Do you feel your beliefs and values are shared by most of the people you are surrounded by each day? Or do your beliefs set you apart from those around you?
The answer to both questions is “Yes”. Allow me to elaborate:
Less than half of all those living in Salt Lake are LDS. Not all LDS are active. Though many wards have great support and members work well together, there are just as many whose members may go through the motions each Sunday but may not carry it out the remaining six days – like the “Come Follow Me Program” - I’m just curious. Although I have good friends in the Church who really do live a Christian life 24/7, I didn’t often feel my values were the same as others living in Salt Lake. As a whole, I usually felt so uptight with the hurriedness, the crime, profanity, dysfunctional relationships, etc. I was part of the minority – which is not a bad thing. Evidently, I’ve been part of the minority my entire life but was unaware.
Here, in the entire state of Oregon, the LDS population is less than 4%. In Myrtle Creek at least half the population share standards, values and beliefs that are common enough to hold to the community together. Overall I see people who serve others, who are concerned for others’ welfare, and who live Christ-like lives. Oh, I know not everybody does. There is still evidence of crime, profanity and dysfunctional relationships. But I haven’t been uptight or experienced the stress that I did while in Salt Lake. I miss my friends and family that I left behind. I value the friendships I have made in Oregon. I am more at peace.
Of course, some of my beliefs are different than those around me. As I explained in this post, my views on death are different than the average. The LDS church is the only I know of in which the talks that are delivered during the meeting each week are given by members of the congregation and not the same minister each week. In fact, I will be delivering a sermon tomorrow in my ward.
Many of my values are based on religion and the way I was raised. I'm grateful for my values.
Many of my values are based on religion and the way I was raised. I'm grateful for my values.
