It's been a "big" year for Mormons, in the eyes of media organizations in our country.
Now as they gear up to cover the 2012 Presidential election, a race that includes not one but two members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reporters everywhere are scrambling.
They want to know: What do Mormons want to get out of "The Mormon Moment?"
I've been thinking about this question for the last few days, and it's a question that I've found sort of circular in nature. However, I finally settled on an answer, or so I thought.
I thought, all we want is what every member of any religion, nationality, or group wants: a fair shake.
We want to be seen and heard and understood for who we really are. We want to hear from other Mormons who walk the walk, not just talking heads on TV. We want to be known as women (and men) who are educated, talented, sophisticated, and who choose their own path, who know that the Savior, Jesus Christ loves and leads them.
And then I was sitting in our Sacrament meeting in church today, as these thoughts were rolling around in my head. I just kept returning to the words "Mormon Moment."
And then I realized that the label itself is what I find so absurd. But that's how a lot of labels are in the news biz. You've got to be able to give a name to the thing you are covering.
The "Mormon Moment" that they are describing is just a passing infatuation that the world has right now with a peculiar people whose time has come to be in the spotlight.
But, as Latter-day Saints, we know that the Mormon Moment didn't happen in 2011 or 2012. And there isn't just one of them.
The Mormon Moment happened in 1820, when a 14 year-old boy dared to defy the religious clerics of his day by seeking out a testimony of his own.
Instead of taking their word about which church was true, he went straight to God and asked Him which church he should join. As a result, he was visited by God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ and was told to join none of them.
That was the real Mormon Moment.
That was the moment that true religion and great truths about God were restored to the earth.
And every moment since then, when someone has decided to take the questions that they have in their heart directly to God Himself, and received their own personal answers, those were also Mormon Moments.
These Mormon moments continue to happen quietly each day in homes around the world: every time that someone prays for answers, reads scriptures, nurtures a child, strengthens a marriage, decides to follow God, enters the waters of baptism, or serves their neighbor.
Those are all Mormon Moments.
No newspaper will ever cover those Mormon Moments, but these are the real moments that matter to Mormons.
(If you are reading this right now, please comment. YOU are an important part of these Mormon Moments too!)
I love your perspective on the "Mormon Moment". Thank you for sharing it.
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@A Well-Behaved Mormon Woman thanks, Kathy! :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous. 1820 truly was THE Mormon Moment.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful, poignant post. I completely agree with every word. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us all, Jocelyn!
ReplyDeleteI love this perspective, so true~
ReplyDeleteThis is an incredible post. I would love to see IT published in the same papers talking about "The Mormon Moment."
ReplyDeleteThe same answer was given by a 12 year old boy at Martin's Cove when asked by an adult why they were their acting out the trek. He said "because a 14 year old boy walked into a grove of trees to pray and he saw God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Powerful!
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ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better. The "Mormon Moment" started in 1820 with a revelation that restored light and understanding.
ReplyDeleteAs a religion, we are under the microscope now (and it is not bad). As people question what makes us different, we should be poised to answer those questions unequivocally and unapologetically.
I love this! I think I have Mormon Moments all the time in my life-that's WHY I'm a Mormon.
ReplyDeleteI think that what is most important is that we all remember that "The Mormon Moment" may have started in 1820 with a very wise young boy, but it is perpetuated everyday by so many brothers and sisters with everything that they do. The only way we can share a positive "Mormon Moment" with the people around us it to live as righteously as possible and shape our lives to follow Christ.
ReplyDeleteYes. I know what THE Mormon Moment was but there still is the today Moment to be addressed for those who aren't interested in searching out truth. Those people need to see all 'Mormons' walking the walk to their best and that means we all get a moment of spotlight. Cannot say how often last week I was asked about things my religion stands for or against. They asked me because they knew who I was and mostly figured I knew the answer because I'd figured it out and agreed. No one asked me and then ridiculed. They just asked. Very few had to do about the politics but probably because of it. I welcome the light in this vein but usually not otherwise.
