I have been reading, listening and watching the new distraction in the Republican race for the presidency — Mormons are a cult.  There are so many more things that the Republican candidates need to be worried about and it certainly does not include whether two of their potential candidates are members of a cult.   Being a member of the The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints, I have heard this term slung around.  I never pay much attention because I know better.  I know what and who I believe in.  The thing I don’t understand is why there are those out there that still believe this.  Just go look at any LDS chapel and the words Jesus Christ are right on the building.  Do people think it’s a front for something else?  I am beginning to think so.  Being from a small town in Southwestern Oklahoma,  we knew what was going on in some of the churches in town.  Instead of saying anything, we just kept doing what we always did and that was be  good citizens of our small town.  There is an organization in town called Church Women United.  This organization meets twice a year and holds luncheons with speakers in different churches in town.  I am pleased that the LDS Church has been host many times and will host once again in November.  My mom is the treasurer for this organization.  She said it was really neat to see the faces of the women come into the church and see all of the pictures of Christ adorning the walls.  She said it was like a light bulb went off in their heads.  These are the type of experiences we need to be making.  Mormons do not need to address those who use names that are negative.  The pastor that started this whole thing may wish he hadn’t.  He has started a firestorm of people wanting to know what LDS believe.  It is also heartening to see the many positive columns and comments made about this whole distraction.  I really don’t care what church someone attends.  I really believe that this world would be a much better place if we all stood up for what we believe in, show compassion and service to our fellow man and love those around us.

If you want to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints go to http://www.mormon.org 

As I was laying in my bed suffering from a terrible case of strep throat, the executive director called me.  He told me he was truly sorry for his words.  He tried to explain what he meant, but I didn’t really believe it.  However, he did call me and did apologize so for that I am glad.  Being an executive director of a non profit organization has to be a slippery slope.  So many people from all different backgrounds and one comment where foot is inserted into mouth and bam that’s it.  Of course, he didn’t lose his job and that was not my intention.  I just wanted to bring it to the attention of the organization and hopefully to his.  That was accomplished.  Being involved in organizations that can potentially help people, find a cure for an awful disease like Crohn’s and getting the word out about the disease is empowering.  I could have very well written off this experience and never thought about CCFA again, however, I want to help because I am a sufferer of Crohn’s.  It doesn’t define me, but it certainly is a part of the puzzle that is me.  I hope this never happens, however, next time I want to able to make that snappy comeback and move on.