Once in awhile a post will pop up in my news reel that a friend has liked. If the topic perks my interest I'll read it but typically I just keep doing the scroll down. The other night there was one headline that significantly stood out to me though and I can't remember the title exactly but it was basically why Mormons are crazy and the wild things we believe.
I read the article. Nothing really new or surprising was found. Same old things taken out of context, made up, or exaggerated. One thing that made me laugh was a confused question that the on-the-brink-of-becoming-an-anti-mormon-person commonly shares, "but the Mormons I know are so nice" implying if you're telling us they're cray cray why do we find them kind and enjoyable? The answer from the author as to why: Mormons are nice because they have to be. If they're not they won't get into heaven.
HA! Can I just tell you that The Beloved had a New Years Resolution one year not to hate people? It hasn't appeared on his list since because he failed so miserably at it. I like him.
But, I'm pretty sure he'll still go to heaven because in the end, he's a pretty fantastic guy who's working on becoming a better human being.
I hope we all are.
The point....
I was very sad that one of my friends who I thought knew me pretty well would "like" an article attacking my identity. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is my Purpose. My Life. I am a Mormon. If I am nice to you it is because I genuinely like you. Plus, I really like nice people. Some people don't - I think that's weird :). I naturally want to be nice. I think it's important to be kind and Christ-like because I care how I make others feel and I want them to know I think they're of great worth.
Sometimes I accidentally forget all that and can be a real beast.
There's no secret agenda.
Right now we are studying the New Testament at church and I couldn't find it more glorious. I love my Savior. I love His goodness, service, strength, endurance, example, and the love He has for every single one of us.
I also love The Book of Mormon. And if my sweet friends have questions about my beliefs or this great book I invite them to have a conversation with me. Ask questions. Let's chat. But not attack or assume to know we understand the depths of a person's soul or their religion.
Why do we get caught up in the trap of the good vs. the good? That idea just enables us to forget this:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
“This is the first and great commandment.
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37–39).
That means, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Christians, Gays, Black, White, Who-ev. We love each other, take care of each other, embrace the good in each other, even though maybe at the end of the day we disagree -
We're neighbors. Pull out the stick. And let the good stand with the good.
P.S. Sorry I'm the Love Preacher lately :)
3 comments:
I loved this post. You said it exactly how I feel. I wish you luck in your Facebook endeavors. I had an account for years and finally said goodbye to it forever. (I say that lightly because if I end up with a teenager who wants an account, I WILL be on there). Anyway, It was a love hate relationship, but I haven't missed it one bit. Again, well said.
Welcome to facebook, Cami. I love your blog and the smiles it brings me. Did want to mention that sometimes people "like" a post or article in order to bring attention to it - so that their friends can also see it and not because they agree with it. For example, I recenlty "liked" an article about how much money was spent by the Obama's on the recent Valentine weekend getaways - I didn't like that they wasted so much money, but wanted people to be aware. I hope that makes sense. Lynne
That does make sense - Thanks Lynne. :)
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