Dear Gramps,

How do you get the courage to bear your testimony in the Mormon Church? I am so scared to stand in front of people and talk. I haven’t done it for many years and now I have a small son and I want him to know that I have a testimony and I also want him to be able to bear his one day, but right now I am not a very good example.

Connie, from Utah

Dear Connie,

I know exactly how you feel! When I was young, I was absolutely petrified to speak in public. I have died a thousand deaths behind the pulpit. However, I have learned the following: we are frightened with the unfamiliar and feel comfortable with that which is familiar to us. The only way I know of to get over the fear of talking in front of people is to talk in front of people.

There is no doubt that you can muster the courage one time to bear your testimony. It may not be a pleasant experience. In fact, it could be quite embarrassing. However, if you let that embarrassment deter you from trying again, you’re lost. You might make a resolution to bear a brief testimony each month at fast meeting. You might plan to always be the second one to get up. If you were to do that, within a year you would feel quite comfortable at the pulpit and would be the example you would like to be for your son. You may even invite him to come with you on occasion and help him through his testimony, if that would be necessary.

Gramps