Because I have been given muchFebruary 8th, 2008 @ 5:01 am
We now know that I can’t pee standing up, that my glasses are real and that I didn’t pay for my own engagement ring. We also know that I did, in fact, name Babboo after a movie character I liked.
And now we’re on to my other truth. The truth that, surprising to me, virtually nobody chose when voting. The truth that may shock some of you. Heck, it may shock most of you.
Truth is, I’m a Mormon.
That’s right, I’m a card-carrying, Sunday attending, full time member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also referred to as the LDS church, or just the Mormons).
And I’m darn proud to say that.
I’ve been blogging for two and a half years and have never mentioned my religions affiliation before. Why, you may ask? Mostly because I never set out to have a blog about religion. My blog was meant to be light. And breezy. And fun-for-all. All of us know that the interweb is a breeding ground for trolls. And trolls especially like to bag on religion. I don’t think that bagging on someone’s religion is light, breezy, or fun-for-all. I was not going to give them the satisfaction to drag something I love so much through the virtual mud. No way, no how.
I also didn’t feel like I was adequately prepared to be a spokesperson for my world wide Church. I just never felt like I was the right person to be sharing the Lord’s message with the internet. (Albeit, I do admit that I’m probably a better messenger of the Mormon faith then some bloggers out there.)
I was also nervous that some of you wouldn’t like me. Or that you’d think that I didn’t like you based on your own religious beliefs or your lifestyle. Because I do like you. I really do. (Well, as long as you are cool. I only like cool people.)
My goal in life, and on this blog, has been to be a good person and to be a good example. I want people to get to know me and decide that they like me. And then when they find out I’m Mormon they’ll be all “wow, Mormons are awesome!” Because really, there are a lot of pretty awesome Mormons out there. (Did you know Ricky Schroder is a Mormon? It’s true.)
Look at me, I’m proof that Mormons can be awesome. (Okay, so I’m only mildly awesome. But hey, it’s not because I’m Mormon. It’s because I’m a nerd.)
I’m hoping that by outing myself as a Mormon on the interweb, I’ll help to debunk some of the myths about the LDS church. First off, as you’ve all witnessed, I look nothing like the sister wives on “Big Love” and that’s because the characters on that show are not even sort of members of the Mormon church. Members of the LDS church don’t act like that, we don’t dress like that, we don’t share our husbands with anyone, and we don’t believe what the characters on the show believe. I just had to get that out of the way. It bugs that the internet’s only association with the LDS church is freakin’ “Big Love”. (It must be noted that I do watch the show. And I enjoy it. They just aren’t LDS.)
I also feel like, with the recent passing of our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley, I want to share this information about me with everyone. I have been blessed and I truly believe that my blessing come from Jesus and from following his teachings. I know that they have nothing to do with me. I am far too imperfect to deserve the wonderful things that I have been blessed with.
The LDS church has a sort of mission statement, if you will, of the things it believes. This mission statement is called The Articles of Faith and there are thirteen of them. They pretty must sum up our beliefs in a very simple format.
The first Article of Faith is a good one and shows that Mormons are Christians:
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
I think my personal favorite is the thirteenth Article of Faith. It states:
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
This is true, I do seek after things that are lovely and virtuous. I do believe in being honest and true and in doing good to all men (and women). I think we all should. I am happy to be a member of a church that has these beliefs and truly strives to follow them.
I don’t need to share all of the specific beliefs of the LDS church with you right now. MooshinIndy did a far superior job then I ever could with her post about being a member of the LDS church. She also was brave enough to share her conversion story. And Kerflop has written insightful posts about also being a member of the LDS church. Even DaringYoungMom spoke about it on her site (as well as in person at BlogHer this past year). While I’m more then happy to answer your questions about my religion, I can’t, because I don’t know what your questions are.
What I do know is that I feel blessed to have been born to such loving parents. Parents that taught me the teachings of Jesus and showed me how to follow his teachings and love one another. They were, are still are, great examples to me.
(That’s me as a baby with my parents on the day I was blessed in 1975. Baby blessings are a common practice in the LDS church. And is it just me or does my dad look like Borat?)
I was blessed to have been baptized a member of the LDS church.
(That’s me when I was eight years old on my baptism day. My dad baptized me and confirmed me a member of the LDS church.)
I’m so very blessed to have found a LDS man to love and respect me and who was able to marry me in the Temple of the Lord.
(The King and I outside the Seattle LDS Temple, where we were married and sealed for time and all eternity. Being married in the temple is a common practice for practicing members of the LDS church.)
And mostly, I’m thankful for the blessing of my own little eternal family and I look forward to a lifetime full of more blessings from the Lord.
(The King and I on Babboo’s blessing day. Again, baby blessings are a common practice for LDS members.)
There you have it, I’m out and I’m proud.
So tell me, what do you think about all of this? Is this too much to swallow? Are you surprised? Not surprised? Did you know all along? Is your sister’s boyfriend’s cousin a Mormon?
(Comments will be open as long as everyone can be respectful to everyone else. But dude, I’m not afraid to delete comments or e-mails, so think before you type.)
