Mormons are Not Weird...They are Famous.

There's been a lot of talk lately about famous Mormons.  Whether they be teeny bopper rock star singers (see This post) or presidential candidates, athletes, talk show hosts, or do-wop era diva's; there are a lot of famous Mormons out there amongst the living non-peculiar world.  The thing is, these folks have been there all along, it just so happens most people didn't realize their faith or religious convictions were of the Peculiar variety.

I, for one, actually love that there are celebrities in our midst who are quietly living their lives and not out living them and shouting from the roof tops that they are Mormon.  I like that the way they carry themselves, speak, preform service, dress, and act tells the world that there is something different and special about them before it is even mentioned that they might, just MIGHT be Mormon.  There are several among the non-peculiar world that are quite peculiar and most might never even know it. One of the most peculiar things about this people is that we, for the most part, tend to live by a peculiar standard all of the time - not just when the timing fits. It's one of the things that makes us stand out from others, and is also one of the things that most other non-peculiar folks tend to admire about the Mormon people.

However.

I also love those who have taken a very public stance on their religion and their career.  Governor Mitt Romney, for one, who during the Salt Lake Olympic games gathered the worlds leaders together for a brunch at the SLOC headquarters.  The brunch was a widely televised event and news outlets from every single nation were there.  There was coffee, tea and champagne being served at said brunch, and the eyes of the world were on Mitt.  One news outlet reported, "He never once turned his coffee cup over, it sat on the table upside down untouched the entire meal."  And his Champagne flute? "Filled to the brim with orange juice during the obligatory toast."  Mr. Romney has never hidden his peculiarity from the world and on this particular occasion, all eyes were all on him to see if he really lived the way he professed to.

I love to see famous Mormons living their peculiar life Loud. And. Proud.

I will never be a person who has to defend my peculiarity on a public or a world stage, nor will I ever be someone that the world is watching to see if I've done anything against the way by which I've decided to live my life. I can't possibly imagine what it would be like to choose to give up my famous rock-star career to serve a mission for two years in a far away land. 

I do know I admire those who despite their fame, are still able to remain peculiar and respond without question "I'm a Mormon" when asked.  I've heard of peculiar people turning down roles on  (or being fired from!) Broadway because the role required of them to pretend to drink or smoke (avoid the appearance of evil...), or singing groups making their entire wardrobe be redesigned so it could fit within the modest guidelines by which they've decided to dress.  I've heard of political leaders turning down drinks with higher political officials.  And yet, all these famous Peculiar people are still living their faith as if nothing has ever happened.

We are all challenged from time to time.  Our peculiarity makes us stand out in a crowd.  For famous peculiar people, it makes them stand out that much more.  Good for you peculiar politicians, teeny bopper rock stars (heh, and aging teeny bopper rock stars - I'm looking at you, Mr. Osmond...), talk show hosts, athletes and 60's era do-wop singers for showing the world that it's okay to be peculiar.  Peculiar is okay.  Peculiar is not weird.

Mormons are Not Weird. We are Funny. There's a difference...really.

 

I am a Mormon.

The church has recently unveiled their new marketing plan "I am a Mormon" through Bonneville communications and Mormon.org.  It's a place where anyone can go and look through profiles of regular, every day - (not weird) people who happen to be Mormon.

I happen to have a profile (are you surprised?  yea, I didn't think so) and it can be found here:

http://mormon.org/me/1FT0/

But, there are also a lot of other amazing people out there who have submitted their story.  Those can be found here:

http://www.mormon.org

I think over the next couple of posts, I'm going to highlight one or two, just so you can see how different, and yet just how the same every member of the church is.

Mormons are not weird.  They are:

mothers, fathers, artists, dancers, athletes, bloggers, children, adults, CEO's, actors, musicians, electricians, politicians, students, and much more.

Our first Mormon.org profile:
Jeff Decker, Biker, Sculptor and Mormon.

Mormons are not weird. We love our Dads.

I was perusing facebook this morning, and there were so many wonderful Father's Day wishes out there - It was very touching. There were of course the many "Happy Father's Day to my Dad/Husband/Brother" you are an amazing/wonderful/thoughtful person and I can't imagine my life without you." sentiments. There were a few photos of families, photos of fathers who have long since passed from this earth, photos of fathers with new born babies in their arms, photos of soldiers stationed far away. And then there were the songs posted - Dad's favorite song, songs that remind us of dad...songs about dad. So many loving tributes to our fathers and how much they mean to us.