ReplyDeleteNice thoughts Jocelyn.
ReplyDeleteFor myself I hope that this media moment is able to capture what happens when we're NOT in the spotlight, for I fear what the spotlight does, whether as a politician or zealous members defending the faith responding to blog posts or message boards. I hope we can be seen for what truly makes us tick. That is the commitment, in spite our weakness of mortality, to take upon ourselves Christ's name, standing as his witness in all things, accepting his loving grace, his willingness to bear our burdens and grant forgiveness leading to a mighty transformation.
And if the media's Mormon moment will lead some to feel a stirring in their soul sufficient to plant a desire for them to know, resulting in a repeat of the original Mormon Moment, well I won't complain.
I love your thoughts on the "Mormon Moment" I believe like you stated it was in 1820. And I think that we need to live by the example that Joseph Smith set. We need to stand by our standards and principles and be a good example for those that aren't Mormon.
ReplyDeleteI am proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I hope that people will soon notice the Mormon Movement and want to become part of it. Our church grows in numbers every year.
Thanks for all your wonderful posts that help us stay good examples of Christ.
Great point. Once the media coverage blows over we will still be here. We will still believe and we will still move forward with our faith.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Jocelyn that this is not the first Mormon Moment ever that WE, Mormons have. Each day of our lives are full of "Mormon Moments" that I personally feel grateful that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. Each moment my prayers are answered I feel happy and faith and testimony strengthened. Whether Romney wins or not in this election, "Mormon Moments" in our lives as a Mormon will never end because we always seek for opportunity to share our beliefs and our testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with other people everyday not just in words but also in deeds. As a matter of fact, the Missionaries just visited us asking how we are doing with our "Family Mission Plan" which is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to a friend of ours.People do see missionaries spread and preach the gospel of Christ and it began in my life when i was 3 years of age when they came to teach my parents and that was like 1972!! Hahaha...that's a great "Mormon Moment"!!
ReplyDeleteI am not being defensive but my point here is that sharing the gospel of Christ is what we, Latter-Day Saints, covenanted to do after baptism so others may hear the truth and partake of the blessings of eternal life as well. It is a way of life and that way of life is the moment that we will always be grateful for.
What a fantastic post, Jocelyn! Great thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to me, to think that many "spectators" might be watching us-- waiting to see what we will do with this "moment in time" that we have--when a sudden awareness of our religion is being broadcasted in so many forms.
But I think that they might be disappointed with what they find because it WON'T actually be monumental. I think that they will see for themselves that well..we won't be doing anything different even in the spotlight. We are the same people--the same neighbors--the same hard working husbands and wives and fathers and mothers and siblings and friends as we were before this "moment" began. And we remain firm in our faith because we know it is true.
Perhaps the only difference will be that THEIR moment of understanding will now begin;)
Thanks, Jocelyn! There is no denying that this election is giving Mormons a significant public moment. What do I, as a Mormon, want to get out of this "moment"? Just what you said..."We want to be seen and heard and understood for who we really are." Beautifully put.
ReplyDeleteI so agree that “What do Mormon’s want to get out of the Mormon Moment” is a fair shake. I hope that as there is all of this political attention on two Mormon’s running for president that others might realize that Mormon’s are normal people. Like every religion we have members that are educated and very successful like the two presidential candidates, the majority who are average and happy to be employed, and we even have a few crazies.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that ties us together is our faith in God and our understanding of his relationship with his children today. A relationship with God makes me a better person, a better employee, a better mother. I hope that message won’t get lost.
It is really interesting to think about the Mormon Moment. I find it very exciting to see the Church in favorable - or let's face it - even unfavorable headlines. It makes for a great opportunity to discuss the restored gospel with many that may not have ever heard what Mormons are really about.