Churchy Stuff · Me
janet
said,
February 8, 2008 at 5:43 am
I’m really glad you wrote this post (and proud, is that weird?). Although I don’t share your religious beliefs, I do share your love of blogging, tv, Ira Glass, Rhett Miller, and heck, even the Thirteenth Article of Faith sounds pretty good to me
janet
said,
February 8, 2008 at 5:46 am
and yes, your dad looks like Borat! hilarious. I think you need to photoshop a neon green bikini thingie onto him
SJ
said,
February 8, 2008 at 6:43 am
I think it’s awesome.
Period.
Really, I think it says a lot about your character and the person that you are as you took that leap and shared this huge part of your life with us all. Makes me feel honored. Thank you.
Shaun
said,
February 8, 2008 at 6:59 am
I think it’s awesome when people come out and say what they believe in, and stand by it and don’t let others bring them down. So good job coming out with all this. The religion topic is a hard thing to let out to the internet world (and real world sometimes). It’s amazing how people can be so dramatic, and repulsive over such little things as another persons way of thought, belief, and life. So don’t let anyone get you down or hassle you over it. Nothing you don’t already know though..
But yeah, I mainly wanted to agree that your Dad does look like Borat.. I want to watch that now. Thanks!
daring one
said,
February 8, 2008 at 7:01 am
Your dad does look like Borat… as most Mormon men do. Is your husband really one of us?
I’m glad you’re out of the closet, yo. It’s way more fun out here in the big fat open and the more you share of yourself, the more people have to love. Big LOVE, if you know what I’m sayin’.
Really, thanks for the post. Religion is so personal and difficult to talk about to a huge group of strangers online but you did a great job outing yourself. Now when are you gonna come out and tell everyone you’re a secret agent for the Russian Mafia? Oops. Was I not supposed to mention that?
Loralee
said,
February 8, 2008 at 8:19 am
I think you are great. I know it can be scary posting about things you believe, the worry, the fear that people are judging you. I see this as just another piece of you that you have graciously allowed us to see.
You explained it very well.
You give Mormons a good name.
Christiane
said,
February 8, 2008 at 10:47 am
Not sure I have ever commented on your blog, but I came across it a few weeks ago and I like it a lot. I am totally blown away by the fact that you think people will judge someone’s (your) faith in a hostile manner. It’s very uncool to judge, but I guess it’s very easy to do so, esp. if you can do it anonymously. I mean minus someone trying to convert me, I love love love to hear about people’s faith, their personal relationship with it and how it impacts their life/world view.
And also your Dad totally looks like Borat.
Jezer
said,
February 8, 2008 at 11:35 am
Dude, Mormons ARE awesome.
You know how I’ve struggled and finally have found peace with my own religious decisions during the last couple of years, and during that time your comments and emails have been very, VERY encouraging. You are the epitome of the cool religious girl.
Thanks for an incredible post about something so very personal and special.
Janssen
said,
February 8, 2008 at 1:24 pm
What a lovely post - I think you and your little (eternal) family are just so cute.
Hope everyone can keep it civil!
FunnyGal KAT
said,
February 8, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I almost guessed that being a Mormon was one of your truths after remembering that you don’t watch R-rated movies. So close! (But I didn’t get the second truth correct, so I would have lost anyway.)
I think it’s awesome that you’re ready to share such a huge part of yourself with the Internet. And, I’m not a Mormon myself, but I wish the idea that members of the LDS Church practice polygamy would just die already. I dated a Mormon when I was in college and that was the one question he had to answer all.the.time.
Thanks for sharing with us, Isabel!
Erika
said,
February 8, 2008 at 1:42 pm
My question was if the King was LDS when you guys met but you answered that. I am totally surprised. But it’s not really a big deal to me (I mean, it’s a big deal to me that it’s a big deal to you…you know what I mean). Obviously your church life is a big part of your life and we knew that about you. But although I didn’t guess at your truths and lies, that was definitely one that I thought was a lie, and you threw it in to get us off track, since it’s bad to assume that everyone from Utah is a Mormon!! lol
Britt and I have discussed the Big Love/LDS thing. I would hope that most people understand they are NOT LDS…I feel like the LDS church has made it clear how they feel now about polygamy. But I guess people are ignorant and we have to account for the lowest common denominator. When I was in college MTV did a reality show about pledging in a sorority, and it was SO. NOT how it really was (and like they always do, they withheld information) but I get that it bugs.
And while I’m on the topic of sororities…when we were in school, the best recruitment technique was to make a friend and let her see that you were cool, THEN tell her you were in a sorority. So I totally get where you are coming from! I for one wouldn’t mind hearing more about growing up LDS. I think religious traditions are fascinating.
Stephanie
said,
February 8, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Because I am quite the superficial one, DUDE, your dad does look like Borat. Now onto the matter at hand. Mormon, LDS, blah bibbity blah blah. I grew up going to a Church of Christ. One of my best friend’s is Catholic and I spent a lot of time at her church. I was in a singing group at school that allowed me to attend various churches including, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Protestant, etc. I think that people dislike a religion because they don’t know about it, perhaps the greatest fear of LDS. In my liberal little mind, I like people. Some people are LDS, some people are Methodist, some people are Catholic. Then there are also some crazy people that are every single one of those religions that I mentioned. Really, religion is a personal issue and unless you (not you specifically, but in general “you” terms) push yours upon me, none of it matters to me. But I kind of knew you were LDS, I think you linked to a couple of things that were LDS related.
