I spent a memorable weekend in Safford Arizona speaking at
an LDS women’s conference and was so blessed to be able to share the stage with
some amazing LDS artists, songwriters (for Grammy award winning artists), and bands. The Inspire My Life conference was meant
for me to contribute my talents to inspire the crowd but in reality the
conference inspired me!
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| Ron Saltmarsh and Katherine Nelson warming up |
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| Gilla Valley, Arizona temple |
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| Safford Center for the Arts |
The streets were clean and the people outside seemed very
happy. After checking in to my hotel, I went to get a bite to eat. I picked a
small Mexican restaurant surrounded by palm trees decked with Christmas lights.
It was Luau month and there was Hawaiian décor all throughout the Mexican
restaurant. When I opened the door I heard “Hi Sister Jones!” The restaurant
was owned by a well loved LDS family. They sparkled with radiance of the Savior
and bright smiles. Everyone knew everyone and they were so loving towards one
another. It felt so comforting especially being alone on a trip, in an
unfamiliar town at night. I felt safe.
The food was so delicious and the place was packed. I had never
experienced such great customer service and hospitality as I had that night. I
looked up and saw a poster on the wall with my book on it. It was an
advertisement for the event I would be speaking at. These people didn’t make
the connection regardless of who I was or why
was there, they treated me like family.
The next day after the conference, I went out into the lobby
to sign books and to my surprise was met with open arms and tear filled eyes of
several women I had never before met.
They shared with me their different stories about how my message had
inspired them and again it felt like family. It was so inspiring to connect
with these humble and faithful women. To hear about their struggles and to give
them hope. There was nothing quite like it and I didn’t want the day to end.
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| Dinner backstage |
Later that night after spending all day backstage I decided
to blend in with the crowd and enjoy the concert put on by the Nashville
Tribute Band. The entire town must have been there and we were clapping our
hands and stomping our feet. The music brought us all together and we shared
our love for pioneers, missionary work, the prophet and the gospel entirely.
The members of the band were from Nashville and Utah - some converts and some
members all their lives. No matter our backgrounds, status or length of
membership in the church – the artists, band, myself and the people of Safford were all united in the gospel that night through
the music. It was so touching and inspiring.
The band members whom I had never met until that day treated
me like family. We laughed, some cried, and we shared special memories about
our lives and families. There was prayer, there was lots of humor and jokes –
it was as real as real can get.
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| Me and Katherine Nelson AKA actress playing Emma Smith |
As we said our goodbyes and parted after the show, I was
inspired in a way I have never been inspired before. I’m going to start a new
project that I am so happy about and it never would have crossed my mind had I
not been a part of all this. I came home to my family a better mom and a better
wife and we have all been blessed.
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| Michael McLean, me and William Joseph |
I’ll update you later as my project unfolds but in the
meantime know this - God is wonderful and the gospel it true and sweet! People
that we meet in our everyday lives are sometimes no different than the angels
in heaven. God uses them to protect us, comfort us and bless us in ways we
could never imagine. If you want to feel God’s love – look around it’s not hard
to find.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ – amen.
Here is a link where you can learn more about the conference and the bands/artists. You'll be blown away at their portfolios and talent!
1 comment:
That looks like such a great experience Lindsey! So happy for you!
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