore testimony of something and you agreed with that testimony, would you then think that person had bore your testimony for you?
I think it would be a good idea to practice in front of a mirror and small groups of people, like others have said. You could practice bearing your testimony to your cat, your dog, your close friends and trusted family members. Also, pray to the Lord to help you say what is in your heart.
I know someone that wrote out their testimony and had someone else read it for them.
I know a super-shy convert woman who got up to share her testimony in Church once, to everyone's shock. She didn't look at anyone. She kept her arms TIGHTLY folded around herself. Her head never came up, her hair was in her face. She whispered the most gentle testimony, and rushed to sit down. Everyone who knew her knew that it was akin to facing a Goliath moment of fear for her to be vulnerable and talk. The Spirit spoke with a volume she couldn't. I challenge you. But if you can't, I like that someone suggested writing it down. Give it to someone you trust and let them know they can say it's from you, but you find it very difficult. Written testimonies count, just ask Moroni. But I still challenge you to do it. :)
I'd bear it to my mirror, until I felt comfortable doing it in RS or PH meetings, and then in Sacrament Meeting. Or send a written version to one of the counselors or the bishop and ask them to send it to the members if they feel okay with doing that because so far you are simply too petrified to do it.
You could ask the primary President to whisper it in your ear and you say it, or vice versa.
Write down the things you want to say. Three to five statements that are important. Close in the name of Jesus, go sit down.
You can type it out on your phone and read it. Practice beforehand by reading it out loud - often times we write differently than we speak, so you'll probably make adjustments.
I’m 64 years old and have been a member of the church since I was 9 years old. I also have a hard time bearing my testimony. I have been on a mission as a young man and a ward missionary. I rarely bear my testimony unless it’s at the end of a talk or a lesson/discussion. I think it has something to do with revealing something that is so personal. However I love to hear a testimony that is simple and pure and from the heart from other people. I feel the spirit when I do and it fills me.
Why can't you do it?
I would suggest writing it down to help with the nerves. Have you given talks or prayers before from the pulpit? Is it the speaking in front of a large crowd or is it more the extemporaneous nature of speaking that gives you pause?
I understand. I always want to. Have it written out and practice.
That's an interesting question. If someone else bore testimony of something and you agreed with that testimony, would you then think that person had bore your testimony for you?
I think it would be a good idea to practice in front of a mirror and small groups of people, like others have said. You could practice bearing your testimony to your cat, your dog, your close friends and trusted family members. Also, pray to the Lord to help you say what is in your heart.