One of my good friends had a religion minor in college and I was constantly fascinated by her random knowledge of various religions. So for those of us who don’t know much about the LDS religion, feel free to enlighten us.
But really, your dad looks like Borat.
Whitney
said,
February 8, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Totally shocked. I had thought maybe you were by a few things you said on your blog but for some reason in my head (and apparently only in my head) I thought you had actually said you weren’t Mormon at one point… I might be crazy…
Also, your dad? Borat. For real.
HollowSquirrel
said,
February 8, 2008 at 2:08 pm
YAY ISABEL! You finallllyyy came out of the LDS closet! Whew. Totally awesome. You’re the first Mormon I ever met/knew, and you’ve been nothing but honest, caring, giving and FUN. Now when people talk about “Big Love” and those crazy Mormons, I emphatically jump in that the characters on the show are a completely separate “sect” (not sure I use that word, but it’s early and I’m d.u.m.b) and that the vast majority of Mormons have one spouse. I proudly tell them of my awesome Mormon friend who they wouldn’t be able to tell what religion she is because she’s just like me (but nicer. and prettier. and cooler)…but they don’t know what religious I am, so there!
I love you, sweetie, and I’m glad you finally got it out there.
And your dad? Yeah. I’m in agreement. And I’m oddly scared of flashing images of him in a Speedo.
moosh in indy.
said,
February 8, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Ah, as a young girl in Chicago Isabel snuck up behind me and whispered “I’m a Mormon too!” and I asked “Why are we whispering?” she said “Because no one knows!”
I know this has been a long time coming and has caused you a lot of anxiety, but the more of us that come out as fairly normal human beings the better for everyone.
Best wishes and I’ve ALWAYS got your back.
xoxo
Emily
said,
February 8, 2008 at 2:14 pm
1. Your dad totally looks like Borat.
2. No, I’m not surprised to learn that your Mormon. When I first started reading your blog I thought you may be (don’t remember why, maybe cause you come from a big family, maybe cause you link to a lot of Mormon bloggers) but I could have sworn you said that you weren’t Mormon one time. Apparently I was wrong.
3. I think it’s awesome that you’re involved in a religion that you love and are proud of….you represent well!
Ellen
said,
February 8, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I’m happy you feel comfortable enough to share with us. Isabel rocks!
Carrisa
said,
February 8, 2008 at 2:28 pm
What a beautiful post. I’m so glad you finally wrote it. And I think it’s safe to say you have an army of women here who have your back, so that alone should be enough to keep the trolls away.
And it is nice that the internet can finally get some perspectives on the Mormon/LDS faith that don’t come from dooce.
xo
Ashley & Family
said,
February 8, 2008 at 2:36 pm
That was simply perfect.
Liza
said,
February 8, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I’m not going to say EVERYTHING I said in our email exchange earlier this week, but I do want to publicly say a couple of things.
1) I cannot believe how much your dad looked like Borat! (Also, how do you know what Borat looks like? I couldn’t even finish watching that movie, I thought it was so vulgar and foul. And I do watch R rated movies.)
2) Ever since we Internet-met, back when both of us were pregnant, I have experienced nothing but affection and respect from you. And my awesome shrinky-dink necklace with my LesbianFamily.org logo on it is a gift I still adore.
3) I can’t remember how long ago it was that I figured out you were Mormon, but it doesn’t really matter. I’m so happy that you’ve come out publicly on your own terms. And when you think about it, who more than a lesbian can relate to the personal cost of being closeted about such a vital and central part of who you are?
One of my core values and beliefs is that every person should be free to express themselves and be who they are, without fear of judgment or nastiness. I want that for myself and my family, and I want it for you and yours on an equal basis.
On a much lighter note, can I also just say how entertained I am to be using all this coming out of the closet language in this context? I keep giggling about that.
4) Last thing, I promise. I think you are an awesome ambassador for the message that Mormons can be cool, open-minded, hip, and urban. I’m proud to consider you a friend.
Brittany
said,
February 8, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I knew you were a Mormon before I even knew you were from Utah. Wanna know how? Your wedding dress had sleeves on it! Ha ha ha! (but really, I came home and told Scotty that I found a new blog and that I thought you might be LDS. Then a few weeks after I “met” you, you sent me an e-mail saying “Happy Conference Weekend” and boo-yah! That was the confirmation I needed! The sleeves on the dress were only a tip-off)
I’m glad that you’ve decided to share this part of your life with the internet! Congrats!!
Rhi
said,
February 8, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Yay. What a wonderful post. I love it. And, you’re awesome
Debbie
said,
February 8, 2008 at 3:26 pm
you rock isabel. Never be ashamed of who you are. you have a beautiful family.