ReplyDeleteAmen to the timing of the "real" Mormon Moment.
ReplyDeleteThat said, if I could ask for anything out of the media hype over the Church, it would be some sort of acknowledgement for what our people are doing to make the world a better place. It seems that many critics love to point fingers at what is "weird" about Mormons. But c'mon, who knows more about Mormon weirdness than Mormons themselves? We know there are aspects of our faith that separate us from mainstream culture, but there is so much we contribute to society, not just in spite of our differences, but perhaps because of them. I'd love to celebrate that fact rather than drag Mormons through the mud for it.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am grateful that I was able to have my own "Mormon Moment" when I was 16 and introduced by a friend to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. At that time I could never have imagined how my life would change.
ReplyDeleteI hope that others will be able to see the daily life that is lived by members of the Church. The family prayers and scripture study, the service, the sanctity of marriage and family, and the desire to follow in the footsteps of the Savior, is truly what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is about, and I hope that that doesn't get lost in the politics and media coverage of the "Mormon Moment". That's what really makes us who we are.
Wow, Jocelyn! I've had quite the day. As I read over your post, I couldn't help thinking that this "Mormon Moment" is the whole reason we do what we do. It is our faith in Jesus Christ. It is our belief that there really is a plan. It is our knowledge that this life matters. The moment may pass for some, but for us the MOMENT is unending.
ReplyDeleteSuch great comments from your readers!
ReplyDeleteYup, you're right on. Nothing is as important to me as being able to communicate directly with my Father in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great post. My husband and I just taught this first "Mormon Moment" to our Sunbeams today! My hope and prayer is that these "Mormon Moments" with our Sunbeams help plant seeds of faith that can grow throughout their lives--and I guess I have a similar hope for the outcome of the media's Mormon Moment too. If people are led to be curious about our faith, and some decide to join us, then it's all worth it. :)
ReplyDeleteI discovered your blog this past fall through the high recommendation of my sister Kayla. It is usually the last blog post I read each day, and I always feel like I've "saved the best for last." Thank you for always uplifting me through your testimony and positive outlook on motherhood.
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ReplyDeletehow true the real mormon moment happened in 1820!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Those every day, testimony building moments are the ones that matter. As sad as it is, a lot of people in the media have already made up their minds about us and will write or say what they think regardless of whether or not it is true.
ReplyDeleteWe just need to keep on doing what we know is right. Those that are truly curious will see our works and that is the best way to get a fair shake. Because most people who have Mormon friends or coworkers know what kind of people we are. Just because someone is running for president doesn't mean they know what we are about or who we are.
So true! Mormon Moments all around :)
ReplyDeleteWell said! There are definitely many Mormon moments that should get attention. Sometimes a moment seems to fleeting. I'm a new reader to your blog, and I absolutely love it! Thanks for boldly declaring the truth.
ReplyDeleteI just want it to be the truth. Let's hope and pray that this moment, whatever angle the media takes, is a banner for truth-seekers everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI don't think like they do. What I want to get from this? That's how they think. It seems to belittle. Anyhoo, you're right, the only moments are part of the truth! The gospel of Jesus Christ lives, because He lives.
ReplyDeleteI've written my own "Mormon Moment" piece as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for inspiring me! (I've linked to yours as well within mine.)
