8.10.10

i'm Mormon and i'm misunderstood

Soap box people.

I am so sick of hearing words from non-members or former members like "brain washed" "cult" "close minded" and so on. I would like to clarify what I think to be a misinterpretation of Mormon people in general.

If you obey a regimen of rigorous exercise and a healthy diet, your body will become fit and strong. You may not end up looking like Brad Pitt, Heidi Klum or Bo Derek but you will look like yourself. A healthy, fit version of yourself.

If you obey a regimen of obedience to the principles of the gospel and faith your spirit will become fit. You may not end up acting like President Monson, your local Bishop or the Stake Relief Society President but you will act like your true self. A happy, righteous version of yourself.

Mormon's are happy because when we live the Gospel it makes us happy. We are alike because we are happy. We are alike because we are bound together in the truth.

Are there black sheep? Yes.
Are there Mormons who are poor or racist or unemployed or democratic or in jail or depressed or selfish or homosexual? Yes.

Just because you are Mormon doesn't mean you aren't something else, whether that something else be good or bad. And just because we are HAPPY and MORMON doesn't mean we are brain washed or ignorant. Tolerance is a two way street. Just because some of our values, which we hold dear and true and right and just, don't appeal to all doesn't mean they are worth forgetting or that they are specifically, negatively discriminatory. There is room in the Gospel for ALL. Everyone. Anyone. That is because it is the TRUE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. The Creator, The Savior, the one who atoned for us ALL.

I have a mind. I have a choice. I've made up my mind and I've made my choice. I believe what I know. I know it is true and I will not dismiss my values for anyone. Being convicted of a truth is an honorable quality in all areas of life. Especially religion. I am a good person. I am an even better person when I obey the principles of the gospel. There are good people who are not members of the LDS church. If they were members, they could be even better.

This may seem scrambled but I feel like I've made my point.

11 comments:

Logan said...

Thanks for this. I feel like I've been dealing with a lot of intolerance and close-mindedness lately concerning our faith, and this is just what I needed. :)

{lindy baker cakes} said...

Love this Kat! I'm so fed up lately!

becca olsen said...

Well said, as always! I still think you would be a great talk show host.. or magazine writer... think about it.. ;)

Carmen said...

Oh I get you sister...no misunderstandings here ;) Glad you were able to articulate that though, I have often has similar thoughts but don't quite have the know how to put em all together, thanks for that!

Kory said...

That's not where I expected that post to go. Excellent insight, and well worded. It's funny when people's open mindedness makes them look down on others.

The Sandy Bottom Crew said...

Thanks for the insight:)

Aubrey said...

I really like this :) I get really frustrated when people treat you like you're soooo naive because you believe in this. And they also think its SO naive to believe in a forever love/family. I think its naive to believe there is NOT something so amazing and wonderful out there!

Lindsay Gunnell said...

Kat, I just read your last 3 posts and I feel so enlightened. Serious. You say things the way I never could. There are so many terrible conversations at work about religion and Mormons and who we are...and more often who we're NOT. It's frustrating. And I never have the right words to say the right things about what I believe. You do. THANK YOU!

Unknown said...

I don't think I have ever heard it said better. You are awesome and I love your blog especially this post!! Keep up the good work you do!

Mel said...

AMEN!!!!

Steve and Sara said...

Why don't we live by each other? I could so use you in Young Women's right now!