Gawain
said,
February 8, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Hey Isabel, congratulations on spilling the beans. I would have thought that more people would have picked up you were LDS from the various young men you’ve known in your life that “lived” in other parts of the world for 2 years. Also, it sure seems (unless you’ve been going crazy with the delete button) that everyone has been awfully nice and supportive so far. What other proof do you need that you are awesome?
Nic
said,
February 8, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I’m so glad you wrote this. If you get any trolls, I can take ‘em for you.
Becky
said,
February 8, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Hey Girl! I have been waiting for two days to see how you would “out” yourself. In typical Isabel fashion, you did it in such a sincere, informative, and funny way. I’m glad there are much better spokespersons for the church out there than me.
I am glad for you that you outed yourself! And I’m glad I found you on the interweb. Who knew?
dee
said,
February 8, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Yes, your dad totally looks like Borat in the picture. I’m going to have to show it to my husband when I get home!
Also, somehow I knew you were Mormon. I think I just put it together from things that you’ve said in your blog and things that I’ve read in others. I think it’s great that you had the courage to finally come out with it though. It seems to be such a huge part of who you are.
I never knew much about the Mormon faith until recently when MooshinIndy and Kerflop wrote about it (even though I dated a Mormon boy when I was in jr. high/high school). I find it very interesting !
Not the Queen
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I’m not surprised. I always knew you were a Mormon, but I don’t know how I knew. I just knew. Or suspected.
Thank you for being so honest and open with us! Faith is a difficult thing to blog about. It’s so divisive and personal.
Danielle
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Rock on, Isabel! You are the coolest Mormon I know!
the ambitious mrs
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I must say that way back when when you talked about another woman in your church having her ….. 6th (or was it more? less?) child the thought crossed my mind that you might be Mormon. Bravo for honesty. Now for politics - are you sad Mitt Romney just dropped out of the race?
Isabel: Well, I’m not too sad since I hadn’t planned on voting for Mitt Romney in the first place!
Operation Pink Herring
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:25 pm
You are awesome. I was only shocked because I felt like I should have known that, not because your being Mormon is “shocking”! I knew you were from Utah, but I think I’m so reactive about stereotyping (”everyone in Utah is Mormon”) that the thought didn’t even cross my mind. That sounds like I spent hours trying to figure out what church you belonged to. I didn’t. What I am trying to say is YOU GO, GIRL for putting it out there.
And now for the preguntas: Is caffiene really not allowed? I swear I remember us talking about the wonders of coffee and Diet Coke… decaf?? Have you been forced to hit the “delete” button yet?
Audrey
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:37 pm
When I first started reading you, shortly before Babboo’s birth, I read through your archives and picked up on a few clues here and there that gave me a hunch that you may be Mormon. A lot of the things you mentioned (not drinking for religious reasons is the one that pops to mind, but I know there were others too) reminded me of my best Spain friend (referred to as such because she and I were really good friends in the study abroad program, but since we came back we have lost touch) who is also Mormon and also one of the coolest girls I’ve ever met (I say “also” because I assume if I ever met you, you would fall into this category as well).
So, yeah, I kinda knew all along, I’m not surprised, and while Mormonism (is that a word? Firefox says yes) is not for me personally, I have been very impressed with nearly every Mormon I’ve met. You guys are way cooler than the world gives you credit for.
DeAnn
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I understand why you’d be scared because people have all sorts of weird thoughts about Mormons, but coming from a Mormon family and being, technically speaking (thought not practicing) a member of the Church myself, I don’t have any. And, in fact, people’s weird thoughts really irk me.
I am so insanely proud of you for posting this. You have so many people who love you through the Internet, and I have to believe in the good of the people who read this site, which means they’ll all love and support you — even now that we all know your deep, dark secret. Heh.
Awesome post!
Carrie
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I guessed this one right! I had a suspicion that you were Mormon because you mentioned something about Gordon B. Hinckley’s death and linked to the LDS website a few days ago. I actually spent a lot of time looking around that website and learning more about the Mormon faith. I only knew one Mormon person while growing up and we didn’t talk about it much. Anyway, good post!
Sadie
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I almost guessed that, really! I knew you went to church regularly, but your being from Georgia threw me off.
I can see where the “Big Love” effect might be frustrating for you– even though EVERYONE on that show is very clearly not LDS, and don’t claim to be, most of the public still thinks they are.
Anyway. I am wondering one thing, and I understand if you don’t want to talk about it, but as I have a similar marital past to yours, I was wondering what happened with the Church when you got divorced? Were you and your first husband sealed in a Temple? Just curious.
Kiraa
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Isabel, yay! My questions are as follows:
1. What do Mormons believe happens after you die? I’ve heard weird stories about planets and I think maybe I was being put on.
2. How do you deal with the cult stigma that Christian evangelicals have placed on the LDS church?
3. Did you do missionary work? Or is that just for men?
4. Is it true that the LDS church teaches that being black is a punishment from God?
Rachel
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I looked back at the answer that I chose and, honestly, I meant to choose #3 and #5. I knew that you had watched Friends. I must have just gotten the numbers mixed up. The reason I was going to choose that is kind of sterotypical though. I was going to choose that because you come from such a large family. I hate that that’s the reason, but I wanted to be honest.