http://swingstatevoter.blogspot.com/2012/01/mormon-moment.html
Jocelyn, thank you for this uplifting blog post. You hit the nail right on the head. Given my background in Political Science and as a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints of 17 years, I have been following the news and these primaries closely. I know there have been many 'Mormon Moments' in the news but these are just two members of this great church for the public to view. The real "Mormon Moments' occur with members living and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ on a daily basis. Although the media may remind the public of the candidate’s religious affiliation, I feel the people of this nation will reflect on their own personal experiences and interactions with members of this church. So we all have our own ‘Mormon Moments’ that profoundly change, affect and realign our lives, but we are and can be an instrument in another's life (knowingly or unknowingly) by the lives we lead, the example we set, when they have their first ‘Mormon Moment’. Thanks for stating so exactly and eloquently what we all believe in this wonderful post. :O)
ReplyDeleteOh and another thing. Are we supposed to all be voting en masse for anLDS candidate? So far neither of them have earned my vote. Got me to remembering when JFK was running. All around me were the WASPs who speculated that the pope was going to run the US is he was elected president. He was elected and yet I don't recall those fears coming to pass. So how long is this Moment going to last?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I have been excited about the fact that members of our church seem to be popping up everywhere because I think it makes us more 'real'. So many people have no idea who we are and what we really believe in and are content to just believe what they hear rather than trying to find out the truth.
ReplyDeleteI think that if this 'mormon moment' does nothing else hopefully it will encourage people to find out more.
Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt would be really nice to be seen, from this 'moment', as disciples of Christ. It hurts my soul when someone tries to tell me I don't believe in Christ.
I do, will all my heart & soul!
Thanks for your thoughts, as always! I hope people around the world take this "moment" to educate themselves on Mormons and why we are peculiar, in a good way!
ReplyDeleteAs I think about "A Mormon Moment" I'm hard pressed to identify just one. My life: every moment, every action, every thought stems from my belief is Jesus Christ and the restoration of his gospel. This is who I am. It is not a moment but a life style, life choice, that cuts to everything I am and know to be true and lasts an Eternity not a moment.
ReplyDeleteThanks JC
Thanks, Joselyn for this beautiful post. I have "Mormon moments" everyday, when the feeling in my heart tells me that what I'm doing, reading, believing, etc. is really true. I love that our church is in the spotlight, that people who have misconceptions might see another side, or ask questions, or go to websites like mormon.org. I hope that I can exemplify to my friends and acquaintances what our church really is, and show that I am indeed a Christian who very much loves the Savior.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been thinking so much about the Mormon Moment lately as I have been thinking about our little town. I've wondered how many of my neighbors have actually asked God which church they should be attending--where they can find light and complete truth. The Mormon Moment thing has always seemed a little odd before, but I didn't dwell on it--and now I understand why it has seemed odd to me. Because you are right, it's not a moment. It's a part of each of us. It's something that drives our lives and affects our choices, something that makes us who we are and encourages us even when the stakes are high and the likelihood is low (according to the world), but we press on because that is where we are led. It's not a moment. It's ever-present. Thank you for your post. I hope it continues to open eyes.
ReplyDeleteLike all important moments, there is light shed, and there are shadows cast by those who want to oppose. What I do like about this media-dubbed "Mormon Moment" is that we have the opportunity to shake off some of the false stereotypes and hopefully help some people see us as we really are. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is divinely designed and directed, and its principles help us to follow Christ and come unto Him. I hope this moment helps others to see that side of our church as well.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully stated, as always, Jocelyn. I was part of a conference on Mormonism this summer, where Richard Bushman spoke about The Mormon Moment. I think we are coming of age--we've been around long enough and proved ourselves to be worth some serious attention. The media and popular culture are recognizing that we are part of the American fabric, and that we have contributed significantly in a positive way (and continue to do so). Your blog post is a wonderful way to make use of this moment in the limelight and remind the world what it is that we're all about... THE moment when truth was restored to the earth, the quiet moments we have with our families, pondering scripture, serving in temples. These are the moments that are uniquely ours.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Mormon moments happen all the time. Even in those simple moments rocking a child. Doing laundry. Walking outside. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteI think we will always be under the microscope of scrutiny, but I agree that it's a media phrase (Mormon Moment) and like it implies, they believe it will only last a moment. Perhaps. Either way, I love what you said about how the REAL Mormon moment was in 1820. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, and I like the view that you have - THE Mormon Moment in 1820...I like that idea, and I wonder if there were more...
