this is where I ended up.
I have lately been obsessed with the Divergent series, which I will highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read. looking for inspiration. and looking for a reality check of how we sometimes think, feel, and act.
Throughout reading this brilliant story, I have realized, and I think certain world events have helped to stir these thoughts as well, is the importance of how we treat one another.
I feel like everywhere I turn, there is criticism.
Assumptions and attacks are made every day
because of the differences between race, sexual orientation, religion, and even if we wear white pants after Labor Day.
(I definitely feel that heat when I wear my white capris on a 90 degree October day)
Sorry if I spoil anything regarding this book series, but in Allegiant, a lot of emphasis is placed on those that are genetically damaged versus genetically pure. Throughout this whole part of this story, I couldn't help but relate that discrimination to how the world is becoming today.
I am a Christian.
I am a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I will never deny that fact, and I consider my membership one of the greatest blessings in my life. And guess what!
I have friends that are not LDS.
Crazy thought, huh?
I have friends that are less active Mormons.
I have friends that drink, smoke, and gamble.
I have friends that are straight, and I have friends that are gay.
I have friends that are active members of the LDS faith, but fall short.
There are people that I love very much and hold very close to my heart
that are battling with addictions to alcohol, drugs, pornography, and Netflix.
I have wonderful examples that show me daily what real Christlike love is
and they have not set foot in any type of a church in years.
I attend my church meetings,
study the Bible and Book of Mormon,
and I worship in His holy temples.
Those things alone will not save me and my salvation
-how I apply what I learn in these commitments do.
Whether others are Mormon, Muslim, Catholic, Jewish, or atheist; republican, democrat, or neither; addicts or sobriety lifestyle; married or single; straight, bisexual, or gay: each and every one of us is a precious child of God, and He loves each of us equally.
There seems to be a caution that because others participate in activities contrary to our beliefs, they should be embarrassed, ridiculed, or ignored because they're beliefs differ from our own. Whether those activities include being active in a religion when you're not/are not religious when you are, support a certain political party, or have a belief you do not understand. Recently, I have heard unkind, offensive, and frightening things said regarding Christians, and Mormons specifically, without those individuals knowing me and my story.
These make me think what happened to create this hostility and criticism of my religion and beliefs that ultimately teach kindness, care, and obedience to God's commandment to love one another, as I have loved you love one another. John 13:34
I am not condoning sin, as God has laws which He has created for our own good and benefit.
I have many frailties and sins that I myself have to overcome,
as well as everyone else.
But I am not responsible to dictate punishment (thank heavens, because I would be really hard on myself!)
And here's another cool fact: God loves them, and He loves me. His laws are unchanging, but so is His love-it is always there. He has made it very clear to me, as well, that the most important thing is that I love them too.
I have come in contact with many different types of people in my short 23 years of life.
I have been raised by many different circumstances and situations throughout this time,
and I have come to learn more about my God because of these differences.
As a member of the Mormon faith, I am taught to love, show kindness, and teach by persuasion. Jesus Christ taught this in His word and deed.
In all honesty, I am terrified to face my God if I do not live in a way that He did-especially when I claim to represent Him and His name based off of the covenants I have made.
The fear of another's sins rubbing off on me is not a reality because I know whose I am, and who I am, and who I stand for.
I have my own sins to correct and resolve, that to notice and judge another's sins and actions is too exhausting, and is not for my finite mind to resolve.
In the grand scheme of things, it's not about who you insult, avoid, or criticize in order to make your point that Christ is the way.
Your words, as well as your actions, reflect who you follow.
It's about who you loved, served, and comfort that shows that Christ is the way. And I hope and pray I will always be caught in the act of showing kindness when He comes again...
So let's be kind with our words, whether spoken verbally or expressed on social media. Let's show love amidst trial and hardship, regardless of how those trials and hardships came about.
Be kind.
Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
-John Watson
I love my Heavenly Father, and my Savior Jesus Christ. I am weak without them, and they show me unconditional love, mercy, and kindness. I am His daughter, and as a disciple of Christ, I am striving to exemplify the love and genuine kindness He has for others to the best of my ability.
Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of y God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
Alma 26:12