However, those are not the things I want to share with you today. Rather, I would like to share with you this prayer, by President Gordon B Hinckley:

"God bless you, dear fathers. May He bless you with wisdom and judgment, with understanding, with self-discipline and self-control, with faith and kindness and love. And may He bless the sons and daughters who have come into your homes, that yours may be a fortifying, strengthening, guiding hand as they walk the treacherous path of life. As the years pass—and they will pass ever so quickly—may you know that "peace... which passeth all understanding" (Philip. 4:7) as you look upon your sons and daughters, who likewise have known that sacred and wonderful peace. Such is my humble prayer, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen" ("'Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children'," Ensign, Nov 2000, 50.)

Happy Father's Day.

Mormons are not weird. They are people.

I came across this article today written by an Elder Witt, currently serving as a Missionary in the state of Alaska.  Elder Witt had a desire to write an old fashioned letter.  He wanted to use a typewriter - the kind that runs on no electricity, and produces letters on plain white paper with the assistance of a hammer stroke and a black ribbon.  It may sound like ancient technology to many of you - but typewriters are what most people used to use before there were computers.  I even used one to write a few things back in my school days.

Elder Witt wanted to write, and he wanted to do it the old fashioned way - so he contacted a newspaper office and asked if they had an old typewriter...which they did, and happily gave to him.  You see, Elder Witt has a desire to one day be a journalist, and they wanted to help his ambition (or at least, that's the reason I believe that they offered the typewriter.)  Anyway, Elder Witt wrote a few letters, but he also wrote a column for the newspaper - and they published it.  What is the column all about?  Missionary work, of course - and the true nature of a missionary.  My favorite line from the column?

"we are just as nervous standing at your door as you are having us there. We are not trying to sell anything, so why do we do it? We do it to try to bring happiness into people’s lives."

Then he goes on to explain, a Missionaries' job is to uplift and inspire.  Help and to listen.  Be a friend.  Be a neighbor.  Be a servant of the Lord, in whatever he may be called to do.  Being a missionary isn't all about proselytizing.  It's about Service, friendship, humility, and doing good for all men.

"We missionaries are here to help and serve; when we are at the front door feel free to ask us to help with anything that is needed. We enjoy helping and serving, and we love doing it often. Don’t think of us as merely missionaries, think of us as people who want to uplift, inspire and comfort. We care and want to be friends with as many as we can. We truly want every person we meet to be happy. We believe that is what Christ’s work was, to bring true happiness into people’s lives."

I honestly wish Elder Witt luck.  I know he will not read this post.  I know he does not have access to the internet on his mission.  I also know that he did not expect the notoriety that this article is certainly going to bring him.  I do hope that someone in the great city of Homer, Alaska will find him or his counterparts and wish him happiness on his journey.  He's an amazing young man, and his strength in his testimony of Christ, of Service and of Love to all men has thus far helped him to grow into an amazing young man.  Well said Elder Witt.  I hope you keep writing and look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

Mormons are not weird.  They are people.

to read Elder Witt's full article, please go here:

http://homertribune.com/2011/06/lds-missionary-workers-want-to-serve/

Mormons Are Christian.

“We Believe in God, The Eternal Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” (Articles of Faith 1:1)

I've had quite a few conversations over the last week with several different people (some of whom are very close to me) about whether or not I am a Christian.  As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...this is something I have never questioned about my faith.  It is something that I've found surprising that others do question.

The first thing I needed to do was to define Christian.  To me, a Christian has always been someone who is a follower of Christ.  Webster defines "Christian" as "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ."  Do I try to follow Christ's example and work to some day return to His presence?  Yes.  Do I believe the teachings of Jesus Christ from the New Testament?  Yes.  Therefore - I am a Christian.

But many tell me I'm not.

It is both confusing, and heart-breaking at the same time.

I've been told that it is the LDS doctrine that makes me un-Christian.  That it is the cannon of Scripture (The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price) that we read in addition to the Bible that makes me un-Christian.  I've been told that it is a historical significance that makes me un-Christian.  I could go into each one of these things, but honestly - to me, they are not the issue.  You see, I've been told a lot of things.  What I've never been told is that my unwavering faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Divine Son of God and Savior is what makes me un-Christian.

That is never the issue.

Never once have I been told that I was not Christian because I believe in Christ.

So, are Mormons Christian?  Absolutely.  Do we share exactly the same beliefs and doctrine as other Christian churches?  No, there are many differences that make us who we are.  In fact, there are differences between the other faiths that distinguish them individually.  However, we believe we are all sons and daughters of God.  That Jesus Christ is the Divine Son of God and the Savior of the world.  On that fact we can certainly all agree.  To tear down one's sense of faith because it does not match your own, to me that is not a Christian quality.

John 13:34 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Mormons are not weird.  We are Christian.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter. Day Seven.

From www.facebook.com/Mormon

Jesus was taken to the high priest, Caiaphas. His disciple Peter denied he knew Him. Jesus was then questioned by the governor, Pilate, and by King Herod. He was condemned to die on the cross. Jesus was crucified. A rich man named Joseph of Arimathæa laid Jesus in his tomb. Jesus’s mother, Mary, and Mary Magdalene visited the tomb.

