In Your Own Words is a regular sampling of online articles, blog posts and social media that represent some of the current conversations about Mormonism. The posts in this series do not necessarily represent the views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nor are they meant to be a comprehensive summary of the online conversations about the Church. The intent is to highlight social media content from individuals that will help journalists and the public better understand Mormonism.
Focusing on Family at the Ogden Utah Temple Open House
The Church's Ogden Utah Temple public open house, which continues through 6 September, has many talking about and posting photos of the importance of family.
Such a beautiful place! Glad I'm stuck with these four forever.
So blessed to live in Utah with temples all around us. Families are forever!!💜
For many of the millions of people who have toured a Mormon temple during an open house, what is felt is often more impactful than what is seen. One blogger who toured the Ogden Utah Temple this week described it this way:
The line for the pre-tour movie moved quickly, but in the movie itself my 18-month-old was wiggly. I played with him and bounced him and did everything I could think of to keep him from wiggling. The images of temples and words of prophets flowed past me; I couldn’t really focus. But a line from Elder [Jeffrey R.] Holland caught my attention: that if we are in heaven without our families, it isn’t really heaven.
That feels true to me. It feels right. There is a deep sweetness I have experienced only in the temple, and only when there with family, a flavor of the Spirit I have never had elsewhere or under different circumstances.
And another blogger shared these feelings after her temple tour:
When we leave, I always take a bit of the temple’s peace, hope, love, and beauty with me. Soon life presses upon me and I know then that I need to return again to refresh my soul, to be reminded who I am, why I am here, and where I can go if I remain faithful.
I think God has always known that we need to be strengthened and to be reassured that He is always near. This is the reason He provided temples on the earth in ancient times and why we have temples now.
Respecting the Sacrifice of Mormon Missionary Service
On Twitter, a high school football player in Utah expressed his respect for young Mormons who decide to serve full-time missions.
Mormon or not, you gotta respect a kid who will leave all their family, friends, and possessions for 2 years to preach what they believe.
— King Shmurda™ (@maurice_cannon) August 28, 2014And on Instagram, a sister describes the respect she has for her brother, who recently returned from a Mormon mission.
Home after two years in Mexico. Can't begin to describe the pride and love I have for Avery, I look up to him more than anyone in the world. So grateful to have you for an older brudder.
Being a Mormon Means Following Jesus Christ
Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. One member notes that following Jesus Christ means serving everyone — not just fellow Mormons.
Post by Samantha Keyes.
Many Mormons make the study of scripture a lifelong pursuit. A young female missionary shared a principle taught in the Book of Mormon that explains how Christ helps her identify her weaknesses so she can transform them into strengths.
Valuing the Divine Work of Motherhood
A woman in St. George, Utah reminds is that there is no such thing as "just a Mom."