I am a Christian...

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked if I'm a Christian...after people realize I am a Mormon. My answer is always "of course!"

When we are young, our Primary teachers in church teach us the words to this song...
I belong to The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints. I know who I am, I know God's plan, I'll follow Him in faith. I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ. I'll honor His name. I'll do what is right, I'll follow His light. His truth I will proclaim.

Does Robert Jeffress think these words are lies? And others who swear we are not Christians? That's very judgemental. And not Christian-like at all actually. So let me bear you my personal testimony. I know my Savior and Redeemer is Jesus Christ. I strive daily to follow his example and teachings. I know that He died for us and atoned for our sins so that we may one day return to live with him and our Father in Heaven. I believe the bible to be the word of God and I read, study and ponder it as I try to apply its teachings in my own life. In ADDITION to this, I also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God as it is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Does that sound so different than what Christians believe? It hurts my heart when people proclaim that Mormons are not Christians because I have my Savior in my thoughts daily and pray to Him and our Father in Heaven on a daily basis as well. I attribute my achievements, successes and accomplishments to Him and his guidance in my life. I know more about my religion than the people who claim we are not Christians so what makes them feel the ability to profess that it is a fact that I am not a Christian? I have never been able to understand that and probably never will. My brother has given up two years of his life to do the Lord's work and serve a mission. He is serving people on a daily if not HOURLY basis. He is sharing the gospel and helping those in need, no matter what religion they are. He is one of thousands of young men and women doing this right now. Are you telling me they are not Christians??

So thank you Anderson Cooper for having the wherewithall to stand up to Robert Jeffress and call him out on the ugly things that he had to say. I will not hold it against him but will instead hope that he is one day enlightened to my beliefs and can understand them or at least listen to them with an open heart and mind. I do not expect everyone to believe the same things that I believe. But my beliefs are very personal to me and I can't take it when they are torn down. My personal relationship with my Savior will never falter and I will always have Jesus Christ in my life. Yes, I am a Christian.

I am a huge fan of music. Often the lyrics to songs touch my heart more than any spoken word can. We sing many hymns at church that reiterate the fact that we are Christians. Here are the words to a well known hymn that we often sing in church. It's one of my favorites...


I believe in Christ; he is my King!
With all my heart to him I'll sing;
I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,
In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ; he is God's Son.
On earth to dwell his soul did come.
He healed the sick; the dead he raised.
Good works were his; his name be praised.

I believe in Christ-- my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I'll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.

I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan's grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.

I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I'll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."

I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I'll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.


Do you want to know more about what I believe? Ask me. Or visit www.mormon.org. But please don't listen to people who are not members of my church...because they won't be able to tell you the truth or bear a personal testimony of my beliefs. I can do that. www.mormon.org can do that. The missionaries we have serving throughout the world can do that.

I am a Mormon...a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...a Christian...and a servant of God and Jesus Christ.