Hey Guys! Its Tuesday
Some of you may have seen this..and some of you even know this gal.
May I introduce a childhood friend
Sarah Shumway of
From DC to BC
This gal is both smart and a talented writer....AKA has a ROCKSTAR blog!
SEVERAL months back she wrote a
response to a
CNN article regarding young adults and religion.
It spread like WILDFIRE and I meant over and over to write my response as well.
But life became life and it didn't happen.
But the topic is something I don't want to die....so lets bring it up again yes???
(please excuse the novel you are about to read....I will try to be appropriately concise...but y'all know me...NOT my strongest skill!)
Why I Am Staying.
1. Cause everything else is changing....I need the stability!
Everything in my life seems to be changing at WARP speed. New job. New place. NEW NEW NEW
The Church is the only stable thing in my life frankly. No matter where I go there is a congregation for me to attend. A congregation that teaches the same things as every other congregation.
I know I am not the only young single adult (YSA) who has a rapidly changing life. It is a classic characteristic of emerging adulthood. Changing relationships, transitioning social circles, educational advancements, career evolution, relocation and self determination. And for me religion, specifically my church and my religion has greatly helped me cope with all this change.
2. Cause I need people!
I'm a pretty social person. And the same way the Church has provided me with stability it has also provided me with an essential support system. Church has provided me with a home away from home, a stand in family when mine couldn't be there. Members of our church takes care of each other (physically and emotionally) and I am so grateful for that
On top of the support system it gives me some social interaction I might not have otherwise. Its hard to meet people as a YSA. The bar scene isn't super conducive to relationships that aren't potentially disastrous (friendships and romantic relationships). Church gives me a group of people who are in similar places in their lives who can be my other option on a Friday night.
3. Cause I'm not perfect!
Surprise surprise right? My religion provides with many opportunities and ways to become closer to my Savior Jesus Christ. Though I strongly believe I don't NEED organized religion to be close to my Savior (I'm a HUGE believer in spirituality over religiosity but that is a topic for another day!) I do also strongly believe that my religion give me tools to be closer to my Savior.
Through Church I am able to learn more about Jesus Christ and how to be more like Him. I am able to partake in ordinances of the priesthood that give me extra help and comfort as I navigate this crazy life!
4.Cause I learn soo much!
Of course any church teaches you lots. We go to church for 3 hours every week...so lots of time to study and discuss things of a religious nature. We study the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants (other canonized scripture) in Sunday School as well as the teachings of modern-day prophets and general doctrines of the church. Lessons could be about Daniel in the lions den or the Word of Wisdom (our "law" of health). They could be about dealing with trials well or about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Its a mixed bag...and often since I grew up in the church its something I've already heard or already know. But the repetition and variety is never a problem for me. I always learn something new, or see something in a different light.
On top of scriptural and doctrinal knowledge, being a member of my church means that I learn a great deal about other people, organization, preparation, and responsibility. Our church has what is called a lay ministry. AKA the members of the church run the congregation. I have been a leader in the women's organization, music leader, a teacher, and a director of service projects. All of these responsibilities have given me life long training in planning activities and running organizations effectively.
On top of this, I have learned so much about people and interacting with people. Our church is diverse in background, beliefs and personalities. I am immensely grateful for the social skills that being a member of this church has taught me. I am also incredibly grateful for having opportunities to learn how serve when it isn't easy, be tolerant of those I disagree with and to understand those who are different from me.
5. Because it makes me happy.
Sometimes my religion can be frustrating. When I am trying to find clothes that are fashionable and meet my religious modesty standards.....or when I have extra meetings all day on Sunday...or when I just don't want to fulfill a responsibility cause I'm just too busy, overwhelmed or tired.
BUT....
In general the occasional frustration is IMMENSELY outweighed by the happiness that comes from having wonderful friends. From having opportunities to serve. From learning. From hearing comforting and uplifting words. From applying the doctrine and counsel to my life.
And so that is why I stay. That is why I won't be going anywhere soon!
So why are you staying in your religion? Why are you going to your church?
(If you would like more information...please visit this website or post questions in the comment box below)