Chris and I are friends with a couple that are practicing Mormons and they are just as normal as everyone else. I don’t know why people judge the Mormon religion they way they do.
Maria
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Mormon or Muslim, you will still be the same ole cool Isabel blog chick. I am not ‘religious’ per se, but I do have a set of beliefs and things I consider to be important. I think a lot of people our age-ish do not have religion or beliefs in their life as much as we maybe should, and I think that is sad. I am proud of you for stating your truths about religion and holding on to them so well. I know that some people see churches as just religious institutions and forget that the people we get to know there also offer support and can become like a second family.
My first roomie (Tricia) in college was Mormon. She went to a temple in the area and came back with a nametag that said “LDS”, and left it on her bed. I had a friend come to our room who looked at it and said that she was sorry about Tricia. I asked why and she said it was because she hadn’t known Tricia was learning disabled and that we should try and help her. After I stopped gasping and laughing I explained that LDS does not, in that case, have anything to do with learning disabilities!
Maria
said,
February 8, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Oh and the pic from you at 8 is too precious - it even has the notorious head tilt!
Vesper
said,
February 8, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Congrats Isabel! I know that it took a lot of courage for you to write this post. I’m happy that you have so many supportive friends that love you no matter what. Thanks for being such a good example!
janet
said,
February 8, 2008 at 5:19 pm
what nice comments you are getting. yay to the nice internets
just wanted to say that. Isabel you are very loved!
Keri
said,
February 8, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Great post. I totally respect your beliefs, and while we dont share the same religious beliefs, you should be proud of yourself for feeling confident to put yourself out to the web, where people are quick to judge (well I guess anywhere in life people are quick to judge - I am not saying your readers are quick to judge).
I was brought up to respect others and have an open mind. I find in general that Religion is quite interesting to read about & study. I actually visited Utah at one time & walked around the grounds of the Temple (obviously not inside). It was very beautiful. I had suspected from some of your previous posts that you were Mormon, but never was 100% sure. (Until earlier this week when I was 50% on my guesses!)
I agree with all the comments above (especially SJ). Thanks for sharing & putting yourself out there.
Monica
said,
February 8, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Well said. You represent the church well. I takes a lot of guts to put it out there for the world to see. Good job! (and yes I totally knew you were a Mormon.)
Steph
said,
February 8, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Nice job for being who you are and especially for not being shy about it anymore (at least on the Interweb). I don’t know why they are such huge perceptions out there that Mormons are weird and stuff. Way to go in making sure that people know how cool Mormons are.
Marilyn
said,
February 8, 2008 at 6:00 pm
If I’m surprised about anything, I’m surprised that more people didn’t guess you were Mormon as one of the truths. I guessed it, but I’m a nasty lurker so I didn’t post my guess.
However, I NEVER would have guessed about Baboo’s name. Who knew!
I’m also surprised that you didn’t black out The King’s eyes. Is that a first?
Way to go to you on “coming out”.
heh.
bananas
said,
February 8, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I love the honesty of this post, and I hope your confidence is boosted by the 44 supportive comments you’ve gotten already! People love you for YOU not for your religion or hair color or waist size (although all of these things are surely loveable!). Isn’t it grand?
But I DO have a question. How come your church seems to have so many cool bloggers??? I mean seriously, every time I turn around one of my favorite bloggers is coming out of the LDS closet or talking about being mormon. It makes me very SUSPICIOUS. You guys have the inside blogging track, don’t you? Come on, just admit it.
Laurel
said,
February 8, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I went to college in Tacoma, so I knew lots of Mormons who hailed from Washington, Idaho, Montana and Utah. They were very solid as a social group on campus, and so non-Mormons like me didn’t always get to know them all that well, but I have always had a very positive impression of Mormons as a group–the kids I knew were kind, smart and funny people.
So, yeah, I still like you!
Jihan
said,
February 8, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Izzy,
Ironic: even though it sounds like everyone else on the web had an inkling you were LDS, I didn’t immediately know you were LDS until the photo of you and the King in front of the Seattle Temple. Cuz duh, I was sealed there too, and it happens to also be in my backyard…
What I really like about you is that you wear your ideals, morals and beliefs on your sleeve through your actions. They aren’t forced or manufactured. You allow people to see that it’s YOU making the decisions in your life, obviously influenced and inspired by your religion…but not without intelligent and meaningful thought. Sometime I think people assume we follow blindly (and some mormons do, as in all religions I believe), but it’s encouraged in our (LDS) faith to pray and think about what we learn and to make sure we really believe it’s true.
Good on you, Isabel.
sidenote: I am personally touched by the comments on your blog! As a modern LDS woman (who blogs, NOT about religion), I think it’s my own similar fear that people will misunderstand me and discount what I say because of their anxiety and ignorance towards my beliefs.
