Sharilyn Castle, Highland 11th Ward
“At the age of 27, I became a single mother to a newborn and a three year old. Just six months later, my father passed away. My mother had already died a few years before. In such a short time, I lost not only the life I thought I would have but also the parents I believed would always be there. I remember feeling stunned that so much heartache and responsibility could come all at once. It was the hardest season of my life so far, and I often felt overwhelmed, lonely, and unsure of how I was supposed to keep going.
During this time, many of the fifth Sunday lessons focused on getting involved in family history work. I kept hearing the promised blessings from Church leaders, and I remember thinking that I needed all the help and blessings I could possibly get. I decided to take a step forward and get involved. I didn’t really know where to start, so I reached out to a stake family history consultant. She kindly agreed to come to my home for an hour, and we continued to meet weekly for a couple of months.
Not only did she teach me how to navigate FamilySearch and other family history resources, but she also taught me something far more important. She encouraged me to pray every time before I began and to listen to the Spirit as it guided me. That simple act became a catalyst for my spiritual growth. This practice of praying for guidance and help in my efforts really helped me understand more clearly how the Spirit speaks to me personally.
As I continued this work, I felt the blessing of the Comforter more deeply in my life. I became more spiritually sensitive and began to feel what we often describe as the veil being thin. My home felt holier, more sacred. The loneliness I had carried began to fade, and I began to feel more joy. I found myself better able to face the challenges I was still living through.
I also learned that the power of ministering angels is real, and that we can feel their presence and receive their support. I especially felt a sweeter, deeper connection with my parents and knew they were always close by, keenly aware of me. My desire to be in the temple increased, and my priorities began to shift. The most important things in life became clearer, while the things that mattered less almost naturally faded away. Through all of this, I have learned that joy is possible no matter the circumstances. My life has felt truly joyful, even during difficult seasons, because I have felt the nearness of God and experienced the power of the promised blessings from the Apostles of the Lord.”