ReplyDeleteAs far as the media and publicity hype, I have to say, I'm grateful to live in this time. I'm grateful that I can have a voice, as do so many other Mormons. Even though I'm a stay-at-home-mom, thanks to the "mormon Moment," I can take time to blog my testimony and help to share the beauty and miracle of the gospel.
In some ways, I feel like the phrase "Mormon Moment" doesn't even cover it - as this is Christ's church, and I Hope that this is the message that is eventually received by people who wonder.
Thank you for your post! It was the perfect way to describe the "Mormon Moment"
ReplyDeleteJust read your blog for the first time and I'm so impressed! I love blogs that are uplifting. You are so right about the Mormon Moment.
ReplyDeleteYes! Very beautifully said~
ReplyDeletenot that you won't get to 50 but I wanted to be #50. Here's my other and I promise, last thought.
ReplyDeleteI thought a lot about how we are supposed to act, how we are supposed to come across to the world. And I thought of the MM is light of the politics today. I know I am supposed to think that an LDS president would be great for the country ( I don't, not yet at least). So I have seen enough presidents in my life to have separated how they govern with how they've acted. YES I KNOW IT SHOULD BE THE SAME but it often is not. Do I want that scrutiny for an LDS president with feet of clay any more than I want it for my fellow ward members. Is this MM a call to arms, a call to act, a call to (thanx MMM) mind The Gap?
I just think this whole MM things is puff of air...hot and waiting to be nasty. That's what I am gearing up for. I know people....I know how things like this bend and flex...and then just as easily head off into another puff of smoke.
So that's that...that's my final wondering.
@gremhog susan.hatch@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDog gone it! Someone beat ya! Oh well, at least you got to quote MMM... :)
I could not agree more. The true nature of the gospel is such that God's plan is constant, with or without media attention. As nice as it is to have so many reporters out there now trying to get the "real scoop" on Mormonism, it is more wonderful still to know that the church would be true, even if no one was looking. Those private, sacred "Mormon Moments" that happen to each of us on a personal level is what the gospel is all about. Unfortunately, that's not something that can be summarized in an article or captured with a camera. Those moments are too personal. I have sincere hope that all this media attention is inspiring at least a few souls to really discover the gospel and to ask God for themselves if it is true. I have faith that those moments will continue to happen all over the world, long after the news stations have moved on to interviewing the next candidate. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your inspiring thoughts, Jocelyn!
This is an excellent post. I couldn't agree more. Thank you for writing in such simple and eloquent terms. You truly have a spiritual gift when it comes to writing. :)
ReplyDeleteMy life will not change because of 2 politicians in the US I will continue to have mormon moments each and every day as I always have. Like many mormons, my religion is not taking over my life.. it is my life.
ReplyDeleteMormon Moments that happen in my home are by far the sweetest.
ReplyDeleteLast night my son Dylan (seven years old) asked me if we could talk about some sacred things.
"Sure buddy, what do you want to talk about?"
He replied, "I want to know how to feel the Holy Ghost. I'm not sure what I should be feeling?"
We laid down on his bed together, looking up at the ceiling and talked about one of God's greatest gifts to his children, the sweet Holy Ghost.
I couldn't give him the answer to his question. This is one he will have to learn on his own. But I could tell him how to learn on his own. He needs to ask God.
And I think that is the most important Mormon Moment you can witness. A sincere soul, searching for truth, wanting answers, and going to the SINGLE SOURCE of all TRUTH. A loving Heavenly Father.
Erin
http://www.someoneinmind.blogspot.com/
I confess, this is the first time I've heard of "The Mormon Moment" but I find it to be rather fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what I can add that hasen't already been stated in the comments, but I agree with many of them. I would just want what is said to be the truth. And like you said Jocelyn, I think the defining "mormon moment" would be the first vision.
Both of my parents are converts and they have the most astounding and poignant testimonies I've ever heard. I suppose most of us have our own personal and defining "moment" and it will be interesting to see where this goes, espcially in light of all the political limelight surrounding it.