I think this day is the hardest of all for me to express my thoughts.  Every year of my life, and as far back as I can remember – my parents used to sit us all down to watch Ben Hur.  And every year of my life, as far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a hard time viewing the scene where Christ is marched through the streets in a crown of thorns, carrying His cross.  The whole scene makes me very emotional – and just picturing it in my head now is bringing uncontrolled tears to my eyes.

It is hard for me to watch.

Why?

The treatment He endured was unkind, and inhuman.  It was cruel and torturous.  No man should have to endure such pain, mockery and humiliation.  It would be hard enough He was just an ordinary man, a common criminal of the day led to his execution (as that is what they did with criminals) but He was no ordinary man.  He was no common criminal.  He is Jesus Christ, son of the Living God, and He is my brother.  And, He did this willingly.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter. Day Four.

Via Mormon.org: On the Fifth day before Easter, Jesus taught in the temple, and on the Mount of Olives. He taught by parable that if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. And then, Judas – one of his disciples betrayed him for 30 silver coins.

30 Silver coins.

I realize that was a lot of money then. In fact, it’s a lot of money even now. I also understand the betrayal was part of the grander plan. But to think about it, even in the simplest terms – 30 silver coins to betray a friend, let alone the Savior of the World…it just doesn’t seem enough.

I’ve been thinking a lot this past week about who I would be in Jesus’ story. Would I be like Mary who doubted Him not, would I have been in the multitude listening to His teachings, would I have been one of the persecutors?

It’s easy in these times for me to say that I would have defended Him. I would have hoped to gather at His feet. I would have learned of His teachings. I would have loved Him then as I do now. It’s easy for me to say that, knowing what I know to be true of Him. But when I take a look at my life today – how would I react to the Savior, the Son of God? How DO I honor His teachings, His sacrifice… Would I be there to wash His feet, or would I turn him over for 30 silver coins.

I suppose the answer lies in how I do live my life. Each day do I try to live as a disciple of Christ would live? Do I help a stranger when I see the need? Do I carry his image in my countenance? Do I think of Him in everything I do? Do I forgive others? Do I make amends? Do I live my life in a way that would make Him proud?

I try to. I really do.

There are many things that could amount to 30 pieces of silver. I could betray my beliefs. I could give up on living the Word of Wisdom. I could do things that I know are not in line with my beliefs or standard set forth by the teachings of the church. I could. But, that to me would be exactly like selling my friend, my Brother – for 30 pieces of silver.

I have made a promise, a commitment to hold true to these standards, hold to the rod, and to seek Him in all things. I’ve been taught to always keep my promises. I try to teach my children the same thing. Keeping promises made to a loving Father in Heaven just as you would keep promises made to a friend is not weird. I don’t even think it’s peculiar.

Mormons believe in dressing modestly.

Being fashionable these days doesn’t always mean modest.  This is especially true when looking for dresses for formal dances.  One young woman in Arizona saw an opportunity to help girls who wanted to attend their school prom, and still dress modestly. 

Mormon Messages Video: Are Mormons Christian?

This video was created by The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and can be found on their Youtube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/MormonMessages.

Elder Gary J. Coleman talks about his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He speaks of his understanding of the true nature of the Godhead, access to additional scripture and revelation, and partaking of the blessings of priesthood authority.

Mormons have a lot of kids.

This is my absolute favorite statement – of all time.  Seriously.   It comes in a lot of forms  -

“When God said to multiply and replenish the earth, he didn’t mean YOU personally!”

“You do know what causes that, right?”

“You have (fill in the blank) kids?  You must be Mormon.”

One thing that makes me laugh about this – I have friends who are Catholic, Baptist, Christian, Jewish, and yes – atheist, with more children than the average Mormon family and yet the first conclusion drawn when most see a large family is that they must be Mormon.

Why do Mormons tend to have large families?  Contrary to (very) popular belief, Mormons are not required to have large families.  They are not requested to do so.  Couples are not counseled on the number of children they must bring into the ‘fold.’   Parenthood and family size is entirely a personal decision made by each family with the assistance of prayer.

Gordon B. Hinckley stated:

“The Lord has told us to multiply and replenish the earth that we might have joy in our posterity, and there is no greater joy than the joy that comes of happy children in good families. But he did not designate the number, nor has the Church. That is a sacred matter left to the couple and the Lord”

I had heard once that Mormons don’t believe in using birth control.  I’ve not found a single instance or statement to that fact.  I do know that each couple is counseled to consider family planning methods very carefully, in keeping with the health and safety of both the mother and her future children.  Permanent birth control methods (such as tubal ligation) should be considered with prayer – and why not? It IS a major surgery.  Each family is different.  Every mother and father is aware of their own abilities.  I can’t imagine that our Loving Heavenly Father would want us to take on more than we can physically or emotionally handle.  But, he does not want to be left out of that decision either.

