I Call it Sharing

Last weekend, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormons, participated in a very important event. Well, it is important to Mormons. Every April and October, they hold what they call 'General Conference.' General Conference is a time when Mormons all over the world stop and listen to the words of the men they consider to be the apostles and prophets of our day. This conference lasts for two days.

I am a Mormon, and I was able to sit at my friend's house in Idaho and listen to the speakers who shared insights to the worldwide membership of the Church. Although the conference center in Salt Lake City is extremely large, it is not large enough for the 14 million members of the church. And not everyone could make it to Utah, USA, anyway, for there are Mormons in nations all across the earth. Because of these reasons, the Church broadcasts general conference over radio, television, and the internet.

It is amazing to hear the words of an actual prophet on two occasions each year. I say actual prophet because we believe that he is as much a prophet as Moses, Abraham, or Joseph of Egypt. Prophets are men who God chooses to speak His words to the people on the earth, conveying messages that instruct God's children in the ways of Happiness. It is easy to often view God as a scary, angry man who sits in some unknown sphere and punishes the people of the earth. Mormons view Him differently; we know He is a loving and caring being who teaches His children commandments that, if followed, open the windows to let in the light of true happiness. If God punishes us for doing wrong, it is because of His deep concern and His desire for us to turn away from darkness and unhappiness and face the light again.

To many, this sounds ludicrous, and Mormons are mocked on every hand for believing in modern prophets. I have experienced this mockery first-hand. I have been yelled at for my beliefs. A pastor of another faith tried to get me and my Mormon friends thrown in prison merely for being Mormons. An attempt has even been made on my life for being a Mormon. And for all this, I will not back down or deny that I know that the God of this earth loves His children as much today as He did anciently, and so He still speaks to us today. What He says through his prophets today is openly available to all. Here is a short video clip of an apostle speaking at a past general conference meeting:



I openly invite anyone who has questions to either visit our church's website (mormon.org) or to leave a comment on this post. A huge part of our religion is sharing the happiness we have found in our faith. God's words from his prophets are for everyone, and you ought to know them and find the peace and joy that can be yours. I hope you accept this invitation. Some may view this article as an attempt to shove my ideologies down their throats. That's not what I'm trying at all. I am happy, and I know why I am happy. I call my invitation sharing.