Growing up in Ogden, Utah, Carma proudly traced her roots back to the early Mormon pioneers who helped build the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To her, Mormonism wasn’t just a religion — it was her family’s legacy and her personal connection with God. She sincerely believed the LDS Church was the “only true church on earth,” and she poured herself into every church responsibility, hoping to prove her worthiness before God.
But despite her devotion, Carma still felt something missing — a lack of peace and assurance that her sins were truly forgiven. No matter how faithfully she served, she couldn’t escape the feeling that she hadn’t done enough. It was through reading the Bible, however, that she discovered a truth that would change everything: God’s grace cannot be earned — it can only be received.
The gospel revealed to her that salvation does not come through temple ordinances, church membership, or human effort, but through faith alone in Jesus Christ, who already paid the full price for sin. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God — not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Carma learned that righteousness could never come from her own obedience, but only through trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross: “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12). For the first time, she experienced the freedom of knowing she was fully accepted and forgiven — not because of what she did, but because of what Jesus had already done.
Now, Carma boldly shares her testimony to help others see that true grace is not achieved, but received. It’s not found in religion, but in a relationship with the risen Savior.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Carma’s journey is a powerful reminder that religion says “do,” but Jesus says “done.” The grace she once tried to earn is now her greatest joy — a free gift of God through Jesus Christ alone.
