Gladys Knight Finds the Light: The Empress of Soul’s Conversion to the Restored Gospel (1997)

“In my quest over the years to obtain greater light, I attended many churches. I met wonderful people whom I will always love. Along the way I learned important doctrines: God’s creation of this earth; the placing of Adam and Eve in the Garden and their fall; the birth, life, teachings, and the atonement of Jesus Christ; and that if we believe in Him we can go to heaven. I know and appreciate these vital truths. But my mind went further. I had one more question. It was simply: “Then What?” I wanted to know what happens after our initial orientation to heaven. Our stay there will be for more than just a week or two. We will reside there for millions and billions of years—for eternity!…I was left to wonder, For what purpose were we created? What happens in the eons of time after people achieve salvation?”

“At one point in my search, several years ago, my son Jimmy was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Initially, the rest of our family was unaware of his decision. But finally one day while he and my daughter, Kenya, were sitting together on a plane, she looked over and asked, “What are you reading?””

““The scriptures” he said. Kenya looked closer and asked, “1 Nephi? I can’t remember seeing that book in my scriptures.””

“Jimmy then explained to her a little about the Book of Mormon, where 1 Nephi is found. As time passed…She started learning about the Church’s teachings, and in time, as she took what she had learned to God, she obtained a witness from the Holy Spirit that the Book of Mormon and the restored gospel is the work of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

“She wanted the WHOLE WORLD to know about her baptism. She even made sure that my brother, Bubba (one of the Pips) attended. But I arrived late, after Kenya had been baptized. When I returned home later, I cried the rest of the day. On one hand I thought I had disappointed Kenya; on the other, I didn’t really know why…”

“After the passing of more time, I found myself in the hospital with an adult form of meningitis…It was agonizing. Kenya spent a lot of time with me in the hospital. For two weeks she read to me from a book published by the Church called Gospel Principles. I learned many new things. One of them dealt with our lives beyond death and the final judgement. Since we are all so different, there is more diversity to our eternal destiny than just heaven or hell. In God’s mercy, He provides more variety in our eternal rewards. I also learned that God has a wonderful plan of happiness for us to embrace and to follow…As I listened, I knew that what I heard was true.”

“In the meantime, my mother, though not a member, regularly watched the general conference of the Church on television. She was very familiar with both the names of the leaders and their teachings. She would always say to us, “Be sure to watch general conference.” She would even call each of us during the broadcasts to remind us to watch, saying, “These are wise men. Listen!” Without giving the rest of us any explanation, she somehow knew that the Church is true. I remember her saying, “I’m more Mormon than you know.” My mother, however, never joined the Church before she passed away.”

“More years passed…Eventually Kenya saw that the time was right for me to seriously investigate the Church. She extended the invitation, I accepted, and before I knew it I was meeting with the full-time missionaries. I listened, I learned, and to my amazement I was filled with great joy. The spirit testified to me again and again that their testimonies were true: Christ’s gospel as taught nearly two thousand years ago, and His priesthood authority has now been restored to prophets in our time…As I learned, lifelong questions were finally answered, and I clearly saw my life in the perspective of God’s eternal plan. There was no doubt in my mind: I wanted to be baptized…”

“Suddenly the way was open. I knew the right path, and I knew the next step. On August 11, 1997, I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Why had I waited so long? …”

“The plan of God, our Eternal Father, is surely the plan of happiness. Why do people resist? I know, I know—it took me a long time to find this Church. But now that I see what my brothers and sisters are missing, I want them to find it faster than I did…”

“Since I joined the Church, I desire to be more and more obedient to God. As I do so, many people say to me, “I see a light in you more than ever before. What is it?” and you know I want to tell them. During one performance at Disney World, for example, the audience was allowed to write down questions for me…One question went like this: “I have been a fan of yours for many years. Yet lately you have had a greater light about you. Could you please share with us how this happened?”…”

“Attempting to be diplomatic, I answered something like this: “I have learned more about God’s standards or commandments that, if obeyed, bring greater peace and happiness. It’s not enough to just talk about them, as so many people do. I am now striving more than ever to live them.””

“Then the Director said, “We have two roving microphones in the audience. We’ll take just a few more questions…” One of the first people to stand up was a tall, beautiful African American woman sitting near the front. After receiving the microphone she said, “I am the one who asked about the light you now have. Could you please tell us more specifically how you got that light?””

“The question was direct, so I gave a direct answer: “I have become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” To the surprise of some of my friends watching the show, the audience suddenly burst into applause.”

“Another person sitting in a side row stood up and asked, “If you could have any wish, what would it be?” I said, “To be a missionary and share the wonderful things I now know are true.” I really meant what I said. I am seeking more and more whenever and wherever I can to share my testimony of the truths revealed in our time by Jesus Christ…”

“I can spend the rest of this life pressing forward accomplishing good things with a calm heart and deep-felt joy. Since I joined the Church, my knowledge and understanding of the amazing gifts of Jesus Christ offered to the faithful continue to grow. And, above all, my love for Him is greater than I have ever known.”

— Gladys Knight, from her account in Why I Believe (Bookcraft, 2002)