JustRandi
said,
February 8, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Well, as a new reader who has been stalking you for about a week, I just want to say good for you! I don’t think it makes you look any different than you did yesterday, and I’m so happy for you to just let it be part of your blogging life. My religion (also LDS) isn’t a big part of my blog, but it does factor in, being that it’s a big part of my life.
I’m sure that’s true for you, too… I just haven’t been reading you long enough…
I love seeing pictures of your beautiful family!
Katie
said,
February 8, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Well done pal!
I knew from the very post I read, but it’s nice to have confirmation. It’s much easier for someone “on the inside” to recongnize another.
I’m very impressed by the nice comments that all of your readers have left. I was blown away by my reader’s (of other faiths) supportive comments to my announcement of Pres. Hinckley’s death. People are SO nice!
Hilary
said,
February 8, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I knew this about you.
I really don’t understand why Christians of different specific faiths (Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Mormon, etc. etc.) feel the need to judge one another. Because really, that first Article? Isn’t that what it’s all about? And don’t we all believe that? And isn’t that what matters the most? Just my $.02.
Good job, Isabel. Nice post.
Kim
said,
February 8, 2008 at 7:15 pm
What a fantastic post. You’ve got me thinking about my religion a little more today. I’m Catholic, and it’s Lent, and I’m not eating meat today because I’m not supposed to, but I never really put much thought into the reasons behind it. I’m just going through the motions right now.
I’m little angry with God right now, for obvious reasons, and I just can’t seem to reconcile it. Ironically, Maddy is going to religion class on Wednesdays. I take her every week, and we talk about what she’s learned, but I feel like a hypocrite because although deep down I still believe in Him and that there’s a reason for why he took my girls, I’m just not ready to talk to Him yet. I sound like a cranky 5-year old, I know.
So, your post has me thinking a little longer and harder. Thank you.
Nic
said,
February 8, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I keep checking into see the comments and it’s awesome to see how nice the internet is. And also, I think the lds.org website is the most in depth website ever.
ali
said,
February 8, 2008 at 8:09 pm
yay for coming out of the closet! i think it’s GREAT.
i love learning about your religion from Casey. and now i will love learning about it from you
Chas
said,
February 8, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I am KICKING myself for not guessing that! I thought it was just too obvious. Shoot! Something a long time ago made me wonder if you were Mormon…not sure what. Anyway, I think this post is well overdue! Your blog can totally still be light and breezy while talking about your faith.
Liz
said,
February 8, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I am so touched by both your wonderful post and the loving comments you’ve received here.
As always, Isabel. You weave your posts with dignity, truth, humor, and beauty. I admire so much about you and feel blessed in my own right to count you as my friend. Be you pink, purple, green, Mormon, Muslim, or Atheist.
I love you!
Marriage-101
said,
February 8, 2008 at 8:23 pm
First, I just have to say that when I saw that pic of your dad, I thought BORAT but then didn’t want to say anything should you be offended. And then I read your caption. So, um, yes, your dad totally looked like Borat! I heart Borat.
Second, this was a great post. I ditto what Hilary and Liz just said.
CPA Mom
said,
February 8, 2008 at 8:38 pm
My first thought was “well, how about THEM apples.” Must be my country roots. Or my shock that your dad is Borat.
Seriously “isabel”, this means nothing to me as far as your worth. but then, I’ve never judged ANYONE on their religion. I’ve always kept an open mind. I’m fascinated by other religions and customs. I love the fact that our country is so diverse and rich. I’ve never cared about a presidental candidate’s religion or my friends’ religions! I’m Catholic but incorporate so many other beliefs in my life structure (many, many of the Jewish beliefs for instance).
My husband’s closest cousin and his wife are mormon (his mom converted to marry a mormon) and they are two of the nicest people I ever met.
Back when I met them, I wanted to know more so I went to a seminar that was being put on locally - it was one of a series of seminars about a bunch of religions - each one put on by local leaders in the religion. They talked for about a hour, I took notes, then you got to ask questions.
Since I had been widowed (and divorced), I asked about this “sealing for life” issue - they had said outright to me that my late husband would get to CHOOSE who to spend eternity with (since I was not his first wife) and I just had to go along with it. That in heaven, men get all the choices. And they never could tell me if I was going to spend eternity with him or with my current husband since that wasn’t going to be up to me.
So I guess I still wonder about that. Do you know? What about your first marriage? Was it sealed in the temple? If so, what does that mean for your eternity?
Corey Moser
said,
February 8, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Welcome to the bloggernacle.
Carrisa
said,
February 8, 2008 at 9:17 pm
As much as your dad looks like borat… I can see now that you look like your dad. You have his eyes and nose.
but you’re much cuter than borat.
just so you know
Keri
said,
February 8, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I am like Nic - keep checking back to read the comments. YEAH!
Frema
said,
February 8, 2008 at 10:11 pm
You are one of the nicest and coolest people I know, and your religion is a big part of the reason why. You deserve all the wonderful comments you received today.
(Side note: You know I love ya when I take the time to comment with only one hand.)
Anth
said,
February 8, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Look at all this beautiful Internet love! It’s inspiring! It really is so wonderful to read these many comments of support, love and acceptance. As for your post: Well said, Isabel, and congratulations on opening up about this very personal side of your life. Welcome to open Mormon blogging. I think you’ll find it easier.
