Nicole and Allison started attending daycare a few weeks ago, due to a job I got. Nicole told me the other day that she comforted three kids who were crying on the playground that day, including a boy who was older than her. She loves to comfort other kids.
After coming up from typing on the computer fifteen minutes ago, Nicole told me, "Mommy, this morning, I was praying, and I felt the Holy Ghost." I asked her what she was praying about, and she told me it was about, "Why did Jesus live?" I asked her what did it feel like. She said, "I felt surprised, like..." she blinked and looked around, to show confusion or surprise..."and I had tears in my eyes!" I hugged her and told her that was very special, and that I always try to write my spiritual experiences down right away, and that she should write it down.
When I was young - 8 years old - I felt the Holy Ghost as well. When I was to be baptized, it was my goal to be perfect, and never make any mistakes ever again. (Little did I understand that taking the sacrament each week is like being re-baptized...but I had the right goals in mind. I should always have that goal of perfection.) I didn't feel it when I was baptized - I was too bothered by trying to button up my blue dress from the Philippines by myself, because my mom didn't come back to the dressing room to help me. Eventually, another mom who was helping her daughter buttoned up my dress. The next day, at church, I was to be confirmed a member of the Church and receive the Holy Ghost. I remember an older boy who was friends with my older siblings (maybe 15 years old), and sort of new to our ward, sat by me, for some reason, and I felt uncomfortable next to him. He was skinny and had large, thick glasses. He expressed excitement for me when they announced that I should go up to be confirmed - just more attention than I was comfortable with. Anyway, I went up in front of everyone, was given a blessing and was told to "receive the Holy Ghost." I can't remember if it was in that moment, or directly after the blessing/prayer was done, that I distinctly felt the Holy Ghost, and knew it was the Holy Ghost. But I have always remembered the feeling.
Anyway, Nicole went to write her experience down, but all she wrote was, "I felt the Holy Ghost." So I'm doing this for her. I interviewed her a bit for some details:
Me: When did you pray?
Nicole: It was really dark. [Early in the morning.]
Me: What did you pray about?
Nicole: I prayed about, why was Jesus our Lord? And when I started to pray about that, I felt the Holy Ghost.
Me: What did it feel like?
Nicole: I felt like I was touching the Holy Ghost...I felt the Holy Ghost.
A minute later, I came back and asked for clarification.
Me: Where did you feel the Holy Ghost?
Nicole: Everywhere on my body.
People may feel the Holy Ghost differently. Many people describe it as a "warm blanket," or a peaceful feeling. The fact that Nicole didn't use a cliches makes me think this was a genuine experience. After all, she is a very genuine person. Regardless, it's not my job to tell something they felt was phony. I will respect their beliefs the way I hope they will respect mine. I am the only one who can truly know what I feel.
I have family members who lament that they "have never felt the Holy Ghost." I think that is nothing to lament. (Not to mention, it's possible they've felt the Holy Ghost or received guidance, but not realized it.) Doctrine and Covenants section 46 reads (emphasis added):
10 And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.
11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
19 And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
21 And again, to some is given the working of miracles;
22 And to others it is given to prophesy;
23 And to others the discerning of spirits.
24 And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
26 And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.
I asked Nicole for more details on the way to church. I asked again why she was praying. She said she was asking, "Why did Jesus come to earth?" "Why did Jesus have to be our Lord?" She said she didn't think Mommy and Daddy would know the answer, so she decided to ask Heavenly Father. She said she was scared to pray, but then she was brave, and prayed. She theorized that, because she was brave, that's why she felt the Holy Ghost. She said she asked her question two times, and didn't get an answer, so she decided he must not want to answer right now. She said, "I didn't get an answer to my question, but I felt the Holy Ghost!"
