Over the past few days, after my critique of the Church’s new symbol, many came out to accuse me of leading people away from obedience to the prophet. Now to be clear, I don’t believe President Nelson is a prophet. But I do have a testimony of him & I’d like to share it w you /1

In 2010, when I was still serving my mission, I got into some serious trouble over certain doctrinal/policy disagreements I began to have with the Church (more on that another time). The trouble was so serious that my case had to be brought before the Q12. For weeks I waited. /2

Anything could happen: I might be sent home, disfellowshipped, ex’ed. In the meantime I was a missionary who couldn’t use his priesthood or go to the temple. I had to tell an investigator I couldn’t fulfill her wish for me to baptize her. Everyday my stomach was in knots. /3

When word did get back that I’d be allowed to finish & no further discipline would be required my MP & I cried together. He told me he wanted to send me home to protect the Brethren’s authority & that they taught him that his first priority should instead be to protect me /4

In hindsight the whole situation feels extremely problematic. Even *if* I was wrong the spiritual abuse inflicted on me traumatized me absolutely unnecessarily. But in that moment w my MP, feeling his sense of mercy taught me to extend that mercy back to him & it changed me /5

This didn’t mean all was well & good. I struggled w guilt (no longer knowing right/wrong), shame (from gossip in the mission abt “what Elder Watson did”), & doubt (I still wasn’t convinced I was wrong). But weeks later it was announced that RMN would be visiting our mission /6

The whole mission had a rare gathering in a chapel where he’d be speaking to us. We all rose when he entered & one by one we we were instructed to shake his hand briefly & continue back to our seats. The room was silent and solemn, no words were exchanged that I could hear /7

Until it was my turn. I extended my hand & as he extended his he read my name tag & said “Ah, Elder Watson. That’s a familiar name.” Then he winked & said, “I’m so glad you’re still here,” giving me the most generous smile I think I’ve ever seen. Instantly, I felt absolved. /8

I don’t believe Elder Nelson used any magic priesthood voodoo to make me feel better. Idk if he even intended anything special to happen. But I do know without a shadow of a doubt that in that moment he loved me w a love I desperately needed to feel & I’ll never forget that /9

So no, I don’t hate Pres Nelson. I’m not trying to convince you to stop following him. I think he is a kind man doing his best to steer a ship through turbulent waters while staying true to deeply-held beliefs. I don’t usually agree w his choices but I do know he loves you /10

Now, let’s see who this thread enrages more: exmos or d*znat