PS Like everyone else, I am shocked to see you are half Kazakhstanian or whatever the heck Borat is. Ha ha
anna
said,
February 8, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Wow, your dad totally looks like Borat. You look adorable on your baptism day. I so wanted to pick this instead of you never having traveled out of state. Always go with your first instinct!
Durga
said,
February 8, 2008 at 11:55 pm
((hugs)) that’s one very inspirational post. Thank you for being a good example.
JennBo
said,
February 9, 2008 at 12:12 am
I’ve presumed you were mormon and appreciated that I can find common ground (I love your writing, introspection, etc.) even though I do not share your religion. I have never found a way to maintain connections with friends from my youth who are LDS. Your blog does not focus on your religion, but rather your personal experiences and beliefs (hence the common ground). Here are the top reasons I expected you to be LDS:
1) We are from the same state.
2) You do not blog on Sunday and you have stated many times that this day is for Church & family (i.e., King does not work at your new house on Sunday).
3) References to youth groups, volunteer commitments, etc. in relation to your Church.
4) And, I must agree with Brittany, the wedding dress and the building behind you in one of your very first posts (see 8/12/2005) was a dead giveaway. But I think the reader has to have a personal point of reference to identify the giveaway.
KARA!
said,
February 9, 2008 at 12:51 am
Its not shocking. I actually suspected it. I’m glad you were willing to share!I have some good friends that are Mormon, and they are wonderful people.
Lizarita
said,
February 9, 2008 at 2:49 am
I knew the truths and the lies so I didn’t put my two cents in. But I love this post and I love your honesty and your profound faith in what you believe. It’s what I love the most about you. Thanks for sharing!
Christar
said,
February 9, 2008 at 3:03 am
I knew you were Mormon for a long time and honestly, it doesn’t matter to me. I know lots and lots of Mormons, lol…. It’s not weird at all. I think how the LDS church stands for family and to live a good life is an awesome way to be. Nothing weird about that! I think it’s great that you feel open to express your religion. You have the right!
And may I just say, you are definitely one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. Seriously, you rock and I feel lucky to be your blogging friend.
ReDinkyDink
said,
February 9, 2008 at 3:13 am
Haha! I love the “borat comment about your dad.
Kristen
said,
February 9, 2008 at 7:16 am
Wow! Hey! This is me being supportive, Isabel. As a fellow LDS blogger who doesn’t blog about religion all that much (though everyone on my blog links is LDS I think) I am super proud to call you a fellow mormon. And I had no idea you were from Utah! Go figure! Love the blog.
Emmakirsten
said,
February 9, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I think it’s great you have blogged about your religion. It is one thing most don’t talk about. The borat comment, he TOTALLY looks like him! hehe. Your pictures are gorgeous
My Buddy Mimi
said,
February 10, 2008 at 12:34 am
I understand your hesitation. I think they were all deleted, but I remember some vicious comments on The Lawsons Do Dallas by other Mormons who did not feel she lived up to some perceived standard.
Viviane
said,
February 10, 2008 at 1:05 am
Glad you posted about this. I am not Mormon but I respect other people’s beliefs just as much, though I am aware of how many people talk negatively about religions, and particularly (but not exclusively) the Mormon faith. As long as everyone finds the religion that is right for them and that harms no one, that is great and fine with me.
And by the way, I agree, your dad does look like Borat. Hah!
Fairly Odd Mother
said,
February 10, 2008 at 2:12 am
Mormon or any other religion. . .it’s all ok with me. I only get upset when religious people try to tell me I’m going to hell in a handbasket. Otherwise, live and let live.
I admire your honesty and willingness to open up to all of us internet people!
gorillabuns
said,
February 10, 2008 at 5:16 am
I’m so glad you publicly stated your beliefs and you have had nothing but a wonderful, positive, 75 responses.
I believe everyone realizes that you are a geniune, caring person and am quite happy for the positive feedback. Not a troll in the bunch.
I’m proud of you!
angela
said,
February 10, 2008 at 7:10 pm
You wrote a beautiful post, Isabel. And yeah, your dad could totally pass for Borat.
Eve
said,
February 11, 2008 at 1:37 am
Okay, so so far, so good right?
I must say that I am one of the lucky ones to get to hang out with you in real life.
Isabel is so much fun, and nice, and interesting, and now everyone knows she has a spiritual side.
Keep doing your thing girl!
Elisabeth
said,
February 11, 2008 at 9:28 am
I love this. You are an inspiration!
Love & Hate: working for a living edition | hola, isabel
said,
February 11, 2008 at 5:05 pm
[...] love: The interweb. I don’t know why I was so shocked over your love and support on my last post. Clearly you guys are more awesome then I ever imagined. And for that I am humbled and thankful. [...]
heidikins
said,
February 11, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I’m late, but I’m still so proud of you. This is a fantastic post and unless you’ve gone super-crazy with the delete button -you have a lot of internet love coming your way, regardless of anything.
