When my father moved to Utah for graduate school, being introduced to the Mormons, was new for him. Seeing missionaries and having them visit his home often, also became common. Though he was a tougher one to crack, my father eventually was baptized. That story is simple, yet wonderful, and will be told another time.
And so it was. My father the convert, who had to adjust not only culturally to Utah, but also had to shift his life religiously. As I grew up,my father made it always very clear that we would not be sheltered and ignorant to other religions. He taught us tolerance, acceptance and love to all those who came our way who were not LDS. Some parents worry, that letting their children attend other churches and their services, would sway them away from their previous and current faith. And rightfully so. But that never was the case of my parents, and not to mention, us children either. We were introduced to the Episcopal church from the time we were born.
My parents are strong, active and faithful members. They shared their testimony often of the gospel. So it was never confusing for me to go and be in another church, among other members of a different faith. It was always explained to me that they were God's children too and that the Savior was also present among them.
I had my eyes opened early on to these concepts, and my love for others, especially not of my faith, grew.
Since my faith and testimony of the LDS gospel was solid, I never felt any source of yearning to be a member of any other faith. But I do cherish my time growing up, in the Episcopal church.
A common misconception, is that some people think that they will not be able to feel the spirit in other places, let alone other churches, that is not their own. Oh how wrong this is! I still remember fondly, visiting my grandmother over Easter when I was 14. She took me to their Easter service, and it was so full of music, scripture and I felt so grateful and uplifted.
Every Christmas Eve, we went to Midnight Mass. There are full choirs, praises of the Christ and unity of the members, who are there to remember his birth. I remember sitting on the hard benches, the songbooks, reciting the "Lord's Prayer" and learning the ins and outs of how the services were done.
Mom and dad would always during the services lean over and let me know that "This is how we differ from them" or "Remember how we learned that Christ, the Lord and the Holy Ghost are all different beings? How lucky we are to know that." Or " Joseph Smith taught us this..." or "The Book of Mormon actually teaches us this..." They also always had us donate a few bucks, when the donation tray was passed around.
I always knew the differences between my religion and others. I always knew in what ways our beliefs were different. I enjoyed my time in the Episcopal church, but I did feel sad that no one around me, knew the same joy I did. I felt sad they didn't understand or could grasp some of our most valued knowledge and doctrine of the church. I knew I was a member of the true church, and so often I wanted to jump up and share our glad message. Luckily, I have had plenty of opportunities to speak with many non members and impart to them my testimony. But I did appreciate all the loving people, the spirit I felt, and the knowledge that Christ loves all his children.
This experience I grew up with, helped me when it came to having non member family with us. It helped in my making friends of other faiths. It helped me on my mission bear witness. It helped me with missionary work not only in the field, but in my daily life. It helped strengthen my own testimony that indeed, The Church of Jesus Christ is the one and only true church on the earth.
Thank you dad. Thank you for all you taught us and for your love of Christ. Thank you for teaching me to have an open mind and heart, and to witness for myself, that Christ loves all His children. Thank you for your strong testimony and dedication to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. :)
Comments