So, back the day, when people asked me what religion I identify with, I would say "I'm sort of Mormon, but don't really practice.
But when I got to Vegas, I found myself on a journey called "Finding the Faith Once Again."
I began attending church regularly, I think about how non-judgemental our ward is and I think it has definitely helped with me feeling comfortable at church again.
I obtained a current temple recommend. I keep it in my wallet. Constantly seeing it, helps me remember who I am, and the standards that piece of paper in its cover, and reminds me of the standards I am to uphold. And the covenants that I am to keep with my Father in Heaven.
I obtained a job, but before I was even offered the job, I let them know that I do not work on Sundays for religious observations. They have never had a problem granting me this desire, and they respect it.
Now, when people ask the question, "what religion do you practice?
I simply state: "I am a Mormon." I actually told my boss at work for the first time that I am Mormon yesterday. She had no idea. The only reason I told her that I was Mormon cause there is an investigation going on at work about.... drama....to keep it short. Her response was: I don't know much about all the religious holidays, but if there are any Mormon holidays, just let me know, and you can have them off. Say what?! OKAY! The only Mormon holiday I can possible think of is Pioneer Day.
I don't wear a sign that screams hey I am a Mormon, but when I am asked about it, I will tell them.
Me telling people what religion I practice has led to some very interesting conversations. When I first met a person named Mitchell, he asked me how many husbands and wives were going to be involved in my family. I explained to him, that you can not be a Mormon and be a polygamous at the same time. I also explained to him that there are different branches of the Mormon church, but they are in deed not part of the true LDS church. I recently had this exact same conversation with another worker.
I have had a person ask me "why is there a golden dude on top of the church building?" I explained to him that its angel Moroni.
I have had people ask: Why do Mormon's believe that black people are the devil?" I honestly couldn't answer this question. You can't answer such poorly stated, question... Or should I say attack? I'm pretty sure if I thought black people were the devil, I wouldn't be working with Black people.
I have had people ask me "Does the Book of Mormon start out the same way the bible does in the garden of Eden?" My response was, no, it starts out with Nephi and Lehi. His repsonse: "The WHAT?!"
I have had to explain to people why I dress the way I do. My typical dress at work is jean shorts, and a white t-shirt. I have told him that my shoulders have to be covered, and my shorts have to go to at least my knees. He tried to convince me that if I found that perfect dress that didn't have sleeves, I would wear it. And I told him that no I wouldn't. I haven't said anything about the true reason why I can't wear immodest clothes. And I'm not sure how to, or if I should.
I have told people that because of my religion, I have never had a cigarette, or an alcoholic drink, drink coffee nor do I watch rated R movies.
One day this past week, there was a bunch of cupcakes that showed up to work.
I asked my coworker if the chocolate ones were any good. This is how the conversation went:
Him: the cake was good, but the frosting is really weird.
Me: really, why is that?
He said: Its Mocha flavored, I think. Yeah, it is. Stop T do not have any!
Me: Really? That is weird. So... why are we feeding them to a bunch of kids? Thank you for letting me know.
He re tasted the cupcakes and determined that it was butterscotch frosting, and that I could indeed eat them.
That's right, my friends at work, not only know my standards, but they respect them, and help me live them. That is what true friends are made out of.
So, basically over the last few months I have embraced the fact that I am Mormon, being mormon is what has made me who I am. And I am proud of it.
