Joseph’s First Vision

This isn't a poem but I wanted to share it anyway lol. This was an assignment for my summer class and the question was: "What Coming-of-age stories have you read? Describe."

One of the coming of age stories that I have read was a segment in The Book of Mormon called: Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith Jr., was born in 1805, in Sharon, Vermont (and later moved to Manchester in the 1818, early 1819). When Joseph was about 12, he started to become fascinated with the teachings of God and quickly became worried about all the sinning he had committed. Joseph Smith was a farmer and had a lot of work to do each day, but he made time to attend church throughout the years and when he was 14, he began searching for a religion to call his own. He had heard of many a religious teacher, yet he was not sure what religions spoke the truth about Jesus’ teachings. One day, he was consumed with spiritual doubt and decided to follow James’ advice from the bible: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” and prayed to God for answers. While in the midst of praying, Joseph Smith was interrupted, he looked up and saw a gleaming light, brighter than the sun. God and Jesus descended from the sky and God spoke to Joseph saying: “This is my son, hear him.” (Heavenly Father, First Vision) Jesus Christ went on to tell Joseph Smith about how all other denominations are wrong and teach incorrect doctrines.

This is a coming-of-age story because Joseph Smith had finally found himself and an answer in Christ and was no longer lost in his ways and mind.