tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7260216734032540750.post4161018842219051881..comments2024-02-10T10:20:14.121-08:00Comments on A Daily Scoop: Answer for LeeStephanie Waitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08952237536421682841noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7260216734032540750.post-79215639880854506522010-07-03T11:24:48.713-07:002010-07-03T11:24:48.713-07:00I am one of those lucky women that got to serve a ...I am one of those lucky women that got to serve a mission, and it has been one of the very best experiences of my life. For a year and a half I got to devote my full attention to serving others and serving God. It was not easy, by any means, but it was the biggest blessing I have experienced in my life this far (I'm not married yet and don't have any children). <br /><br />There are people that missions aren't right for, it's a very personal decision, but in going a person learns and grows in ways that are not possible otherwise. Some people might think it's a sacrifice for a young person to go, but I think it's an amazing blessing and opportunity - speaking from experience. :)oldangelgirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01313310839194020213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7260216734032540750.post-14480743588241061702010-06-24T07:26:17.535-07:002010-06-24T07:26:17.535-07:00Anon,
Point noted. I would agree with that especi...Anon,<br /><br />Point noted. I would agree with that especially on your point about "ABLE." I should have included that. There are many who are physically or mentally unable to go.<br /><br />And while it is true that at certain times of war men have not been able to serve missions (many of the apostles fall into this category as the church wouldn't let them go on missions during the war) the standard was set by President Kimball. See full talk here: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=0037ba9ff599b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD<br /><br />He said: "I was asked a few years ago, 'Should every young man who is a member of the Church fill a mission?' And I responded with the answer the Lord has given: 'Yes, every worthy young man should fill a mission.' The Lord expects it of him."<br /><br />To "rightly" choose another path when one is able and worthy is the rare exception. That being said, it is well pointed out in your comment that the decision to not serve a mission for ANY reason does not keep one from any future blessings.Stephanie Waitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08952237536421682841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7260216734032540750.post-84406492322292353952010-06-24T03:22:38.353-07:002010-06-24T03:22:38.353-07:00I would amend that 'all worthy and able young ...I would amend that 'all worthy and <i>able</i> young men are <i>encouraged</i> to go on missions' (not required). <br /><br />I know some young men who wanted to go on a mission, but for reasons other than worthiness, such as physical or mental disabilities, were not able to do so. <br /><br />I also know a few very rare circumstances where the young man was impressed to *not* go on a mission, and instead choose another equally worthy path.<br /><br />Many men in the generations before us were not able to go on a church mission because they were drafted and/or fighting in wars. I know some young men now who have enlisted in the army instead of serving a church mission. I think those decisions can be equally worthy and right, especially in times when our country's freedoms are being threatened.<br /><br />Its also important to clarify that not serving a mission will not prevent one from receiving future ordinances or blessings, or stop future spiritual growth or progression within the gospel. Nothing is withheld from them. There are men who hold 'higher up' callings in our church who didn't serve a mission for whatever reason. <br /><br />I just know a lot of men who either couldn't serve a mission, or had to come home early for reasons out of their control (illness, injury, etc), and they feel so guilty, ashamed, and unworthy about it (even now- years later!). There is such an overwhelming expectation that every.single.man WILL go on a mission and have this awesome experience, and if not...his spiritual life is doomed forever. These are 'good' LDS guys...married in the temple, wife, kids, attends church regularly, has callings, etc. And yet they carry this weight that is slowly damaging their testimony because they feel like they don't measure up. Its really sad and so hard for their wives (my friends).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7260216734032540750.post-56517604215862150682010-06-23T18:28:49.464-07:002010-06-23T18:28:49.464-07:00It did and then some. In addition to serving othe...It did and then some. In addition to serving others, I'm sure there is so much personal growth as well. What a blessing to have that opportunity.Leenoreply@blogger.com