Mormons are not the same.
Mormons are not a typical religion. We are very different then many people like. Come to think of it we have more in common with minorities then we think. Have you ever been discriminated because of the color or preference of sexuality? Well take this in kind, Mormons outside are (outside of Utah) a minority in most communities. My dear father has been pushed out of jobs because he is Mormon! Trust me it can happen. That experience has brought me to think and grow upon the similarities of me and other minorities. Now because I may not believe the same as you I still do understand what it is liked to be pushed out of circles and to even have people not want their kids to be around you just because of what you believe.
For many years living in Utah I have always felt like and outsider, very few people have made me feel like I didn't belong. Even in my own religion i have been excused of a few callings when I have tried to follow the guidelines set in the guide books. Being from California I have been cast aside because I may be more relaxed and let things slide. My conclusion is in Utah there are a lot of Mormons, but only have a few have been converted to the religion. You see growing up doing the motions and not really learning the teachings are taught. Forcing your children (or Bribing) to attend seminary or go on missions will result in a monetary reward. Now when you just follow you do not get the full blessings of what is being taught. Following just because and following because you choose to are too different mindsets.
I have taken ownership of my beliefs and my family since I was 23 years old. Even though I grew up in the LDS church I was a black sheep of sorts. I questioned everything from my leaders and parents it has led to many of fights and even a period where I was not aloud in the house. I decided to go on a mission at the ripe age of 20 years old. I returned 10 months after I arrived to the MTC. I learned a lot on my mission. It was the hardest and cruelest time in my life. I was shot at, doors slammed in my face, yelled at, even cussed out at. But my life changed along with my families on November 4th 1996. My brother was killed on his way to work. It is not right to see a brother at the age of 23 years old be buried. I grew to more hatred and anger then anytime in my life. My mission president would not allow me to leave, My other younger brother's mission president let him go. So I grew very angry with my Leader and anything to deal with the church. I think that is my animosity toward Utah Mormons. Most members in the church and in the state of Utah, Have a stigma from living here.
I am no longer angry, I went to my brothers graveside and I was ready to yell and scream at him. I found solace, I found love, I found my Faith.
Thank you for reading
Mr. Crossrds
For many years living in Utah I have always felt like and outsider, very few people have made me feel like I didn't belong. Even in my own religion i have been excused of a few callings when I have tried to follow the guidelines set in the guide books. Being from California I have been cast aside because I may be more relaxed and let things slide. My conclusion is in Utah there are a lot of Mormons, but only have a few have been converted to the religion. You see growing up doing the motions and not really learning the teachings are taught. Forcing your children (or Bribing) to attend seminary or go on missions will result in a monetary reward. Now when you just follow you do not get the full blessings of what is being taught. Following just because and following because you choose to are too different mindsets.
I have taken ownership of my beliefs and my family since I was 23 years old. Even though I grew up in the LDS church I was a black sheep of sorts. I questioned everything from my leaders and parents it has led to many of fights and even a period where I was not aloud in the house. I decided to go on a mission at the ripe age of 20 years old. I returned 10 months after I arrived to the MTC. I learned a lot on my mission. It was the hardest and cruelest time in my life. I was shot at, doors slammed in my face, yelled at, even cussed out at. But my life changed along with my families on November 4th 1996. My brother was killed on his way to work. It is not right to see a brother at the age of 23 years old be buried. I grew to more hatred and anger then anytime in my life. My mission president would not allow me to leave, My other younger brother's mission president let him go. So I grew very angry with my Leader and anything to deal with the church. I think that is my animosity toward Utah Mormons. Most members in the church and in the state of Utah, Have a stigma from living here.
I am no longer angry, I went to my brothers graveside and I was ready to yell and scream at him. I found solace, I found love, I found my Faith.
Thank you for reading
Mr. Crossrds