What about those who do not have children either due to medical complications or for other reasons known only to themselves?  Are they considered “less Mormon” or “bad” church members? 

Absolutely.Not.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said in a conference in 1993:

“How many children should a couple have? All they can care for! Of course, to care for children means more than simply giving them life. Children must be loved, nurtured, taught, fed, clothed, housed, and well started in their capacities to be good parents themselves. Exercising faith in God’s promises to bless them when they are keeping his commandments, many LDS parents have large families. Others seek but are not blessed with children or with the number of children they desire. In a matter as intimate as this, we should not judge one another”

I have a few very dear friends who have tried for years, unsuccessfully to have children of their own.  That has not stopped them from sharing their years of knowledge and experience, nor has it stopped them from having an influence in the lives of others – for the good.  They have learned to teach and share their experiences in other ways.  Together as a couple, they are a family, however their extended family has become their ward family.  They have become parents to many young people and young adults.  They are greatly loved.  The ward is their family.

Do all Mormons have a lot of kids?  No. It’s a generalization that makes us seem weird.  Large families are not weird.  Using prayer, discussion and thought as part of your family planning process is not weird.  Taking your kids to school with curlers in your hair and a cleansing mask on your face – that’s weird (but also very, very fun.)

Mormon families are not weird.  They are Peculiar.

Mormons. Are. Weird.

How many times have you heard this? Growing up in a not-so-LDS community, I heard it quite a bit. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, many of us often find ourselves responding to many questions about our faith – and many misinterpreted “facts.”

I love these discussions, for the most part – as long as the person asking the question is willing to listen, and as long as the questions aren’t coming as part of an attack on me, my family or my faith. These are opportunities, to me, to teach others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ – the one I love so dearly, and believe KNOW with all my heart to be true. These discussions give me an opportunity to share with others why I believe what I believe – and what it is that makes me so happy.

It’s taken a long time to come out of my shell when it comes to talking about the Gospel. As a child, I attended church regularly until my parents divorced – when I was three. That’s right folks – my entire childhood primary existence stopped when I was a sunbeam … which is no wonder I still remember church as a child so fondly, when I was in Primary, I still got snacks every Sunday…

Anyway – the divorce was a long, drawn out, icky mess which I do not care to discuss – but long story made even longer – my mom stopped attending church after that, which meant I stopped going too. From time to time a well meaning friend or primary leader would come and take me to church or activities etc. but for the most part – I was not an active member as a child.

Flash forward to age 11. I moved in with my father (who no longer was a member) and began attending church with some friends. I tried other religions – nothing seemed a good fit. My parents supported whatever I did…and at 13 I made the decision to be baptized.

I. Became. Weird.

In a good way of course. Suddenly there was this whole new world of amazing people, friends, confidants – family. Since my own family was such a shattered mess – this just felt like home. My testimony grew. I grew. I was happy. (I am happy). I attended church by myself for a while, without family support – and eventually attended highschool and seminary. My knowledge of the Gospel grew and became more a part of me than I ever imagined. It was impossible to separate me from the Gospel.

Impossible.

I still had a core group of friends that were not members of the church, and many would ask questions to which I’d try to answer to the best of my ability. I didn’t have the support of family home evening, or family prayer – I didn’t know that these things were actually taking place in homes (I thought they were more of a kindly suggestion, or a pretty thought…) I just knew that I had the truth, and it was something I was going to hold dear to forever.

I’ve had many who support, many who laugh, many who are inquisitive, and many who are just mean. I’ve been called strange, stupid, moron (nice little play on words, no?), and of course weird. There have been many who seek me out only to tell me what I believe is wrong, and I’ve also been told I’m not Christian.

But. I. Don’t. Let. It. Bother. Me.

This is what I know to be the truth. Jesus Christ is my Brother, and the Son of the Living God. He suffered the sins of the world that I might be able to be forgiven of mistakes and return to be with Him. Joseph Smith was and is a true prophet of God in the Latter Days. Because of the Plan of Happiness – I can be with my family forever. We have a living prophet on the earth today.

I do not drink (alcoholic beverages anyway). I do not smoke. I do not partake in coffee or tea. I don't swear. I dress modestly (even if it means that I am not always up to date with the latest fashion trends). I have five kids. I enjoy one night a week dedicated to family board games or togetherness time. I pray with my family. I am a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife, a friend. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...I am a Mormon.

Mormons. Are. Not. Weird. They We. Are. Peculiar.