Defending My Beliefs: Is It Worth It?

So I'm sure that most of you have heard about the (somewhat) NEW "I'm A Mormon" media blitz. We learned about it last week in church and watched a lot of the ads. I felt extremely proud and inspired by all of this. The picture above is one of the ads that is up in the middle of Time Square in New York City. How awesome is that? They are and will be everywhere (subway's, taxi's, billboards, tv, etc.) I can't wait to see all of the positive effect's this will have and the positive feedback from those around me. But as Mormon's we also know what else it will bring...religious persecution...and probably some very bad persecution from those who already have personal vendetta's against us.

Today while surfing the web I decided to Google (what is it with me and Google HA) articles regarding these ads. I knew there were bound to be some and I was prepared for the worst. I was pleasently surprised by some, and completely shocked by others. There was one in particular that a Mormon girl wrote in the Salt Lake Tribune (I would post the link but I don't want to lead any of you to that crap)that left me floored. She was in complete disagreement with this whole media blitz. Now I understand not everyone will agree with it, (Mormon's and non-Mormon's alike)but it was the things she was saying that made my blood boil. Just to name a few...

"But these ubiquitous ads are also drastically misleading. Come to one of our meetinghouses on any given Sunday and you’d be hard-pressed to find a group of faithful like those represented in the “And I’m a Mormon” advertising blitz."

"Sadly, as a whole we are far less interesting than what the ads have masterfully conveyed. Generally speaking, we are collectively a boring people. We might try to mix it up — sometimes serving ethnic fare at our ward dinners or altering the tempo of a hymn, but for the most part, as a group, we are steadfast, obedient, charitable, fertile and a bit dull."

"But really, is there much difference between people joining my religious ranks because of these well-crafted advertisements and those who join because they had a little crush on the cute and kind missionary who taught them?"

Why would someone say these things about her own religion? Clearly this had to have been a prayerful decision and one approved by our leaders. Now don't get me wrong, people are allowed their own opinions, BUT as Mormon's I feel that we are under ENOUGH fire from outside sources. As a member of the church, why would you encourage them? Now they can say "Well I saw this article where this Mormon said this...so it must be FAKE or a POLITICAL PLOY or another CRAZY Mormon idea." Why would you add to the persecution of your OWN people? Don't even get me started on the comments. TONS of non-Mormon's were praising her and her ability to stand up to and call foul on her "Cultish Religion". As I read the comments I went from complete FURY to complete sadness. I even cried a little (shhh). I still am in awe at how people can be completely cruel with NO REMORSE. I could never ever say the things people were saying in those comments to ANYONE no matter how much I disagree with them. There were many times as I was shuffling through the comments on all these different articles where I wanted to comment back, speak my peace, tell them about all the good things our religion has done for my life, all the GOOD people I know and love that ARE extraordinary like those you see in these ads, say something so completely perfect that they would have nothing to say but SORRY. Sorry for being so cruel to people who would show you nothing but kindness if you were to walk into one of our church services. Sorry for spreading terrible rumors and shading the truth. I think about these people that say such hurtful untrue things and I bet half of them have never even come into contact with a Mormon. I know that there are some "bad apples" in the LDS religion but aren't there "bad apples" in every aspect of life? People claim we are so judgemental and close-minded yet THEY judge us and aren't OPEN to our religion. I believe there is a word for that...HYPOCRITE. I feel that it is so simple to understand and to break down yet they can't understand that by them being SO HATEFUL toward something they know little to nothing about, they are NO BETTER than what they claim us to be. Which makes me wonder:

Is it worth it? Worth it to defend myself, my family, my friends, everything I believe to such heartless people? The bitter side of me says NO...they aren't worth it. They don't deserve to hear my feelings about something so sacred to me. Then I think about being Christ like. That's always the hard one. What would He do? He would love them and I have to do the same. Defending my beliefs is 100% necessary for me, which probably doesn't come as a surprise to most of you who know me. For once though I would like to do it through my actions not my words. This is where I will use the attention of the ads to do good. To break the mold of what people THINK is a Mormon. I remember a time where I was somewhat ashamed to tell people I was Mormon because of the responses I would get. Now I don't give a damn. I am so proud to be who I am and to believe what I believe. Mormon's are extraordinary the way these ads say they are. You know how I know this? Because I see and I've seen it with my own eyes for the past 22 years. Now tell me those of you who speak so hatefully against us, how do you know this? Last time I checked "actions speak louder than words".

Now that I've completely gone on a rant..haha here are some of those incredible ads that I find to be so inspiring...enjoy :)