I was always a curious kid; I remember when I was 6 or 7 we read a book in school about a boy who ate too many vegetables and turned green. That night, to the chagrin of my little sister, I begged my dad to forgo our bedtime story and to explain photosynthesis instead. I've always wanted to know more about the world around me and to know what is really true. Religion was no exception.

I love the story of Joseph Smith because it helped me to understand and to find truth. As a young man Joseph was seeking truth; in his own words his "mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness" (JSH 1:8 http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/8#8). He sought light and truth but lived in a time where it was said that the heavens had been sealed, leading to conflict and strife among those trying to follow God. After much searching he was touched by a passage of scripture that directs us to ask God if we lack knowledge. He said:

"At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs (James 1:5 http://scriptures.lds.org/en/james/1/5#5), that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to 'ask of God,' concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture" (JSH 1:13 http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/13#13).

In my mind's eye I see a young Joseph who reads the Bible and comes to realize that God has promised to answer him if he will ask in faith. I see a boy who is filled with hope that God really will hear and answer him so he decides to try. The words he used to describe his experience when he prayed to ask of God, though miraculous, ring true to my ears and my soul.

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me."

"When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! " (JSH 1:16-17 http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/16-17#16)

Even now as I read these words, I receive a conviction in my mind and in my heart that Joseph was telling the truth, that he did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. I know in my mind and feel in my heart that God our Father is mindful of us, His children. I am reminded that God wishes us to know of Him and the path He has prepared for us through the life, teachings, and sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. I come to know all over again that our Father spoke to a boy, Joseph Smith, taught him God's will for us, gave him authority to speak and act as the Lord's representative on earth, and supported him in that responsibility: in short, I come to know that Joseph Smith was called by God to be a modern day prophet. Through Joseph Smith the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth after centuries of darkness and confusion. Men were honestly seeking the Lord and to follow His path but certain truths had been lost until, in the time of the Lord, a new prophet was called to restore all truth that would be necessary to bring about our salvation through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, why do I believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God? Because I, like Joseph Smith, believe that my Father in Heaven is aware of me and will and does answer my prayers; because I have experimented upon the word and have lived the teachings of Joseph Smith and find myself a better, happier, and more Christ-like person; because the eternal principles Joseph received from the Lord and taught the world bring a light into my life that is unlike anything I have ever experienced anywhere else. I believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God because my soul tells me so.