Al Fox: Tattooed Mormon : My Response to gossip and judgement

Wow. That is the word that kept going through  my mind when I read this article. Her words were so true it was empowering. Al Fox's article is about her being a new convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (aka Mormon Church) and her new move to Utah. She didn't know why the Lord wanted her there. She took the long journey to the beehive state in search of a new life and following the Lord

It goes on to say how people judged her for her appearances, her tatoos to be exact, that were done before her conversion. She felt hurt, judged, misplaced and overall confused of why the Lord sent her here. She now knows her reason for being here. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765626083/Al-Fox-Tattooed-Mormon.html?pg=1  

I was just overwhelmed at how personal and real this post was. I feel her pain in a different way. Kyle and I made this journey to Utah because we wanted new and better things. We wanted the spiritual aspect of Utah. I wanted BYU. I wanted the culture. I am not from Utah, and I wasn't raised in a normal Mormon family home, so I understand where she is coming from not being raised here. Utah Mormon's are different than what I am used to in Texas. We made a risk by jumping here, but it's worked out because we trusted the Lord and that is a fact! 

My favorite part is the way she spoke to those particularly who struggle. To those who were judged, gossiped about, mistreated just because of their decisions in life. I know this all too well. I know in my heart and soul that all the major decisions in my life have been made with the Lord in mind. Getting married civilly,  moving to Utah, being sealed for time and all eternity, being a homemaker with little money, and so on. I have seen the fruition of all these decisions that have been judged by others, and those people know exactly who they are. These decisions come with trials and hardship, but the blessings always overcome them. If this were a year ago, I might have been crying or worrying every second what these people think about me and my decisions.  Now I have grown so much. The reason is because I turn to the Lord for judgement and NO ONE ELSE. I am much happier because of it. I am sealed to my soul mate because of it. I am taken care of by the Lord and my husband. I am going to school, receiving a great education. My husband is going to school, working very hard, supporting me financially  physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have (for the first time in my life) a residing Priesthood holder in my home. Life is good! 

All these emotions came to me while reading that article. I hope other's read it and feel inspired to share their stories and help others that are going through what you have already conquered  Go and help someone. Talk to a stranger at church, or in class. My new years resolution this year was to not gossip. I have been on the other end, and it was a horrible feeling. I do not want to be like the ones that talked about me when I needed some to talk to. I want to be a light for anyone that needs it. Gossiping and being judgmental drives the spirit away and I highly encourage people to think twice before they engage in such an act. 

I had to take a hard look into what I was doing and how I felt when it was done to me. I repented and am trying to make a difference. Again, think twice before you gossip, especially about family or close friends. 

Be proud of yourself for who you are and what you're doing with the blessings you are given! Use  them to help others! That is truly the work of Christ!