The pondering heart of a mother - what is it that scares people about our beliefs?

I know in our world today there are so many misunderstandings & myths about the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), also referred to as the "Mormon" church.

My heart is broken tonight as a son of mine came to me to tell me of many who have said to him... that they feel &/or believe "We" ( because we are Mormons.. or "LDS") are bad? As we seem to have a way of brainwashing people, youth, & children. That their children aren't allowed to be around our kids anymore - because of what we believe.

I ponder daily what makes people criticize us or dislike us because of our beliefs?

I don't understand what is scary about a member of our church being kind to others. Trying to be friends with those who have nobody to sit with at lunch. For sticking up for the child who is always pushed around, for bringing a plate of cookies or a meal unexpectedly to a friend who is in need or experieneced a loss, or spending time shoveling the neighborhood walks, or inviting your friends, neighbors, (etc.) to a fun youth dance or meeting.

Is there something wrong with youth who are taught early in life about the dangers of substances that alter our ability to make decisionis for ourself or harm our bodies & then CHOOSE on their own not to drink, smoke, swear, & have pre-marital relations that aren't appropriate outside the bonds of marriage? Is there something wrong with our families not supporting R rated movies, nudity, & violence, etc?

I don't understand what is scary or wrong with a home where happiness abounds when there is genuine respect one for another exsists. Where wives draw closer to their husbands, and husbands are more appreciative of their wives, and children are happy, as children are meant to be. Where there is respect in the home.

These things we do & believe in bring such comfort into my life - in a world where so many seem to turn a blind eye, a deaf ear, and a calloused heart to the teachings of Jesus and a code of decency.

I am so grateful for a husband who comes home each night, who chooses to be coherent, available, who lovingly & willingly interacts with our children, loves them, helps them with their homework, helps me with the laundry & the dishes. Who loves me & shows it. I know of so many women who don't have that & would give anything for a wonderful Husband like I have!!!

Our family is not perfect, we will never claim to be. But, the Gospel of Jesus Christ & the Church that we belong to is perfect for us! I will not apologize for it, nor it's teachings. We are so grateful to have it in our lives, in our family, & to have all the help & guidance it gives to us in our family, teaching our teenagers & children to be the best that we can.

What is scary or bad about a church or organization who teaches & encourages it's members to provide for their own & to work hard & to be honest in all our dealings with others? This has brought so much peace of mind to our family, not to have to worry about debt collectors or having people knocking at our door wanting money we don't have due to living beyond our means. What other organizations teach & encourage it's members to serve one another & to watch out for those around them?

I am grateful for a latter-day prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who counseled us most recently in Oct. to be more charitable instead of judgemental & crtical of others, he asked us to be more grateful, & to make the best choices that will lead to good consequenes & results, (& many more things too.) What is wrong & scary with that? Who wouldn't want a friend or a spouse who lived up to this counsel or at least tried as hard as they could to do these things?

I do not sit here & write this to make anyone upset.... I hope that anyone who has taken the time to read this, might just think for a moment. What is it, that you want most in your life? Do you have it? If not - where can you find it? If not - why don't you have it?

The gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed my life every day & made me who I am. I live my life as an open book & I try to be very honest & open with how I feel & all the many things my family & I do. I truly believe - those who really know me or my family would see that we aren't here to cause harm, to brainwash anyone, or to hurt someone. It makes me wonder - what it is that we do wrong or that scares others with how we live our lives?

If I have ever offended or mistreated anyone of you reading this note - I truly apologize! As I would never seek out to purposly inflict pain or harm to anyone. I daily teach my children of how I hope & dream they will treat others as I know & have experienced the "mean-ness" of the world & know how heartbreaking it can be. But, I don't want to focus on that - as there is Much Happiness & Hope in the world. We truly believe in what we are taught, in our church & try to conciously practice its teachings daily!!

For those who criticize & fear us for any reason - I hope you will know that we love you & your families & only seek to do good in the world & to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

My sincere <3 & the ponderings of my heart tonight ~ Jeanna