My Thoughts For Today

We are about to sign Lincoln up for soccer again after a year and a half respite. We've missed it. He's missed it more. It is one of the things he loves most in life. We're signing him up with the same team that he played with for years, and we're looking forward to being with the boys, the parents and the coach again. They're really great people.

But as I was thinking this morning, I recalled a conversation I overheard during one of the soccer games a few years ago. Two fellow team moms were talking and they mentioned the word "Mormon" so it peaked my interest. They weren't discussing Lincoln, I don't even think they knew/know that he is one, but they were talking about how repressed and sheltered Mormon kids were. One even went as far as to say, "They can't even wear shorts!" I don't know what started the conversation, and since I was juggling toddler twins, I didn't clear up the subject for them.

I want to think I've grown up enough in the last couple of years to be able to face that kind of conversation with grace, patience, understanding, a little more courage  and a little more ammunition. I think I could probably hold my own on the other side of that debate a little bit better now.

I think if I were confronted by those moms today I'd probably say something like this*:

"Yes, we're Mormons. We've been members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for our whole lives. Your kids have played at our house, and you've spent plenty of Saturdays next to me, and we've never brainwashed you, or even asked you to be baptized.

Yes, we wear special underwear. Read the Bible, so did they. You know what that means to you? I modestly keep my shoulders, stomach, chest, and bum covered. We're parents of pre-teen boys, you should thank me. I'm a thirty-three year old, married, mom of four, I shouldn't be flaunting that anyway. I can wear shorts, skirts, dresses, pants, shirts and coats, just like you. So can my kids.

Yes, we have Temples, which we consider sacred. Not secret. Every religion has a house of worship, and many have temples. I love having somewhere to go that is free from worry and stress of life. I love to be able to perform work for those who have passed before me. No, you don't have to understand it all. Just be respectful in your naivety and ignorance.

Yes, we believe in Christ. It's in the name of our religion. And your wall full of crosses doesn't offend me at all, because I believe immensely in the crucifixion and atonement of Christ. But, I find more joy in recognizing that He was resurrected, and because He was, so can I. We can live again, with our families forever. I love my family, so that's awesome.

And yes, families are important to us. No, we're no required to have dozens of children. If you want to, can, and can afford to, that's awesome. If you don't want to, can't, and/or can't afford to, don't. That's sound advice no matter what religion you belong to.

And yes, we can take birth control if we choose to. And no, we don't believe in abortion, but if you've ever had an ultrasound at four weeks to confirm a pregnancy and heard and seen your baby's heart beating strong, you would realize, too, that it's wrong to kill living things.

I would venture to say, that if we were to compare notes, I'll bet we believe in most of the very same things.

Yes, my kids play the same video games, read the same books, watch most of the same movies and tv shows as your kids. They can have friends of every religion and race. Why? Because I can use it as a learning opportunity to expand their minds. Just because they know someone of a different religion doesn't mean they have to convert.

Yes, I will probably vote for Mitt Romney. No, we're not required to by our religion. But given my choices on the ballot, he is certainly the better choice for me and where I feel the country needs to be taken.

No, not every Mormon practices what is preached. I am not a perfect Mormon. However, I take what I am commanded to do, and do my very best. Every day. Don't let a few bad apples spoil the bunch; there are people in every religion who don't show the best example of how that religion should be lived.

Why do I think your kids having a Mormon friend is beneficial to you? We don't drink, smoke or use drugs. Therefore, when your kids are at my house you can have peace of mind knowing that they will not have their first experience of any of those under my roof. We abide by strict standards in media and conduct. Therefore the movies, media, books, and music will be cleaner in my home. We don't believe in premarital sex. Therefore, you should have less worry about supporting my grandchildren with your taxes/income. And, of course, our youth activities are good, clean fun, and your kids are more than welcome to come and join in."

*Yes, this is just my opinion and what I believe. And no, it's not everything I believe, I got sick of typing. If you want to know more about what I believe, ask me. If judgment is to be made on what was said in this post, it is mine and mine alone, so talk to me.