Being a Mormon vs LDS

The last few months I've had a series of thoughts and impressions. For the last few years, every general conference... The prophets talk about making sure to use the right title of our religion. For the longest time, I just thought it was a change of words. What's the big deal? Being in Utah.. everyone knows what being a Mormon is. They know we don't have 10 wives. Why use the a longer wordier title?

It wasn't until about a year ago, I got called as a young women leader that I really realized the difference. In order to understand, I must go into a little background. When I got called, I was very intimidated. I didn't feel worthy of such a high calling, but I accepted it. Everyone was always positive and happy. It was a really fun calling. I was glad I got called into something that really got me involved in the ward. It made me closer to the people around and it was good because it got me staying busy while James was in school. It's probably one reason why this winter I didn't have depression. For that-I will be eternally thankful. However... with the calling came much demands. and for the longest time I debated about writing about this. Because, I had a lot of pressure and anxiety. Often in the calling we were asked to go to meetings, talk in church, plan activities, youth firesides, efy, camp, and the list goes on. I was SO overwhelmed. Sometimes I would have to say "No" to doing certain things that were asked of me.  I came home feeling horribly about myself for saying no while others were saying yes. I felt like a bad person. I shouldn't have such a negative attitude about a church calling. I felt the other leaders were better then me, and often I debated asking to be released, but then I did something. I've always had a testimony and a very strong testimony. So I got down on my knees and I prayed what I should do. I begged Heavenly Father to forgive me and then I was trying the best that I could. The feeling came to me. "Thats all I ask." It didn't matter what everyone else was doing. It just mattered that I accepted and that I did all that I could do, and when I couldn't do anymore. That was okay. It didn't matter what the leaders thought, all that mattered was what Jesus/God thought of me. They knew I was trying and they were proud of me for that. This happened several times.. I'd go and actually have good time at the weekly activities, but then get somewhat overwhelmed at the meetings and preperation. I'd then start to doubt, worry and feel guilty. Then Id pray and Id feel better recommit myself and enjoy the calling.

It wasn't until after I had moved that I realized my dependency on Christ. Which is probably why leaders were prompted to call me in the first place. It helped strengthen me and help me understand better what Jesus thinks of me. Jesus isn't cruel or unjust. He doesn't get mad if I make a mistake or compare me to anyone else. *I* may do that, but he does not.

By changing the words of Mormon to Latter Day Saint or the church of Jesus Christ changes the definition. Often I have heard the term the phrase..."The people of the church are not perfect, but the church is". Heck, I've even used the term. I believe this to be true. Many members, while their intent was innocent, have offended others. We must not get hung up on that. I for one, tend to say a lot of things before really thinking them through. Outsiders know us for having a lot of rules or commandments. So many things we "can't" do. There can be lots of pressure, and even judgement from members of our congregation/church/ward. Luckily I didn't witness this too much in my calling. Everyone is very encouraging, but I know that it does happen.

There are many members who follow by the book what the prophets say, and while I commend them for their efforts. Going through the motions is only one part of being converted. We must lean on Christ to know what we should do and what is true. How many have heard the sermon about: Would we recognize Christ if he was in the same room with us? It's the same concept. Yes, we have lots of commandments and prophets who are called of God. I really believe that. I believe we should follow those who teach us, but the moral is. We shouldn't judge no matter what someone is doing. NO one is perfect not even the prophet, and if there is EVER a matter of question what the Prophet, or anyone else in the church is saying... We can rely on Christ. He WAS/IS perfect and he will not lead us astray.

According to a lot of controversy  in the world and in church. Not everything is black and white, and I think thats why some people not of our faith or religion get hung up. Most people think there is. Is it wrong to kill a person? Yes, absolutely. What about if they invade your home and try to kill you? Then is it wrong? In my personal opinion, No that would not be wrong. There is a time and place for everything, and often I've found more grey in the world then black and white. I personally believe it's that way for a reason. We were brought here to choose and to have agency, but guess what else? We were brought here to choose right from wrong-but what do we do to know if it is or not? We ask! There is so much grey in the world because were supposed to form a relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Brother Jesus Christ and while I do believe there are some very specific guidelines for everyone to agree on, I also believe someones answer about a topic may be different from the answer you get about the same topic, it  just depends on where you are in life, what you are ready to hear, and how your relationship is with our Father in Heaven. So we can't really say one person is right and the other is not. Chances are, they both are right. It's a hard concept to grasp and thats why so many fall away.

Religion is good. It helps others become a moral people. Though religion can be very hard, difficult, and overwhelming. That's why so many choose simply to just not believe. Following Christ however is easy and doable.  When we know he is there, we can depend on him to do what is asked of us AND that's why it's so important to "take upon his name". Because it means we follow him and when people understand that, it doesn't separate us so much. Most religions belief at the core believe the same thing. We should try to unite and do good for a greater cause and not get so hung up on the minor details. Also when we use the longer title makes it easier to explain the what we believe, why do we certain things, and how we do them because we know its not that Joseph Smith just came up with in his head. We know that what he saw and heard CAME from Heavenly Father and Christ because he actually saw them.

I love discussing theories, and philosophies with any and all who want to. My husband and I talk a lot about politics and how the world/government should work. Everyone has their own thoughts, and I'm not trying to offend anyone by this blog post, but the greatest commandment is to Love one another. I know Christ loves all of us. He loves me and he loves you. If we act with love most often I think we are acting as Christ would. I'm so glad for the gospel and the truth it brings me. I'm so thankful for prayer, but most importantly.. I'm thankful for the atonement. That one day despite my imperfections, if I do all that I can to the best of my ability.. I'll be able to return to Heaven with my loved ones. Because Heaven truly exists. It's here on earth. I see it every day and I never want to loose that. This is my testimony. Amen.