I Feel For You

Now I don't know if you would call this an opportunity, but it was definately an experience!

The other day I worked with this new guy at work. He is not normally from my store so it was the first time we had ever met.
So being social, we we're asking the usual, "where are you from? What do you do outside of work? What are your plans for this weekend?"
And that is where the conversation sparked.

He refused to believe I was a Mormon.
Like flat out refused.

So I asked him why he was finding it so hard to believe (mind you EVERYONE else at work knows I am, hence no work Sunday and we play a game called "pick the Mormon" ). His answer was one I have never heard before.
"You don't act like one, like you use electricity."

Sorry, what?!?!?! Electricity? Most of the western population uses electricty at some stage.
"Ah, I think you may have us confused with the Amish."

"No, no I don't. I know the Amish. "

"Ok, but I am yet to meet a Mormon who is against electricity. "

"So prove to me then that you're a Mormon. What do you believe?" What is this guy's problem?? Pretty sure if I'm a Mormon, I would know if I'm ok with electricity or not, far out!

"Well, we're Christians. We believe in Christ, God and the Holy Ghost. Except we believe that they are 3 seperate entities and that they are also one entity called a Godhead.
We don't drink alcohol, coffee, tea, do drugs, no sex before marriage and all that stuff."

"So you've never drunk alcohol?"

"No." I am so sick of this question! My entire life, I am so sick of this question! Nevermind the coffee statement, let's focus on the grog.

"Ever?" I don't know if No means something else where you come from, like maybe, but to me it means no.
"No. Never, except for like vanilla essence and medicine." Thankfully that got a laugh :)

"Do you believe in The Bible?"

"The King James Version yes, as far we know that it is translated right."
And this is where it all fell apart. Apparently he has no belief in the bible, in Christ, in God in anything.
He finds everyone that believes in religion to be stupid. Especially those that have "strict rules".
The more he ranted to me, the more I felt bad for him.
I didn't even try to argue, I stated my beliefs and left it at that whilst he continued to aggravate himself.
I thought to myself "How sad that you can't see the good in religion, in having beliefs and a moral compass to guide your decisions." I didn't feel anger at him for belittling my beliefs, I just felt sad that he'll miss out on some amazing things. How sad to believe that this - life - is it!

Later that night as I was telling my husband about, I realised the clear difference in my life and his (my co-worker). All he has is a casual job, a half finished degree and drinking every night, "for fun", by himself or with his housemate.
I have a wonderful husband, I have hobbies beyond work, like sewing, blogging and clothes design, I can remember what I do for fun and a clear direction I want my life to go.

I hope this guy finds a slice of happiness soon, because I really feel for him and how sad he must really be.
And I am grateful that The Church has given me my life and direction. It's influence has affected my whole life, and no where can I point to a time where it has been a negative impact. I need to remember that more often - The Church and it's teachings have only ever been a positive impact on my life. Ever.

Why Be Modest?

Just a quick link to my post on my fashion blog about being modest and why it's more than just a religious guideline - It's a way of life (I now religion is a way a life, but you know what I mean) xx
http://www.all-yours-styling.com/why-modesty/