• Ashley Kaye's articles,  Effects of Trauma on the Family,  Healing,  lds culture,  Love

    Are you REALLY happy?

    There was a speaker at the last general conference, that told a story about a girl’s boyfriend that recently left the church and he said to her that “he has never been happier”. She asked how could that be possible? The speaker went on to quote scripture and stated, “there is simply no enduring joy outside of the gospel of Jesus Christ”. I actually agree with that statement but not in the way you think. Here is an epiphany that I had recently, “whatever you believe is what binds or frees you”. If you believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and you don't follow the rules and guidelines you…

  • Acceptance,  Gerry Baird articles,  lds culture,  Love,  Mormon Culture,  welcoming

    Boundless Love

    Recently a family member went to the temple for an important life event and I was unable to attend due to some personal struggles. Of course, I’d heard of people experiencing this “being left out” associated with Mormon temple ceremonies such as endowment and marriage, but I never thought I’d be the one sitting in the waiting room. It hurt even more when I was blamed for it. “This was one of the most important days of my life, and you weren’t even there with me.” “I would have been, dear, if you’d been a little more patient.” I regret the events that combined with my personal imperfections and decisions…

  • Gerry Baird articles,  lds culture,  Mormon Culture,  welcoming

    Freedom to Worship

    In many of the LDS Church classes I’ve attended, the size of Church membership has been compared to the population of the planet. This comparison is often used in conjunction with the term “salt of the earth” to convey the idea that members need to be as pure as possible in order to accomplish the great work of spreading the gospel. Terms such as “Babylon”, “the world”, and “Gentiles” are used to describe those who are not LDS. In Mormon temples, work is done for the dead. This too is seen as part of the saving work of the Church. The impression one gets as a young LDS person is…

  • Acceptance,  Empathy,  fellowshipping,  Gerry Baird articles,  Healing,  Love,  Mormon Culture

    Casting Stones

    All growing up, I dreamed of serving an LDS mission. I don’t know why I wanted it so much. Perhaps because it was expected of me. Maybe it was the idea of going on an adventure in a foreign country, learning a foreign language or getting away from Mom and Dad for a couple years that was most appealing. I had a testimony and wanted to share it, but when the time came there was a tough choice to make between a prophet’s commandment and a pretty girl. I chose the girl. This choice branded me in LDS culture. I was different. Being asked privately where I served a mission…

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