Growing up Mormon

I first recognized my faith in Christ when I was a little girl.

My baby blanket and I had become so attached that I couldn't sleep without it. One night, my precious blanket went missing. I looked everywhere but couldn't seem to find it. Crying, I did the only thing a 6-year-old girl knew how to do -- I ran to my mom.

She took me in her arms and taught me an important lesson that I would never forget. She asked me if I had prayed and asked the Lord to help me find what I was looking for. I hit my knees, bowed my head and my beloved blanket was soon discovered hiding beneath some furniture.

I learned a lot that day.

I learned of my mother's love for me, but more than that, I learned about God's love and willingness to bless even me, a frustrated little girl. My mother taught me to have faith that God would answer my prayers. And since that time, He has never failed to listen.

I grew up a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. More commonly, the Mormons. I'm studying at Brigham Young University, which is nestled in the heart of Utah, where Mormons are by no means minorities.

Needless to say, when I visit my family in Jackson each summer, only two words adequately describe my experience: culture shock. I leave an area where many people know and embrace my religion and find myself surrounded by those who don't know a whole lot about what I believe.

Even those who know little about Mormons have probably heard of the Word of Wisdom. This is our church's formal health code. If we follow it the way we should, it means that we don't drink alcohol, coffee or tea. We also abstain from tobacco and other addictive drugs.

Growing up with this strict health code made things a bit interesting for me. Many times I've had to say no when offered a drink or a smoke. Sometimes I've had to endure snickers or stares, but I'm proud to be able to stick to my beliefs.

Among the common misconceptions about the faith is polygamy, many of them stemming from the recent dilemma with Warren Jeffs, leader of a fundamentalist sect of the church awaiting trial in Utah. First, he is not affiliated with our religion in any way.

Though some break-offs of our church still practice polygamy, it is essential that people understand that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints absolutely does not practice polygamy.

My whole life my good parents have taught me the importance of discovering what I personally believe and then living that, no matter what. I believe the most important reason to have a religion is so we can live it. Each day, we face choices. My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped guide me through these choices.

I am grateful for the chance I have had to live in Southeast Missouri each summer. The area is dotted with churches filled with good Christian people who worship the same Savior who cares even when the littlest sparrow falls to the earth. I'm thankful for my faith. I've loved every minute of growing up Mormon.