You are amazing and an inspiration!
xox
kerflop
said,
February 11, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I’ve been traveling so I’m just now catching up on my feeds and links. I already knew of course because we have that innate gift of spotting each other a mile away (and you spotted me at BlogHer last year and asked), I’m v. proud of you for “coming out”, this is awesome. And you’re awesome, and I’m cracking up at your dad, Borat.
xx
amieable
said,
February 11, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I’m a little late on the bandwagon but let me say that I am in awe of your courage for putting yourself out there like this. I love to know other awesome spiritual people.
LaLa
said,
February 11, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Sorry it took me so long to comment, Bloglines is obviously not my friend right now.
Ok, I admit that I was a bit confused about the Mormon/Christian thing but that is just because I am thick, not because I think it’s weird. I think you are terribly brave for coming “out”. I actually lived with a Mormon a few years ago and he was really cool. You too are really cool.
Kristin
said,
February 11, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I’m totally late to the party on this one (but I have a good excuse!)….
I figured this out quite a while ago, so it’s not so surprising. The R-rated movie post & The King’s ties to Germany gave it away for me.
I’m glad you feel comfortable enough in sharing this information on you blog, knowing how vulnerable it can be with different perceptions of the LDS faith. And I hope by this point, you don’t get any trolls about it, because that’s just lame.
metalia
said,
February 12, 2008 at 5:05 am
Awesome. And such a beautiful post!
Courtney
said,
February 12, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I’m late too, but say “Rock On!” to you for this awesome post.
I’d never have guessed about your religion, but I guess that’s because I don’t tend to really think about a person’s particular religious beliefs all that much. Is she a cool person? Yes. Does she seems like a decent upstanding human being? Yes. Does she make me laugh, and smile, and think? Yes. That’s pretty much all I need from someone.
A beautiful post, my friend.
Suzanne
said,
February 12, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I love this post too! I read it on Friday morning, but am just now getting back over to comment! Wow..You got a lot of comments! You have a beautiful family of God!
Hey listen, I’m trying to get unstuck from you | hola, isabel
said,
February 26, 2008 at 5:18 pm
[...] Hey listen, I’m trying to get unstuck from youFebruary 26th, 2008 @ 7:01 am It’s been a few weeks since my Big Reveal of Hey, I’m a Mormon!, so I figured it’s time I discuss some of few of your questions. Or rather, one of your questions. [...]
In which I get reunited, and it feels so good | hola, isabel
said,
March 26, 2008 at 5:24 pm
[...] KT wrote me right back and was surprised that I wasn’t surprised. Which, of course, surprised me. In the culture that KT and I were raised in, it’s very uncommon for someone her age to not be married with a million kids. And the fact that she lived with her long-time “friend” was a pretty big give-away. Plus, you know, whatever. [...]
My “church vacation” weekend | hola, isabel
said,
April 9, 2008 at 4:39 pm
[...] Being as I’m a member of the LDS church, I look forward to General Conference weekend. Normal Sunday church isn’t schedule, and instead we stay home to watch Conference on TV. It’s a time when we to listen to the wonderful messages from our Prophet, and other leaders of the church. They tell stories, teach doctorine, and share their testimonies. [...]
It’s Deborah, not Debbie. | hola, isabel
said,
April 16, 2008 at 6:39 pm
[...] You see, at the start of 2008 we began going to our new ward at church. (Hey, what in the crap is a ward? A ward is the term us Mormons use to refer to the congregation we’re assigned to attend, based on where we are located geographically). By moving to our new house, we will be living in a new neighborhood. Which means, we will be assigned a new ward. Although we don’t technically live in the ward’s boundaries right now, we figured we might as well start going to the new ward, since we’ll be moving to the new house shortly. [...]
In which I develop a crush on a boy at church | hola, isabel
said,
May 6, 2008 at 4:02 pm
[...] In which I develop a crush on a boy at churchMay 6th, 2008 @ 4:01 pm For the last five months my little family has been attending the new church congregation that we’d planned on attending once we moved into the new house. This new congregation (referred to as a “ward” in my LDS faith) is so awesome. It’s full of other young families and tons of kids for Babboo to play with. The church house is old and very cool looking, which isn’t really typical in my faith. I love the Sunday school teacher and the ladies that are in the Relief Society with me. They have fun activities (like the Super Saturday that’s scheduled in a few weeks. Hours and hours spent doing some really cool crafts. Like making a purse out of a place setting! And jewelry!). The teachers give meaningful lessons every Sunday and I leave church feeling edified and ready to take on the new week. [...]
In which I spend the weekend undoing all the good in Babboo | hola, isabel
said,
May 19, 2008 at 4:59 pm
[...] Friday night he and I met my aunt and my cousin (who was on her mission for our church out here in Washington) at a park. Babboo ate way too late in the evening and was not happy. Especially when his Subway sandwich kept “breaking”. [...]
In which I’ll get to be a Beehive all over again | hola, isabel
said,
May 7, 2009 at 4:12 pm
[...] In which I’ll get to be a Beehive all over againMay 7th, 2009 @ 7:01 am There are a few important ages for us members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. (You know, the Mormons.) [...]