Day 6- I am a Mormon

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- aka the Mormon church.

I was born into a Mormon family and was raised Mormon, but I left the church when I was a teenager. There are many reasons why I left as a teenager, but one thing I wanted was to not have "Mormon" be something that I was described as being. To me, it wasn't part of my identity and I didn't want it to be.

Here I am, almost 34, and I am singing a much different tune. I am now realizing just how much being a Mormon is part of who I am. I am not ashamed of it like I once was. In fact, I am proud of it being part of who I am. It just took an eleven year hiatus for me to figure that out.

Why am I a Mormon? I am a Mormon because in my heart I believe The Bible and The Book of Mormon to be true. They testify of Christ and teach us how to return to live with Heavenly Father. I have read the Book of Mormon and know without a doubt the truths that it teaches. I believe the doctrine taught by the church. I believe in the importance of the family unit. I know that Jesus Christ lives and atoned for my sins because he loves me (and everyone) THAT much.

Honestly, I could write pages on all the specific things that I believe about this church. But to me, one of the things that stands out the most to me is the difference of how I felt when I had nothing to do with the church versus how I have felt since coming back. I spent 11 years doing whatever I wanted because I decided I wasn't going to let a church tell me what I could or couldn't do. I thought I would be happier not having restrictions. I smoked, I drank, I used marijuana. I married young to a man who treated me very badly and was abusive. I thought all these choices would free me, but instead I felt trapped and empty. I divorced and started a new life. I later remarried, but I still felt empty.

Then 6 years ago my husband became interested in the Mormon church. I went with him to church and sat in on his missionary lessons. I started feeling the emptiness grow smaller. The hole I had for 11 years was going away. I realized that the very thing I had been running away from for all those years was the very thing I needed in my life. I began to realize that the "restrictions" weren't punishments like they had felt like before, but were guidelines to keep me safe. I went back to following the "rules" of the church- no smoking/drinking/drugs/swearing/coffee... I dedicated myself to repenting and healing myself through Christ.

During the past 6 years, we have definitely had many trials. In fact the biggest trials of our 9 year marriage have been during the last 6 years. Being religious and giving your life to God doesn't take away the trials by any means. In fact a lot of the time I find it to be the opposite effect. Tests of faith come often. And I don't always pass the tests at first, but I do eventually find my faith again and strengthen it. I know that more tests will come, but I am so grateful that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ to lean on during those trials. I am also grateful to have a wonderful man of God to be by my side and face the trials with me.

I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of our individual needs. He loves each and every one of us, His children, so incredibly much. He listens when we pray and is eager to hear from each of us. It doesn't matter who you are, what religion you are or aren't- He is there for you always.


If you would like to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints please go to www.mormon.org