The Things I Write About

LDS Members and Government

Agency is vital to our belief system. It is the reason we chose to follow Jesus Christ’s plan instead of the adversary. By choosing the Savior’s plan, we chose to stand for agency. Not just our own agency, but the agency of all mankind. Just as we are free to choose, those who are not LDS have that same right. The eleventh article of faith states “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” We are given religious freedom, and so we must give that same freedom to others.

Agency is not the only reason citizens should not force their beliefs on others. When a society is predominately LDS, the minorities sometimes get over looked. No matter what a person believes, their voice is vital, and should be heard. Early in the restoration of the Church, the saints were severely persecuted. Citizens in the community feared that the “Mormon population” was growing too much, and would force their belief system on others. That fear, fueled the persecution of the early saints. They were forced out of their homes and communities. I live in a predominately LDS community. There are some in my community who push the government to keep laws that are conducive to the LDS faith. While those laws are good, there are those who feel oppressed and limited. To avoid similar resentment and persecution, societies need to ensure that the voice of the minorities is heard.

It is important to give all members of a community the right to have their voice heard, but it is just as important to have peace in a community. There is a distinct line between members and non- members in my community. There is at times contention. Forcing our beliefs on others causes contention. I understand that a predominately LDS community would want to use their vote to make laws that are conducive to the LDS faith because they feel it is their duty. In the Bible, God commanded the Israelites to eliminate all Canaanites from the cities they were taking. This was necessary, because the Israelites were like impressionable children, but it does not apply in today’s world. There is no community that is 100% LDS. Therefore communities need to work together.

With the growth of the Church, there are many LDS predominate communities. While there is security for the members in such communities, it also creates minorities. All citizens of a community have the right to their own beliefs, and to have their voice heard by the government. That is why predominantly LDS communities should not use its majority voting power to make laws that reflect its religious beliefs.

The Need for Hugs

I grew up on hugs. There were many times in my childhood, when I would walk into the kitchen and catch my parents locked in a loving embrace. Seeing my parents swaying and rocking in the ever loving arms of their embrace brought sweet joy to my young life. Seeing my father’s arms gently wrapped around my mother, taught me that he loves and respects her very much. Seeing my mother’s head resting on my father’s chest, while she rocked back and forth in their embrace, taught me that it is okay to take shelter from the scary world in the embrace of a loved one. I remember a time, when one of my older brothers put his arm casually around my shoulders, while we were walking to the bus. Having my brother’s strong arm wrapped around my shoulders, made me feel that I would be safe from any bully. I give credit for my happy childhood to the abundance of hugs that I witnessed and enjoyed.

As I teenager, I needed hugs no less than I needed them as a child. Hugs became more casual for me during those important adolescent years. An embrace from close friends were how we said hello and good-bye. During days of insecurity, receiving a hug from a friend in greeting made me feel loved and appreciated. There is no pain in my life that hasn’t felt better after an embrace. I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have hugs as a teenager. Being a teenage girl was not easy, and there were times when I would be consumed by grumpiness. Hugs would sooth my ravaged soul. No matter how angry, hurt, or crazy I felt, a warm hug from someone who cared for me would calm and comfort me.

As an adult, hugs changed for me. I needed them more than any time in my life. It was my turn to be caught by my children, hugging their father in our kitchen. There was no sweeter feeling than having my husband’s strong arms wrapped around me. While we rocked and swayed in our loving embrace, I felt loved and needed. What rapture, to be interrupted in our embrace, by our excited children eager to join in. I love it when our family snuggles. My children are just like me. They live for hugs. I notice them hugging each other, embracing their friends, and always seeking snuggles from their mother who loves them. I catch them steeling a hug from our large and fluffy dog, which is so easy to hug. I see them taking comfort during times of sadness from a warm embrace, either from their favorite stuffed animal, our dog, or their father and me. I feel the sweet joy as I hug the precious children in my care.

I believe in hugs. If it were not for the existence of hugs, life would be cold and hard. Hugs are for comfort and support, to sooth my soul, and to show affection to all those I care about. I like to share my hugs with those I feel need it. Whether young or old, anyone would benefit from a loving embrace from a person who cares.

You are my lifesaver. Before you came into my life, I didn’t fall asleep easily. I would lay awake in bed, tossing and turning. Every little street light and car light flicker would tear me out of my slumber. Every stressful thought I had throughout the day would linger in my mind, making sleep impossible. Before you, I would lay in bed hoping that someday I would find what I needed to bring the sweet joy of slumber into my life. When I saw you sitting on the shelf of my favourite book store, I knew that I had to have you. I picked you up to take a closer look, and I knew that you were what I needed.

I remember our first night together. I was nervous and worried that your presence wouldn’t help me, but your soft, warm and comforting touch replaced my nervousness with peace. I will always remember our first night together and how rested you made me feel in the morning. Since you came into my life, sleep is easier for me. I am no longer plagued by the street or car lights outside my room. Your soft touch on my face has helped me release the stresses of the day, so my mind is clear of thoughts and worries. You brought restful sleep into my life, and for that I am eternally grateful to you.

I love the way you softly wrap you pink straps around my head at just the right tension. Your soft hug on my face is not too tight, but tight enough to make me feel secure in your embrace. Your soft grey fabric feels like clouds caressing my eyes. You are the perfect match for me. I have never met any other face mask with as much style and grace as you have. I plan on giving you as much love and care as you have given me in our brief time together. See you tonight my love.

Love,

Heather