Today I saw someone very close to my heart post an article by someone who had written 10 things they loved about not being a Mormon. I must say I was hurt a little. Not offended. I just couldn't understand how someone could take one persons opinion to show how they view the church in its entirety. Some of the article bothered me. I'm not trying to be judge mental of course, this person had their reasons for the way they felt. I however feel differently. I love this church, the people of course aren't always perfect but that's what we're here for. To strive to be better. I decided instead of commenting and starting an unwanted argument, I am going to simply state the 10 things I love about being a Mormon. Call it shouting from the rooftops if you will, because I want the world to know. These are in no particular order because I love them all equally to be honest.
1. The Atonement. What our savior did for us. He sacrificed himself for us, so that when we make mistakes we can be forgiven. We repent, and do our best to change, we're forgiven and we try to be better people than we were before. For most who don't know there have been many hard, and sad things that have happened in my family. I can proudly say we've made it to the other side, things have been taken care of and I will forever be grateful for the Atonement because I believe, and I know that my family will be together forever!
2. I love the dress standards of our church. We teach our girls to be modest. In this world to follow this standard, it's a huge sacrifice, but we do it because we believe it's right. It's amazing to know people really enjoy your company because of you, and not how you're dressed. It feels good to not always be concerned someone is watching me because I'm wearing a low cut top, or a tank top and shorty shorts. I'm not judging you because you decide to wear them, I do it because I feel more comfortable covered up. It's how I was raised, and I intend to raise my daughter with the same standards. Modest is hottest anyway.
3. Love one another. It's literally one of our hymns y'all. I'm not judging you because you have a different lifestyle. I may not agree with it, but I still love you just the same. I was taught to love everyone, not just a few choice individuals because I happen to like them that week. I know I'm certainly not perfect, but I'm trying to be better and more understanding. Give people the benefit of the doubt, learn to agree to disagree, pick your battles and just love all of God's children. Loving everyone is one of the most important things we are taught.
4. Going to the Temple. I love the feeling I have when I'm in the Temple. It's a beautiful, calm, quiet place to just reflect on life, pray and receive answers, and try to become closer with our Father in Heaven. It really just is the happiest place on earth, though Disneyland is a close second. ;)
5. We believe we will live for an Eternity. Forever. I will literally get to be with my husband and daughter to infinity and beyond. This brings me such joy there is simply no other way to explain other than: WOOT WOOT!:D
6. Family. We strongly believe in the importance of family. I love my family, even when we don't all get along. I love that we know we will be together forever. To the rest of the world having a family isn't all that important anymore. It's over rated in their minds. In my mind, it is the most important thing. I always wanted a husband and kids. I love being a Mom, it's the greatest thing in the world. To me, maybe not to others and that's okay, but I love that I was raised to believe having a family is one of the best decisions I'll ever make in my life. Savannah is my heart, my joy, my life, and my smile. I love that little girl. I love my family and they are the most important people in my life. The church, and my mom, taught me that.
7. The Book of Mormon. I've always been taught that if I need to talk to my Father in Heaven I should pray, but if I want him to talk to me, I need to read this book. Anyone who reads this book can't deny it's truth. They'll try but they know in their hearts they are wrong. We have this book to help us understand how we should live, and it's full of many examples of great men who served our Heavenly Father and the blessings they received because of it. We should strive to be like Jesus Christ and God, and this book is literally the worlds How To guide.
8. Seminary. I'm no longer in High School, but I loved Seminary. I thoroughly enjoyed this time each day. I had a lot of wonderful lessons in Seminary, and great teachers who really knew how to teach with the spirit. They knew when we were struggling and needed someone to talk to, and when we needed to be spiritually uplifted. Seminary really is one of the greatest things about being a Mormon.
9. Going to Church each week and taking the Sacrament. Each week we are reminded of what our Savior did for us, and the covenants we made with our Heavenly Father. There is absolutely nothing wrong with trying to be a better person. No one is perfect, but it is a good thing I believe to try. To be more kind, loving, understanding, giving, and to serve everyone. We go to church each week, we learn lessons about our Father in Heaven and our Savior and how to try to be more like them.
10. Missionaries. I have a brother serving a mission in Brazil right now and another one serving in the Dominican Republic. I absolutely love the description of a Missionary: Someone who leaves their family for 2 years so that others can be with their families for Eternity. We believe this church is true, and we are truly happy living it. We want to share our joy and knowledge with the world, and if we're sending our 18 year old boys out to teach others of this truth, we must really know something don't ya think? In my humble opinion, enough said. ;)
