Proud to Be A Mormon

There was a recent Facebook post of a picture of the LDS temple in San Diego, California.  It said, "Share if you are proud to be a Mormon."  I did, because I am.

I am a Latter-Day Saint.  I know that Jesus Christ lives.  I know that I am a daughter of God.  I know that my Heavenly Father loves me.  And I am proud to be nick-named "a Mormon".

Now, why am I proud to be a Mormon?

I am proud to be a Mormon, because there was a time when I wasn't -- well, at least not a very good one.  There was a time in my life when I wasn't living the way I should.  When I wasn't living up to the knowledge and testimony that I had previously acquired by study and faith.

Through a lot of hard work, I repented, and I changed.  I fought hard.  I fought harder trying to forgive myself, but eventually that happened.  And that's why I'm proud.  I'm proud because through exercising the gospel of repentance, through two great bishops, and a lot of love from family and friends --- I became a better person.  I am grateful for both bishops, one bishop who laid down the law, and the other who convinced me it was okay to forgive myself.  I am proud to be a Mormon, someone who sets high standards for themselves and fights to live up to those standards.  Someone who doesn't give up, but strives every day to do a little better.

And isn't that what a religion should do?

Pragmatic Reasons to Join a Local Church

Ideally, people should choose a religion based on intense research, study, and prayer.  Ideally.  But what motivates my generation is much different than what motivated my ancestors two hundred years ago.  So, let me discuss here some practical and pragmatic benefits of attending a local church in your community.

1. An obvious one, a sense of community.  I commute to work each day.  If I didn't attend church in my community, I would know no one in my area.  I now care and hear more about local politics, school board issues, and things relevant to the town I live and pay property taxes in.
2. An outgrowth of #1 -- no matter how many times my mailbox gets cut down or someone graffitis on my sidewalk, I am reminded each Sunday that there ARE good people in my community.  This, in-turn, convinces me not to move out to an area and a home I cannot afford, saving me thousands of dollars and a mountain of debt.
3. Babysitters!!  If you don't have family nearby, a church provides a whole new list of people to get to know better, who just might be convinced to watch your little ones when you need a break.  Or, other young families who you can swap babysitting with.
4. Service.  Who can't go to church and notice someone who needs an extra hand?  Or hear of someone in need of household essentials -- and you have extra chairs in your garage (clearing your garage).  Or an elderly person who needs some bushes cut (exercise).  If I didn't go to church, it would be much more difficult to find these opportunities to serve -- with a full-time job and Saturdays spent catching up on household stuff.  Even if you don't like extra labor on your "To Do" list, many companies are now expecting volunteer work of their employees as a way to market their companies to who else -- but the local communities!!
5. Let's dig deeper -- your children learn to sit still and listen to an adult before they go to kindergarten.  A good thing, if you actually want them to get an education.
6. YOU are reminded how to sit still without a computer in front of you.  And even if you don't listen to the speaker (not advised), you at least get an hour of "quiet time" to think about anything you need to ponder on --- if you don't have your kids climbing over you.
7. Recommendations to local restaurants, and the "right" teachers and schools.
8. Church socials are great inexpensive family activities.
9. Church potlucks are an easy way to get your kids to try new foods -- well, maybe.
10. Friends who DON'T work with you.
11. Details on the local politics can be gleaned from conversations at the church socials.  Now you can actually have some idea who all those people are on the local ballot that may or may not provide a statement in the ballot.
12. And as that hideous day is fast approaching --- donating to a local church is a great tax write-off!

So, walk in, sit down, and get to know people for the most pragmatic and practical reasons.  Maybe, in a few months, you'll find other, less practical reasons to stay.