Familiarity Among Strangers

Image of sunrise through destroyed buildings

We should develop an appreciation for the diversity around us and see everyone as fellow citizens in the household of God. Anyone who has visited another country may attest that it can be deeply disorienting to exit the plane and find yourself immersed in an unfamiliar culture. I know the… Continue reading

Remembering Who You Are

Young Japanese girls in graduation kimono

“Many traditions can reinforce gospel standards and principles.”  —Elder Donald L. Hallstrom When I was growing up, my family didn’t celebrate a lot of the traditions of our Mexican culture. I think a lot of it was because my parents and extended family members didn’t want to stand out more… Continue reading

Conflicting Cultures: The Role of LDS Women

I was determined to show everyone that I could be an amazing mother and an unstoppable lawyer, yet I felt like no matter what I did, people would be unhappy. One of the most controversial discourses about Mormon culture regards the role of women. The world outside of the Church… Continue reading

Your Role in Our Global Church

girls sitting in a row

Our worldwide church requires each of us to realize that we are greater than our differences. Less than 30 years ago, the Berlin Wall was the ultimate physical symbol of division and uncertainty. Today, that physical boundary has been torn down. But we regularly need to cross cultural boundaries to… Continue reading

To Beard or Not to Beard? The Question on Latter-day Saint Faces

Here are some snippets about growing and shaving beards in LDS Church history. Reflecting on the beards of Brigham Young and numerous other past leaders, some current members may wonder why the Church encourages its male members to be clean-shaven. Questions are especially prevalent among some at Brigham Young University.… Continue reading