Thursday, April 2, 2009

Did you know...

Did you know that if you’re Mormon* you baptize people by getting them naked and putting them alone in a room?

Did you also know that if you’re Mormon* your church tells you to hate Jews, forbids you from knowing anything about the Bible, demands that you be skinny by starving yourself, and forces to ride a bike or walk everywhere?

Furthermore, did you know that Kenny apparently looks like a Jew?

(Oh the joys of conversing with the mentally ill and homeless...)

My question now is, if you’re not mentally ill, what is your excuse for these ignorant, asinine, tactless accusations? Also, when you begin these “discussions” by using the following statement “You’re Mormon*? Oh, you believe....” please clarify at the beginning whether you are actually telling me what I believe or are in fact trying to ask me what I believe. ‘Cause I can’t tell. If it’s the former, well frankly, I’m not interested in talking to you. I’ve never been a fan of wasting my time on one sided conversations. Have a good day. See ya later (maybe...hopefully not).

That rant aside, I wanted to say how awesome it was to volunteer at Santa Ana’s Mercy House last night. Humbling, sure; heartbreaking, most definitely, but still awesome. It’s good to be slapped in the face with the recognition of all your blessings particularly in contrast to those who have much, much less. It’s also nice to remember that seemingly mundane opportunities (like a daily shower) aren’t available to many people. Being clean and smelling good is a privilege and a blessing - for you and for those within smelling-distance of you! As tight as it might be for everyone right now, most of us are still relatively living the high life. I hope you take the time to recognize it and enjoy it. It’s awesome.

I’ll leave you with this Depression-era photo that sits on my desk at work (in an effort to remind me to work hard and focus on financial security – and to not to shop online all day).


Remember Einstein, folks: it’s all relative. (Also, your personal satisfaction and happiness lie entirely within the realms of your own perspective - choose to be happy).

*Mormon is slang for a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - use our real name already; get it right! And for the record, because I can't trust everyone to be reasonably intelligent or to use common sense, the Mormon "Facts" I listed at the beginning of this post not actual truths, contrary to a certain mentally-ill homeless girl. Come on people, that first one doesn't even make sense.

9 comments:

Kat Clark said...

Isn't it just so grating on your nerves?! I can't stand the one sided conversations you are talking about. Seriously, would you ever walk up to anyone and tell them what they believe or do like you knew it better than they did? Ugh. People like that are obnoxious and exhausting!

Unknown said...

Forget the stimulating conversations with the homeless, I volunteer just so I can get hit on.

Actually, you are right. I am a lot more appreciative of what I have. As much as I complain about my job, thank goodness I still have one (actually two).

Diana and Jon said...

You just described the conversations I have every time I go to work. Especially seeing as how all my patients are, for the most part homeless, and not so with it.

This is the first time in my life that i've actually had to explain what a "Mormon" is and what I really believe. This is a much diferent experience than that in Provo, Utah.

Simcah Reid said...

I love that picture and the perspective. We all need the reminder. Mine and Kenny's grandma used to say Happiness is grateful appreciation.

Jamie & Angela said...

Did you know the origin of the word SLANG is made from Secret Language (S) (LANG) thanks to the barrow boys of London and their cockney rhyming! Well, that's my history lesson for today. Hope you have a good weekend!

kristyn said...

I have to add two other fabulous "facts" about us mormons. According to a high-school friend of mine we have a Mormon Mafia-- so, don't mess! Second, when we get married we consecrate the marriage in front of a priest in the temple (who's the creep/pervert that thought up that one?).

heather said...

thank you for this post. it's so true about how well off most of us are compared to the rest of the world.

and i TOTALLY had a "You're Mormon? so YOU believe..." conversation sunday that left me LIVID. i wish i were as witty and eloquent as you. maybe then i could have let that person know how i feel.

kristyn said...

Ha ha, I just realized that I wrote consecrate instead of consummate. I am an idiot.

Jessica Peterson said...

I think you are wonderful.