Great post!
Boy, did you ever get this right!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Jocelyn. And hear, hear, too.
=)
Well said Jocelyn and all your commenters. My Mormon Moment, or one of them, came when I received my answer when I prayed about Joseph Smith and his vision of The Father and The Son. I hope the attention directed toward The Church will bring that moment to many.
ReplyDeleteI believe that many people of many faiths have their moments in quiet prayer that God will answer in His own time.
ReplyDeleteThe current day experience started with Joseph Smith seeking out his own answers. And he was answered in a marvelous first hand experience with the Father and the Son.
I know that each can have their own answers to prayers. Maybe not in the visit of angels or God the Father but in quiet contemplative moments.
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ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! Love your perspective!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and true post! Thank you ! :) Beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteYou're exactly right with the "Mormon Moment". Everyone should know when the Mormon moment happened, with Joseph Smith, and then how it progressed into what it is now as well with everyone else having their own Mormon moment. If anything, knowing that a President with a strong faith in God will not guide our nation away from the foundation in which it was built on.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me sad to think that some people might think that after our "Mormon Moment" is over, we'll all change our minds or something. Not so! I liked your post about being Mormon when it wasn't cool, and I like to think we will all still be Mormon after the moment is long gone! Throughout eternity ; )
ReplyDeleteI agree that attention to Mormons if a current fad. I keep thinking of the prophesy in Daniel about the stone cut out of the mountain. The work of the Lord has been rolling steadily along and will continue to do so when this "moment" is over.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this yesterday, I thought during the day about the several Mormon moments that left me feeling grateful -- listening to the ward choir sing, listening to a group of children sing, attending a meeting with all the youth of the ten congregations in our area (planned and conducted by the youth), visiting a friend who is in town for her daughter's wedding before heading back to Africa where she and her husband will be for the next 2 1/2 years, praying with our children....
ReplyDeleteI love the Mormon moments of each day. I hope through all of the media attention, people will be willing to just get to know the moments that influence who we are and why we choose to be Mormon.
As I read this, I thought, What do I want the world to know about my faith? Honestly, I want the world to know that the stereotypical image of a Mormon is far from what the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches. That we are largely misrepresented. However, I feel that it doesn't matter what the world thinks if we are giving our 100% to the Lord. We need to focus on what is REALLY important, and then act on the promptings that come from our father in heaven. THAT is true missionary work.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said! I don't think I could even add to that testimony. With the holiday's still fresh in my mind, I am daily reminded of a scripture I read in Luke 2 (v.11)...For unto YOU, is born this day...a Savior which is Christ the Lord. Never before has the word YOU stood out to me as it has this year. I think we can take the "Mormon Moment" all the way back to that most sacred day in Bethlehem, when the Savior was born, in the most humble of circumstances, for me, and for you, to redeem us from sin and give us eternal life. Since his birth, the "Mormon Moments", the truth of his gospel, continues to be brought forth...beginning with a young boy, and continuing through each of us. We are so blessed!
ReplyDeleteLike some others, I hadn't heard of the "Mormon Moment" but I love your thoughts and ALL of the comments as well. I agree that each day is filled with Mormon Moments as we work toward strengthening our own testimonies, and sharing them with others, of THE Mormon Moment.
ReplyDeleteHey-- what happened to all the comments?
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I haven't really enjoyed the "limelight" of the media scrutiny. They so often get it so wrong, and it's painful to see something I love so much portrayed so inaccurately.
ReplyDeleteSo I for one really appreciate your re-definition of the Mormon Moment. I think I'll go have a Mormon Moment with my kiddos right now!
Thanks.
@Kris Merriman
ReplyDeleteThanks so much,Kris...and Carrie, I gave up on Disqus for the time being...it stalled out and I don't want to lose all of your wonderful comments! Thanks all!